The practice of Qigong started at least 5000 years ago. The word Qi stemmed from ancient Chinese philosophy, asserting that Qi is the foundation upon which the universe is built. In ancient Chinese civilization, Qi was considered to be the building block of all matter, the immaterial energy that constitutes all material form.
This viewpoint greatly influenced the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Generally speaking, the Qi in TCM denotes both essential substances of the human body, which maintain its vital activities, and the functional manifestations. Qi, then, has two aspects: one refers to the vital substances comprising the human body and maintaining life activities, such as the Qi of water or food, or breathing. The other refers to the physiological functions of viscera and bowels, such as the Qi of the heart, the lung, etc.
The phrase Qigong was initially developed by a Daoist Chinese monk named Xu Xun in his book, Teaching the Record of Jing Ming Zong (Quiet and Clear Sect). Qigong was next mentioned in the 19th century through literature composed by Donghao on a special treatment for Tuberculosis. However, there was not a complete explanation of the meaning, until the 1950's when Liu Guizheng authored and published Practice in Qigong Therapy.
From the history of modern science, we know that a new concept develops based upon the science and theory in the world at that time. Qigong is no exception. Over time, the concepts of Qigong are continuously enriched, developed, and perfected.
(Summarized from POSITIVE HEALTH (Portsmouth, England) Issue 114. Aug, 2005, pp42-45. Article by: Dr. Lianting Zhao, Copyright© 2005 Positive Health. )
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