Chi means air (fluid that encourages the breathing) and has a meaning similar to the Pneuma (Greek eðíåõìá of the antique Greek or the Prana (Sanskrit प्राण) from the Hindu; Kung means work or technique.

Qigong, can be translate as “work of the breathing” or the art of drive the breaths adapted to the purpose of the practice  

There are different ways of Qigong

Qigong can be practice without move the body or moving the body in circles and involve or not prearrange patterns. Different ways of traditional Qigong at China are related with health, spiritual movements of China (Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism) and martial arts.

Qigong practiced with hygienic or therapeutic purpose is based in the principles of China medicine. Qigong performed with spiritual purpose is connected with the principles of alchemy and can change depending of the group and spiritual centre that comes from. Some of Qigong studies related with martial arts are connected with centers and spiritual movements.

Reactions about Qigong are different, most of occidental doctors, some professionals from the Traditional China Medicine, and the government of China sees Qigong as exercises of breathing and movement, with possible benefits for the health due to the practice of exercise and the education of breathing.

There are different medical studies that support some benefits attributed to the practice of Qigong. Other people see Qigong in metaphysical terms and declare that breathing and exercises of movement can have some effect in universe.

Hua Tuo wrote:

“Human body needs to work and to move, but is no convenient to exceed their limits. Movement and muscular work help to evacuate the gas excess, makes the blood circulation to be fluid and a kind of general immunity towards illness. One can reach longevity if it moves as the bear and the eagle do in the wildlife. When you feel some physical pain, start practicing the gymnastic of the 5 animals or the one of the five and don’t stop until you became to sweat, so the face gloss and you feel appetite”.

Teacher: Manuel Tirado

Timetable: Wednesday from 10 to 11’30 at the Centre of shiatsu.

Price: 50 Euros.