Taiji Luo Wanxiang
Since ancient times, practitioners of Chinese Qigong have undergone thousands of years of cultivation and transmission, compiling numerous methods. According to ancient texts, whether from Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, or martial arts schools, each has its unique Qigong practices, collectively numbering in the thousands, which can be said to return to one.
Among the vast array of Qigong methods, those truly beneficial to the body and mind are centered around the smooth flow of Qi and the harmonious blending of Qi and blood. The entire Qigong system revolves around the concept of “Qi,” which is also the reason why “Chinese Qigong” has gained worldwide fame. Based on this core idea, Qigong is divided into two main categories: Qi cultivation (炼气, liàn qì) and Qi nourishment (养气, yǎng qì).
The Qi cultivation methods primarily focus on refining acquired Qi, emphasizing the regulation of inhalation and exhalation. The practice of Tona (吐纳, tǔ nà) is a representative of this category, where adjusting the rhythm and depth of breathing enhances the body’s oxygen supply and improves bodily functions.
The Qi nourishment methods, on the other hand, focus more on cultivating innate Qi, aiming to activate the innate essence (元精, yuán jīng), vital energy (元气, yuán qì), and spirit (元神, yuán shén), allowing them to return to their original state. The Daoist theory of “Essence, Qi, and Spirit” is a prime example of this type of practice, where through cultivation, the body’s essence, Qi, and spirit can reunite and harmonize, achieving a unified state of body and mind.
So, what are the differences between Qi cultivation and Qi nourishment methods? The famous Qigong master Zhang Sanfeng from the Ming Dynasty once said: “With an open heart, cultivate Qi; with an open heart, cultivate spirit. When Qi is wise and spirit is clear, one can widely seek medicinal materials.” He further pointed out: “The spirit is the master of gathering Qi; for every bit of Qi gathered, one gains a treasure. The more Qi is nourished, the more valuable it becomes, as no amount of worldly treasures can compare to even a fraction of it.”
From Zhang Sanfeng’s discussion, we can see that Qi nourishment methods not only strengthen the foundation but also activate the innate essence, vital energy, and spirit, allowing the various functional states within the body to be effectively released, resulting in a profound accumulation of Qi. While Qi cultivation methods can also refine acquired Qi, their ability to strengthen the foundation and activate the Three Treasures (三宝, sān bǎo) cannot be compared to that of Qi nourishment methods.
Whether it is Qi cultivation or Qi nourishment, Chinese Qigong captivates people with its unique charm, encouraging exploration and practice. It is not only an excellent way to exercise and enhance physical health but also a profound method for cultivating one’s character and elevating spiritual realms. In the years to come, Chinese Qigong will continue to be passed down and developed, making greater contributions to human health and harmony.
Share with joy, and the merit is boundless.
Those who are not attached to anything will not suffer.
Thus I say, in this realm, there is no sorrow,
No intense desires, nor disappointment.
——【Elegant Phrase】
Let wisdom and compassion never cease!