The main effects of Wudang Qigong--Key to human healthpreserving

Perhaps because in ancient times China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong was known for directing and guiding, spitting out and receiving, refining the breath, refining the dan, sinking the sight, and eliminating grain, it became known as an inner exercise. Very early, it achieved an extensive circulation among many people in China. In 1973 (CE) at Changsha, a painting on silk was unearthed from the Western Han dynasty tombs at Mawangdui with a “instructional guidance picture” in the center. It had approximately 44 types of distinct postures and gestures showing movements for refining the breath. The famous ancient medical doctor Hua Tuo taught the movements of the “Five Animal Frolics” to Wu Jin to promote healthy bodies, dispel disease, and prolong life. Zhuang Zi said: “Spit out the old, receive the new; the bear has strength and the bird extends. The person who practices also improves and cultivates the outer form.” The person who practices China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong exercise methods every day, (who) refines and cultivates the inner breath, (will find their) digestion improves, the blood vessels open, and they do not fall ill and deteriorate. Many hundred years of practice prove practicing Wudang Daoist Qigong treats and prevents disease, eliminates disease, strengthens the body, and prolongs life, – all of which are extremely important effects.

Function one :Effects on the Respiratory System

The function of the respiratory system is to absorb oxygen from the outside world, discharge carbon dioxide from inside the body. This guarantees that the metabolic processes are normal. During the practice of China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong, special breathing in and breathing out patterns are employed, such as inverse (or reverse) style breathing, throat breathing, dan tian breathing, and so on, in order to raise the activity in the five internal organs and six bowels. Because this consumes a large quantity of energy, it urges the respiratory organs to double their area of work. With breathing in, one receives a large quantity oxygen (this is also clean breath); combined with this, one also discharges a large quantity of carbon dioxide (this is also dirty breath); therefore by using this method (the respiratory organs) are given a very good workout. The best way to practice is to “sink the breath to the dan tian” with the style of breathing in and out that uses the horizontal motion in the diaphragm; in medical treatment, in caring for health, and for all people to promote a healthy body, (this practice) delivers a very good effect.

The principle manifestation of the improvement in the respiratory system functions is in the activity of the outer wall of the chest, and in the increased of the capacity of the lungs to move (air). Ordinarily when one breathes in deeply, the span of the chest compared with (the span of the chest) when breathing out is 7 – 9 centimeters greater and the amount the lungs move is 3500 milliliters more or less. But in a person who practices China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong everyday, the respiratory capacity can reach 9 – 18 centimeters, and the frequency of breathing out and in can be reduced. An ordinary person breathes in and out about 15 – 20 times per minute, but a person who practices everyday can reduce the frequency of respiration to 6 – 10 times per minute or even lower, to 2 – 5 times. Deep and slow respiration can enable the respiratory organs to rest even more, not tire as easily, and won’t result in or cause the movements of an exercise to appear gasping, heart-pounding, etc.

Function 2 – Effects on the Digestive System

Because the lower abdomen is continuously engaged in sticking out and sinking in stretching and contracting movements while refining and cultivating China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong, , the result is strengthening of the body’s inner metabolic functions; digestive functions increase and in this way accommodate the demand. The functions of the digestive organs are strengthened, further improving the ability to absorb nourishment from food (in order) to satisfy the organism’s requirements. As a result, after practicing, the appetite is amplified and the flavor of food is especially sweet and refreshing. While practicing breath (exercises), if the saliva (the ancients called it “divine liquid” and “spirit water”) increases, swallow it to take (it) into the stomach at the same time and along with the breath sinking; then it can irrigate dirty bowels, lubricate and moisten the limbs, and also can help digestion. Practicing can urge an increase in the action of the digestive organs glandular secretions of digestive fluids and in the movement and strength of the stomach and intestinal channels. Blood circulation improves, and as a result, food is easier to digest and absorb.

The breathing out and in movements of the dan tian (sticking out and sinking in) use inner breath to massage the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and other internal organs with regular movement, and consequently promotes the functions of these organs.

Function 3 – Effects on the Nervous System

Every activity in the human body is regulated through and carried out by the nervous system. Conversely, various kinds of movement produce a corresponding influence in the nervous system, simultaneously urging its functions to gain and improve. The study and practice of China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong constantly demands the upper and lower limbs of the body follow each other; inside and outside join together; a quiet heart and a calm spirit; clear understanding and (a mind) empty of appearances. This enables the body’s named places and acupuncture points, together with spirit and mind, to have a higher level of coordination and unity. Under these kinds of conditions, the inner breath as though “inside a great tunnel” circulates around the large and small heavenly circles, the four limbs and hundred bones, raising, heightening, and strengthening the nervous system functions for controlling the movement organs. If one perseveres in daily practice, the nervous system’s excitation and mobility can also be increased and improved, making the response to external stimulation faster, more accurate, and causing the activity of every organ and system to be more nimble, coordinated, and integrated while at the same time, raising the cerebellum’s control of manual dexterity. This is seen first in the ability to go to sleep quickly and to sleep soundly; it is one type of effective treatment for neurasthenia. Second, when studying and working, the cerebellum is extremely clear and alert, its efficiency is high, and its quality good. With daily practice of China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong, the endurance strength of the body and the cerebellum can be made stronger, clearly heightening the power of resistance to the invasion of outside influences that cause disease. Then, a person need not fear rigorous cold or extreme heat, can keep away unhealthy outside influences that cause disease, can eliminate illness, and have a long life.

Function 4 – Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Practicing China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong can preserve the health of the cardiovascular system, prevent high blood pressure, and move arteries which have hardened. The characteristics of China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong are movements in spiral patterns, circular shaped movements, and circulating the breath, inseparably coordinated with the dan tian sticking out and sinking in. In many ways, (it) is partial to a great extent of winding, coiling, twisting, and turning and to pushing down the breath, raising the breath, sinking the breath, and sending out the breath during the course of the inside and outside movements. This causes the expansion and contraction of the arteries and lymph to become gentle, preserving the elasticity of the blood vessels and lymph, strengthening the unimpeded and unobstructed circulation through the blood vessels supporting lymph metabolism. At the same time, the response of the sympathetic nerves during practice becomes more gentle, and the response of the parasympathetic nerves is strengthened; thus changing the abnormal reports received by the organism and urging the blood vessels to circulate normally. Consequently, refining and cultivating China’s Wudang Daoist Qigong can postpone cardiovascular aging and result in positive effects.

the relations between Qigong and Taoism
Qigong is being used as part of the Traditional Chinese Medication (TCM) in preventive and therapeutic health care. Qi is seen as the vital energy in one's body to maintain life.

Qigong will train one to work on physical to control and exercise this energy for own good or if becomes an expert, one can even use 'Qi' for treatment. Qigong, massage and acupuncture are part of TCM based on Taoism. After 5,000 years development, there are more than 3,000 varieties of qigong, and five major qigong traditions, namely Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, martial arts, and medical. Qigong has two types "soft" and "hard" qigong. "Soft" qigong is called inner qigong or soft qigong such as Tai Ji. One sample of hard qigong is the famous Shaolin Kungfu.

Medical Qigong involves qi exercises combined with meditation. The qi exercises will bring one to a state of meditation. Distress and anxiety will be driven away during the meditation. Positive thinking with great confidence is affirmed. Concentration can be easily achieved. Through the exercise, one gains control of the body and thus have good feelings about life. This in turn stimulates circulation of blood and qi.

Exercise is good for patients as well as any age group who would like to maintain good health and a state of peaceful mind. Qigong is good in treatment of mental and physical stress.

Today, there are more than 70 million Chinese practicing qigong, some for treatment and most as a physical exercise. Qigong lets people experiencing higher levels of energy and stamina, and slow down the aging process. It may not be effective in treating acute illness or medical emergencies. It is good in preventing disease and also treating chronic conditions or disabilities.

The West starts to recognize the effectiveness of Qigong and TCM. In 1988 Chinese held the first World Conference for Qigong Medical Research in Beijing, and latter followed by a series of conferences held in Tokyo, Berkeley and New York City. Psychologists, physiologists and medical researchers start to study Qigong as a new alternative medication. Many Qigong clubs have been established outside of China to teach people to exercise Qigong.

Qigong will smooth the process of delivering oxygen to the cells, reduces stress and improve bowel functioning. Chinese doctors have applied Qigong in hospitals and clinics to treat individuals suffering from a variety of ailments. These include allergies, arthritis, asthma, bowel problems, constipation, diabetes, gastritis, gout, headaches, heart disease and hypertension. The list can go on to chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lower back pain, myopia, obesity, neurasthenia, paralysis induced by external injury, retinopathy, rheumatism, sciatic neuralgia, sleeplessness, stress, ulcers, and peripheral vascular disease.

Qigong can be used to treat cancer and reduce or eliminate side effects from radiation and chemotherapy. It will help in treating aphasia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease and post-stroke syndrome. It is especially useful in treating any kind of chronic pain, and chronic disorders of the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Qigong can help one fight virtually any disease. Through Qigong, patients can strengthen inner energy and thus increase the chance to survive from many diseases, which Western doctors think untreatable.

Qigong just like any other exercise has to be taught and trained under the guidance of a licensed Chinese medical doctor. Beginners need professional supervision from doctor or Qigong practitioner who will provide advice and guidance. It requires discipline and persistence to see the result. To understand and judge it, first have to know the basis of TCM, Taoism. Chinese philosophies always believe that everything including the universe is interrelated and changing all the time.

One has to reach peaceful state of mind and harmony with the surrounding to maintain good health. Any harmful thing done to others will bring long lasting mental and physical damage to self at the end. Human organism is just like a miniature version of the universe. They are inter-related and interplay in the five basic elements, i.e., wood, fire, earth, gold (or metal) and water. They are constantly interacting in between the opposing and unifying forces - Yin and Yang. Health is achieved when the equilibrium can be maintained or sickness will appear when it is out of balance. This is the basic law that human and nature all have to follow.

Qi is the life force, which flows through all the Yin and Yang organs. Deficiency of qi in any organ means that organ is out of balance. Inter-relatedness of all organs ensures proper flow of qi throughout the body. Each element has specific meridian for the flow of qi. The solid organs of Yang store the qi and the hollow organs of Yin transform nutrients into qi and discharge the wastes.

Acupuncture help to restore the balance for normal flow of qi, while the herb helps to remove any excess or deficiency of qi. Imbalance of qi means imbalance between Yin and Yang. An organ will adversely affect the next organ in the controlling (destructive) cycle. For example, if the heart is imbalance, the heart will adversely affect the lungs, and the imbalance of qi within the small intestine will adversely affect the large intestine. Imbalance also means either too much of Yin or too much of Yang.

One of Qigong exercises is specially designed for alleviation of the imbalance of human organs, to remove tension, stress, anger and anxiety, which can inhibit the absorption of necessary nutrients. Qi comes into and goes out a process through the interplay of the Five Elements. The universe maintains its balance also through the Yin and Yang balance of qi. Since human body is a microcosm of the universe, it achieves the mental and physical harmony in the same way. Qi flows through the body via the meridians and their respective viscera in the productive and destructive cycles as interactions between the Five Elements.

Qi has four directions, ascending and descending for transformation, entering and leaving for development. The original qi from the parents is stored-in the kidneys. The nutritional qi from the nutrients is stored in the food. Atmospheric qi is extracted from the air by the lungs. These are but some of the manifestations of the qi which comes from the motion of Tao. "Five Elements" in qi means Five Movements of the universal qi. Qi possesses the intrinsic ascending, descending, entering and leaving motions. Such movements constitute the Yin and Yang interactions.

The movements also mean mutually productive, destructive or exclusive cycles among the Five Elements. Each element is identified with a particular orifice, organs, emotions and flavors. For example, wood can be burned to produce fire. Fire can transform the earth into ashes; the earth can contain gold and other metal; metal can be melted to become liquid, and water is essential for the growth of wood. In the destructive cycle the roots of the tree can penetrate the earth; the earth can replace water to become land; water can put out the fire; fire can melt the metal; and the metal as cutting tool can bring down the tree.

For the same, liver is associated with wood. Qi is passed on from liver to the heart. The heart is associated with fire. Qi is passed on from the heart to the spleen. The spleen is associated with the earth. Qi is passed on from spleen to the lungs. The lung is associated with metal. Qi is passed on from the lungs to the kidneys. Kidney is associated with water. Qi is passed on from the kidneys to liver and the generative cycle repeats itself.

In the area of nutrition, the five flavors enter through the gastro-intestinal tract; each seeks its affinity organ. That which is sour enters the liver. Bitter enters the heart. Sweet enters the spleen. Spicy or volatile substances enter the lungs. The salty enters the kidneys. The influences these flavors produce are upon each organ, yet each organ influences others in both generative and exclusive ways.

The Five-Element System operates in cycles of mutual dependence, mutual generative, mutual nourishing, mutual exclusive, mutual controlling and other mutually inter-relative mechanisms. As parts of the body are interrelated and in turn human beings are interrelated with each other and with the cosmos, which is originated from the qi of the great unification. Life is an integrated process.

Chinese ancestors knew that nature is just like mother, nurturing human beings. Any environmental imbalance will bring great disasters to human beings. To maintain good health, one has to maintain internal balance of own body and also live in harmony with nature.