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History of Qigong Qigong under various names has a long history in China. The written records referring to qi and its effects are as old 18th century B.C. (Shang dynasty oracle bones, Zhou dynasty inscriptions). Numerous books have been written about qigong during the subsequent history of China. The development of Chinese qigong can be divided into three periods: In ancient China, people came to believe that through
certain body movements and mental concentration combined with
various breathing techniques, they could balance and enhance
physical, metabolic and mental functions. These movements were
worked out over time by exploring the natural range of motion
through the joints, as well as drawing on motions in imitation
of various animals. This research was passed down and refined
according to teacher-disciple relationships of lineage or apprenticeship.
This accumulated body of traditional knowledge is known as Chinese
traditional qigong. In the 1950s, researchers began studying qigong using the scientific method, with peer-reviewed and controlled studies of various techniques to provide a scientific evaluation of claims for the efficacy of qigong. Scientific study of this topic is still active, with particular emphasis in eastern countries, although research into the medical benefits is also active in western countries. Now various medical universities issue Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Qigong, or include Qigong in their curricula. |
