Shaolin Qigong

Qigong is a form of Chinese Traditional Medicine that has been in practice for over a thousand years. As a result, there are now several variations of qigong, one of which is the Shaolin Qigong. Shaolin qigong is one of the oldest forms of qigong that came into existence in the 6th century.

What Is Shaolin Qigong?

Shaolin qigong is the practice and mastering of energy circulation, cultivation, and awareness for a positive and healthy life. These practices generally are a combination of soft and hard poses and breathing techniques. They also require movement, and relaxing exercises to enhance the flow of positive energy within the body.  The shaolin qigong was developed to improve the physical conditions of the monks who spent a lot of time meditating.

It helped the monks optimize their body's energy. It also helped them perform at an optimal level both in their daily life activities and in martial arts. This form of qigong has a two-part system to promote both spiritual as well as physical fitness. When practiced correctly, it increases vitality and can be practiced into old age. There are several other benefits to practicing shaolin qigong that include: 

Manage Stress

Shaolin qigong's relaxing exercises can effectively help you manage stress better. The medication process involved is not only great for the physical body. It can help you develop and improve your mental health.  This can also lead to an improved sleeping habit. Since shaolin qigong helps to relieve the body of its mental and physical burdens, sleeping becomes easier and better.

Improve Cardiovascular Health

Shaolin qigong exercise improves better blood circulation. This in turn encourages better cardiovascular health. It also improves the functions of the heart and strengthens it.

Maintain Vitality

Shaolin qigong exercises are important to maintain vitality. Seriously injured or old individuals who find it difficult to participate in physical exercises can turn to shaolin qigong. It does not require a lot of strength. The breathing techniques are enough to improve vitality in these sets of individuals.

Cure Injuries

The relaxing benefits of shaolin qigong can be helpful to the mind and the body both internally and externally. The better flow of energy achieved by constant practice can encourage quick healing of injuries.

Improve Joints and Muscular Health

The different poses, as well as the sequence of movement, encourages stiffened muscles to open up. The improved circulation also helps to reduce joint pain and increase flexibility. The increased flow of blood and energy can also get rid of muscle and body pain or rigid muscles.

Improve Internal Organs Function

Through the cultivation and distribution of energy, the internal organs are strengthened and can perform better. Shaolin qigong practice can also be used to target a specific internal organ to focus energy distribution on.

What Are the Types of Shaolin Qigong Methods Most Practiced?

Shaolin Qigong is divided into two sections, the internal and external sections. 

• Internal (soft) shaolin qigong: Used for self-cultivation, healing, and meditation. Long-term practice of this improves vitality. This section combines deep breathing techniques, focused meditation, and fluid poses to circulate energy throughout the body.
• External (hard) shaolin qigong: Used mainly in martial arts. It is practiced to strengthen and develop the muscles using simple motions. 

The 5 most practiced variations of the shaolin qigong are the Standing qigong, Hard qigong, Breathing qigong, Hun Yuan Yi qigong, and Yi Jin Jing qigong.

Standing Qigong

Shaolin standing Qigong involves maintaining a certain position for some time. While it sounds simple, it might be quite challenging for some. There are specific external postures for this method. It is important to get these postures correctly before starting with the internal qigong. The two most common postures are the basic type and the single basic type. This method can be practiced by anyone. It helps to treat different kinds of physical conditions, menstrual disorders, and ulcers.

Hard Qigong

The hard qigong involves combining specific breathing techniques with physical training. The physical exercises increase the pain tolerance level while the breathing techniques help to increase and concentrate the flow of energy.  This form of qigong is particularly difficult and is considered the highest form. This is because it requires you to push your body limits severely. It mostly requires martial arts combat positions to increase muscle development. 

Breathing Qigong

This variation of shaolin qigong is especially important for a strong physique and endurance. This qigong method involves simple movements and breathing techniques. It can also be practiced by anyone sick or healthy.  The effects of this technique can be noticed after a few sessions. It helps treat cough, asthma, shortness of breath, and lung diseases. It can be used to alleviate excessive smoker's cough. Breathing Shaolin qigong helps to regulate and improve blood circulation.

Yi Jin Jing Qigong

The Yi Jin Jing shaolin qigong combined several movements to stretch the tendons, ligaments, and body muscles for better mobility. These exercises also boost the flow of bodily fluids and improve the body's range of motion. Positive energy can then flow freely through the body to cure and prevent diseases, combat premature aging, increase vitality, and boost.  overall health. This technique requires a lot of concentration, willpower, and intensity to maintain the muscular strength exerted during practice.

Hun Yuan Yi Qi Gong

Hun Yuan Yi is an internal form of shaolin qigong that involves absorbing energy from your immediate environment and mixing it with the body's energy. It is best practiced when the air is fresh late at night or rather early in the morning.  It involves making a conscious effort to connect with one's surroundings and drawing energy from the elements such as the sun. The benefits include renewed strength, an optimistic outlook, and mental and physical calmness.

Conclusion

Shaolin qigong requires a series of intense and subtle movements alongside specific breathing techniques. It is quite common to notice positive changes after a few sessions of concentrated practice. The healing effects can be felt physically, internally, and mentally. The key to unlocking its limitless potential is constant practice, a relaxed and focused mind.