Standing meditation Qigong, also known as Chi Kung or Chi Gung, is one of many types of Qigong that originated in China approximately 4,000 years ago. Practiced by Chinese medical practitioners, martial arts enthusiasts and philosophers, the tradition involves adopting a pose of physical stillness while calming the mind and activating the flow of chi throughout the body. While some consider the art a form of exercise, others use the activity as an alternative healing medicine or purely for meditative purposes.
Purpose of Qigong
Taoists believe that standing meditation Qigong cultivates the mind, body and spirit. By learning how to clear the mind, Taoists believe that individuals eventually acquire the skill of moving chi to different body locations, which provides physical endurance, health and strength along with encouraging the growth of virtue. Individuals practicing this static training form of Qigong maintain a particular pose for a specific length of time. Initially, the pose may last a few minutes, with training and experience, practitioners boast remaining in the same position for days.
Practicing Standing Meditation
Basic Standing Qigong Posture
A fundamental pose requires standing with feet parallel and shoulder width apart or with feet slightly closer together. Toes point forward. Tuck the pelvis forward slightly, which straightens the curve of the lower spine. The shoulders should remain relaxed with arms extended down the length of the sides. With the hands relaxed, fingers extend. The palms may face the thighs or face backward with thumbs touching the thighs. Hold the head erect and close the eyes or focus on an object straight ahead. While holding a particular pose, individuals practice clearing the mind by concentrating on inhaling and exhaling, releasing discomfort and stress from the body and redirecting chi.
In this Guide to Standing Qigong, I talk you through 5-, 10-, and 20-minute standing sessions.
Benefits of Standing Meditation
Anyone at any age may practice standing meditation Qigong. Independent studies performed from 1993 to 2007 claim that individuals practicing Qigong experienced a number of health benefits.
* Bone density improved and demineralization ceased.
* Cardiovascular function improved as evidenced by a decrease in the blood pressure and heart rate of participants.
* Balance improved with less falls documented in elderly individuals.
* Immune system function enhanced as the number of disease and infection white blood cells increased. Individuals also exhibited a decrease in the levels of chemicals that depict inflammation.
* Physical function improved as participants demonstrated increased flexibility, strength and walking speed.
* Psychological effects included diminished anxiety levels, depression and stress. Insomnia reversed and laboratory blood tests revealed a decrease in cortisol levels.
