The Art of Qigong A Healthy Lifestyle Home Study Part IV

Healthy lifestyle

Qigong begins with a healthy lifestyle. It is not just practical daily exercise, but a conscious, healthy style of living. The main goal of Qigong is to produce a state of Qi harmony and a stability that embraces spirit and body. You should live consciously and continuously according to Qi principles. In everything you do--reading, walking, eating, speaking, working, etc.--you should pay attention to your body, attempt to improve your posture, and move and breathe harmoniously. This alone can bring positive results because the Qi is activated and harmonized.

Some say: "I live well because I don't eat meat," or "I no longer eat sugar and salt," or "I'm dieting." It is true that the kinds of foods you eat play an important role in health. However, many people remain healthy even if they do not observe the rules of nutrition, while others, despite diet and precautions, get ill.

The body naturally knows exactly what it needs or does not need in order to be in good condition. Even if the food is not as "healthy" as it should be, the body can choose and absorb important nutrients and eliminate the unnecessary. However, if the body no longer functions correctly, it is hardly worth eating only healthy foods. Even the most wholesome nutrients will no longer be assimilated by a sick body.

The lesson is that you should not live a "one-sided" healthy life, but a completely healthy life. For example, eat what you want, but not too much and not just that food. The art of healthy living consists of finding the golden mean and living in harmony so that the body and the spirit function smoothly.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), you should never overdo anything, even if it is fun or necessary for life. For example, you should not eat too much, dress too warmly, sleep too much, or have too much sex. Moreover, you should limit psychological stresses such as worry, anxiety, sadness, annoyance, and even joy. Avoid desires, entanglements, bad thoughts, and hatred. Excessively loud speaking and laughing are as harmful as unbridled curiosity.

For example, annoyance damages the liver system. How can you avoid annoyance? By showing understanding, being generous, and developing a philosophy that teaches acceptance and forgiveness rather than punishment. The more knowledge and experience you have, the more you can understand, and the fewer reasons there are to be annoyed. If you are less irritable, it is easier to be kinder to others. The more your appearance is positive, such as an open, friendly face, the more other people will respond positively to you. Thus, some irritations that you would otherwise have to combat do not even occur, and your liver is spared!

The exercise connection

By means of Qigong exercises you can learn about yourself, and find your own needs and limits. No longer do that which is in fashion or what some magazine recommends according to current research. These "theories" could be out of date tomorrow.

On the contrary, a healthy lifestyle, according to the principles of Qigong, is based on the observation of bodily reactions that have proven to be true over thousands of years. As long as the human body does not change, human beings can learn and understand Qigong and use it for further development and discoveries.

Once you have learned some Qigong exercises, you should live according to the Qigong principles. For example, just by drawing the shoulder blades apart in a relaxed manner, and keeping the armpits free, you can remove tension and pain in the back. In this way, you are continually practicing Qigong. Pay attention when telephoning or typing whether you are inclined to stretch your stomach or draw up your shoulders. If so, relax your posture. When driving, check your breathing now and then to determine if you are anxious or agitated. By breathing calmly, you will not become nervous or aggressive while driving and thus can avoid accidents.

Eight Figures for every day

The Eight Figures are very well known in China. Almost all employees and students in the cities practice these figures every day. Daily at 10 a.m. and at 4 p.m., the Chinese central broadcasting station sends out an announcement (with accompanying music) of the Eight Figures.

I remember well the time when I studied medicine in Beijing. At 10 a.m. every day, a long break was taken. Almost everywhere I saw students practicing the Eight Figures for every day. It lasted about a quarter of an hour and was a very pleasant change in student activity. Simultaneously, a break was taken in factories and businesses, giving everyone a chance to practice this sequence.

The movements of these figures were developed from classical Chinese health exercises, and partly from the art of self-defense (exercises for body and mind).

The goal is to train your body every day. If you want to do something for your health, you will find in these Eight Figures exercises that are suitable to activate meridians and joints, to stretch the tendons and sinews, and to train the muscles. These exercises are especially appropriate if you cannot regularly find much time for sport. With five to 10 minutes daily, you can improve your health and prevent "getting rusty" from a lack of movement.