What is Qigong?
Table of Contents
What is Qigong?
Qigong Demystified
Master Chunyi Lin has demystified and simplified Qigong so it can be practiced and understood by anyone. SFQ is explained from the energetic, emotional, and spiritual perspectives. Spring Forest Qigong has many characteristics which make it incredibly effective.
Most Qigong forms are very traditional and very old. They were first developed to work with lifestyles of humans in ancient times. Back then, physical work and physical movements were large components of many people’s lives, so meditation was a larger focus in Qigong.
In modern times, the trend is toward fewer physical movements. Our more sedentary lifestyles do not help energy balance in the body as much as lifestyles in the past.
For example, raising your hands above your head helps stimulate the triple heaters, a very important energy system that helps transform energy in the body. The triple heaters are relevant to what are now called the gland (endocrine) system and the lymph (lymphatic) system. Both of these systems contribute to immune system function. Many problems are caused when these two systems are not working correctly: arthritis, internal organ problems, cancers, mental issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, etc.
The old forms of Qigong focus more on movements below the chest because people had enough physical movements with their hands above the head while they worked in the daytime, which stimulated enough energy to flow into the triple heater system. However, nowadays, we often have our hands below the chest when doing work, reading, using our phones, etc. When you don’t have enough movements above your head, you don’t have enough Qi energy flowing in stimulating the gland and lymph systems. The result of this is we have blockages in these systems, which creates illnesses. Modern times require modern Qigong movements.
What is Qigong?
Qigong (sometimes spelled Chi Gong, Chi Kong, or Qi Gong) is an ancient Chinese scientific study of the power of Qi in the body, in the Universe, and how to use Qi to benefit all aspects of life. Qigong blends movements meditation, and breathwork to cultivate, balance, and harness the power of “Qi”—the vital life energy flowing through all living beings and the universe.
The term “Qi” refers to the invisible yet powerful life force that animates and sustains us, while “Gong” translates to “work” or “practice.” Together, Qigong means “the practice of energy” or “energy work.”
Qigong is more than just an ancient art—it’s a powerful, transformative practice for the modern world, offering tools to help you thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Roots of Qigong
Qigong’s history spans thousands of years, deeply rooted in Taoist practices.
For thousands of years, the practice of Qigong was a closely-guarded secret revealed only to a chosen few. Even today, traditional Qigong techniques are often handed down through rigorous training and years of disciplined practice. Many Qigong masters also do not explain why or how Qigong works.
Despite its ancient origins, Qigong remains a vital practice in modern times, offering profound benefits for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Beyond the Physical: The Mystery of Qi
Unlike many other wellness practices, Qigong delves into the mysteries of energy and the universe. “Qi” is not just an energy—it’s a form of intelligence and a vital force that exists within and around us. Through consistent practice, Qigong allows you to tap into this energy, harmonizing with the rhythms of nature and unlocking your inner potential
The Way You Practice Qigong, is the Best Way for Your Body
“I remember many years ago, I practiced with a Qigong master in China. His form of Qigong was very powerful, but it was very complicated. In his form, you have to breathe a certain number of times, and you need to count it exactly. If you miss one count, you have to start from the very beginning. This was a very time consuming and strict process. However, this master had very great energy and I have great respect for him. Through my thirty years of qigong study, I have developed movements that can help people open up channels faster and more powerfully, but if your body wants to do them differently, listen to your body. This will not harm you, but help you.Also, if you can’t do the movements exactly the way I show you, don’t worry about it. Just do them the way that works for you and feels best to you. Tell yourself you are doing them the best possible way for you – the perfect way for you to do it, the perfect way for your body.” – Chunyi Lin
What is Spring Forest Qigong?
Spring Forest Qigong is a simple and highly effective system that has been optimized for humans today, not humans living thousands of years ago. With SFQ, you can spend less time and achieve more.
Master Chunyi Lin has studied the human body for over 40 years. Combining his expert knowledge of biology, Qigong, philosophy, and science, he has broken down the essence of Qigong into a few key movements that contribute to stimulating energy flow. These movements are easy to learn and easy to do.
Spring Forest Qigong can be split into two parts: meditation and movements. Combined together, these parts will help the body to balance even faster. Meditation is Yin energy; movement is Yang energy.
Most Qigong forms only have movements. Throughout history, many meditations have been treated as closely-guarded secrets. International Qigong Master Chunyi Lin broke from ancient traditions and created Spring Forest Qigong because he strongly believes that “Qigong is such a powerful tool for healing, the whole world needs to know about it and benefit from it.”
What Makes Spring Forest Qigong Unique?
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What makes SFQ Different from other forms of Qigong? Simplicity!
Master Chunyi Lin Most forms of Qigong require many difficult movements. SFQ is very flexible. You don’t need to do the whole series of movements. You can just pick one movement and do it – it will still benefit the body tremendously. Many SFQ students have reported incredible results after a consistent practice of only 5-10 minutes per day. - SFQ is a multi-dimensional system that works with your body’s (Qi) intelligence to heal not only physically, but also, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Many forms of Qigong and many forms of energy healing focus on only a few aspects your healing, Spring Forest Qigong works to Balance the Energy of the Body as Whole, not just part of it.
- Visualization, breathing, movement, and sound are all core components of Spring Forest Qigong. Even one of these components can be very effective, but combined, they bring you much faster results in a shorter amount of time.
- You don't have to be an Experienced Qigong practitioner to benefit from Qigong practice. Although it is important to understand and focus on all aspects of our being, when we look at healing ourselves, we don’t need to understand these principles to experience the benefits of SFQ practice.
- Spring Forest Qigong is based on the limitless power of unconditional love. It is for everyone. The movements and meditations are very simple and easy to learn. There is no limitations of age, sex, and physical conditions. Even if a person is sick and lying in bed, they can still move their hands gently or do meditation. All you need to do is relax, follow the instructions, and let the Qi do the rest!
- Finally, Spring Forest Qigong wholeheartedly embraces scientific research of Qigong. There is a long history of “snake oil salesmen” and “fake masters” in Qigong and many other fields.
Medical Studies on Spring Forest Qigong
External Qigong for Chronic Pain
Clinical study by Ann Vincent, Brent A. Bauer, et al Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Jamia Hill, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conclusions: “Subjects with chronic pain who received external qigong experienced reduction in pain intensity following each qigong treatment. This is especially impressive given the long duration of pain (>5 years) in most of the participants,” writes lead author Ann Vincent, MD, MBBS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Utilizing Spring Forest Qigong as a Self-Directed Treatment for Chronic Pain & Emotional Distress
Clinical study by Jane F. Coleman, R.N., PhD, Professor Emerita, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
Conclusion: Both the active exercise and meditative aspects of Spring Forest Qigong proved to be effective self-care modalities for persons with perceived chronic physical pain and/or emotional distress. Subjects demonstrated significant improvement both anecdotally and statistically during the study period.
Spring Forest Qigong Research - Depression Study
Clinical Study by Dr. Frances V. Gaik, Chicago, IL
Conclusion: Spring Forest Qigong “extremely effective” in treating Depression & Bipolar Disorder.
Master Chunyi Lin has revolutionized the field of Qigong by combining the best of ancient wisdom with modern scientific processes and knowledge.
His fluency in numerous Chinese dialects afforded him the rare opportunity to study with many of the most respected Qigong Masters in his native China. He is author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller, Born a Healer. He is also coauthor with Dr. Nisha Manek of the Mayo Clinic of a chapter on Qigong in a medical school textbook, The Textbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Second Edition.