In the current pandemic, more and more people are realizing the importance of proactive exercise to enhance their disease prevention and resistance capabilities. Health Qigong, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, has received widespread attention in recent years. Whether in medical institutions or on the streets, practitioners of Health Qigong are numerous. Recently, traditional practices such as Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade) and Tai Chi have been included in the “Guidelines for Home-Based Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention for COVID-19 Patients” developed by the Expert Committee on Traditional Chinese Medicine for Epidemic Prevention and Control under the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, becoming key recommended practices in the prevention and rehabilitation process. What are the benefits of Health Qigong? Why does it work? To explore this question, our reporter interviewed Health Qigong expert and professor at Shanghai University of Sport, Wang Zhen. Wang Zhen explained that Health Qigong is a traditional national sport that combines physical activity, breathing exercises, and psychological adjustment as its main forms of exercise, and is an integral part of China’s long-standing culture. The essence of Qigong lies in improving one’s health through the practice of adjusting the body, breath, and mind, achieving a high level of harmony between the heart and body. Currently, the Health Qigong Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China promotes a total of 11 Health Qigong methods, including Health Qigong: Yi Jin Jing (Muscle-Tendon Change Classic), Health Qigong: Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Frolics), Health Qigong: Liu Zi Jue (Six Sounds), Health Qigong: Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), Health Qigong: Tai Chi Health Stick, Health Qigong: Twelve Methods of Daoyin Health Preservation, Health Qigong: Twelve Sections of Brocade, Health Qigong: Mawangdui Daoyin, Health Qigong: Da Wu (Great Dance), Health Qigong: Ming Mu Gong (Eye Brightening Exercise, Youth and Adult Versions), and Campus Wu Qin Xi (Elementary, Middle, and High School Versions). Research shows that consistent practice of Health Qigong can improve the body’s reaction speed, enhance muscle strength, and increase flexibility and balance coordination. Practitioners have also shown positive improvements in lung capacity, heart rate, and blood pressure, with significant increases in bone density. Especially for the elderly, practicing Health Qigong can enhance mental health, effectively regulate negative emotions caused by aging, illness, and life stress, alleviate mood, and eliminate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can significantly enhance the functional activity and regulatory capacity of various organ systems, improve the functions of internal organs and systems, and thus improve overall health status through neural and fluid regulation.
Wang Zhen emphasized that Health Qigong, besides its scientific basis, also incorporates a wealth of traditional health wisdom, such as the principle of “combining movement and stillness.” The “movement and stillness” in Qigong practice includes internal movement, external movement, internal stillness, and external stillness. The essence of “combining movement and stillness” is to promote comprehensive exercise of the body’s functions. Another principle is “combining practice and health preservation,” which requires diligence in practice while being mindful of one’s limits, achieving a dynamic balance of “health within practice” and “practice within health.” Additionally, it is important to progress gradually; the standardization of movements during practice should be gradual, as should the duration and intensity of practice, with effects manifesting progressively. Most importantly, persistence is key; one should regard practice as a lifelong pursuit, truly embodying the idea that “one day of practice yields one day of benefit, while one day without practice results in ten days of emptiness.” Wang Zhen stated that Health Qigong is distinctly different from many other forms of exercise, yet shares essential commonalities, such as a commitment to scientific fitness methods and an emphasis on gradual progression and persistence. The enduring value and charm of Health Qigong in modern times are largely due to its intrinsic worth. He hopes that more people will understand and practice Health Qigong, taking charge of their health and contributing to the construction of a healthy China and a strong sports nation. (Images sourced from Xinhua News Agency, produced by Fu Yuanjie)
