he Chinese philosophy for health is different from Western ideas. The main difference in my opinion is

1. The focus on prevention before implementing a cure.
   
   
2. The importance of movement in maintening health
   
   
3. The link between the mind and the body
   
   
4. The need to develop an understanding and sensitivity to chi.

Chi Kong (Qi Gong)

i, chi - is the fundamental force that permeates all things. According to Chinese philosophy Qi connects and animates everything in the universe. For Chinese medicine, some illness occurs when the flow of Qi is impaired. To treat this illness, the Qi must be made to flow in a natural way.

Qi Gong - is the art and practice of using breath, movement, mind and meditation to cleanse, strengthen and circulate the blood and vital life energy (Qi). The idea of Qi can be found through many aspects of traditional Chinese philosophy. Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism all incorporate an aspect of Chi understanding and cultivation. For the past two thousand years, segments of the Chinese Civilization has developed different approaches for manipulating and controlling this force. For example, Buddhist Qi Gong and Taoism Qi Gong involves a combination of exercises and meditation, Medical Qi Gong includes massage, acupuncture and Moxibustion, and Scholar Qi Gong focus on concentration and study. Those concepts have spread to other countries and cultures. In Japan, the concept of Qi is translated as Ki and this concept can be found in Aikido and Reiki.

At the Ottawa Chinese Martial Arts Association, we are focus on the traditional practice and study of Chinese Qi Gong as applied to Health and the Martial arts. Master Kiem has studied with many famous masters in Vietnam and China. From their teachings combined with an understanding of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, Master Kiem has used his knowledge to help and cure many people of their illnesses. From our view point, the health benefits of traditional Chinese medicine starts with the development of the individual. In order to get well, the student must first understand him / or herself. This is accomplish by introducing the student to various Qi gong exercises and different approaches to meditation. The goal is to help the student to become sensitive to the Chi that is within and around the student.

Copyright 2003