QiGong

Qi (Chee) is the Chinese term for our internal energy or life essence. All aspects in the body - breath, heartbeat, muscular movement, and mental activity - are attributed to this energy force that keeps us alive and active. GONG (Kung) can be translated as "control" or "mastery by repetition". Thus, QiGong, in essence, means "control of the breath energy" or "mastering breath energy".

QiGong exercises are short, simple movements that are repeated or "put on a loop" and practiced for several minutes at a time in order to allow the mind and body to move together as one complete unit. QiGong can be done alone as its own exercise, but is often used in tandem with T'ai Chi practice as it prepares the body and mind before forms practice.

With each exercise, make a practice of always breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. The tongue may rest on the roof of the mouth.