The forms of Qigong
According to the respective form, Qigong is subdivided into “Still” and “Moving” Qigong. The Moving Qigong is completely focused on the movement in connection with an harmonic, natural breathing. By practising the Qigong exercises the ability of letting go of one's everyday life and thoughts and therewith accompanied the spreading of the positive Qi energy within the body is improved. Therefore, the external movement and internal calmness is a characteristic of the Moving Qigong.
The Still Qigong is either practised in a standing, sitting or lying position.
An essential characteristic is the relaxed persistance in certain specified body postures with an internal movement of the Qi energy and blood at the same time. This form of Qigong is characterized by external calmness and internal movement.
The Qigong exercise cycles are almost entirely composed of different key elements:
1. Preparatory exercises / Warm-up exercises
2. Movement exercises
3. Meditation exercises
4. Collection of energy
5. Closing of exercises with self-massage and tapping of meridians
The individual sections of the exercises can be adapted each to the specific physical and mental constitution of the practitioner. So, for example, there are movements in the preparatory and warm-up exercises which are especially suited for the relaxation in the neck and shoulder area. There are special forms of movements which have a positive effect in the case of gastro-intestinal problems and others that do primarily strengthen the musculature and tendons and keep them flexible. In the field of meditations, the exercises of "letting go", "excusing" and "forgiving" are necessary components for the relieving of sleep disorders, anxiety states and depressions. On the other hand, certain groups of organs can be invigorated on purpose by practising the techniques of the visualization of light in meditation. The variety of applications seems unlimited.