Foreword

Qigong is a gem of traditional Chinese medicine. According to historical records,

it has a history of nearly 3,000 years. It is a unique medical health care method
which the ancestors of the Chinese nation gradually created, accumulated and
organized during their cumulative lives and medical practice.
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that yuanqi (vital energy) is the root of life
-the starting factor of life's growth and visceral activities. A human body's health
situation depends on the degree of rise and fall of yuanqi: if yuanqi is plentiful,
and viscera coordinated, one will be in good health; however, if yuanqi is insuffi-
cient or damaged, diseases may occur. Traditional Chinese medicine also considers
the maintenance process of human bodies' normal life activities as a result of
balance of yin and yang. Any imbalance of yin and yang may result in illness.
Through exercise of body, breath and heart, Qigong cultivates and strengthens a
person's zhenqi (yuanqi or zhenqi-vital energy). It helps retain the balance of yin
and yang, clear and activate the channels and regulate qi and blood so as to prevent
and cure diseases, keeping the body in good health. Modern medicine has proven
that Qigong has some regulatory functions on the nervous, respiratory, digestive,
circulatory and endocrine systems, and can promote the stability of internal
circulation.
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There are two ways to cure diseases using Qigong: the first is for a Qigong
master to send external qi to patients; however, this kind of Qigong master is very
rare. Also, curing disease by external qi greatly consumes a Qigong master's
strength, thereby preventing him from meeting the needs of a great many people.
The second is a self-treatment method. A patient can practise Qigong alone to
i improve physical functions, strengthen physique and rid the body of diseases. The
I Qigong introduced in this book belongs to the latter method. The book is called
Practical Chinese Qigong for Home Health Care in order to emphasize that practice
of these Qigong movements do not require a special location. They can be at home,
a park, a courtyard, and just about everywhere. The Qigong therapies introduced
in this book are characterized by easy and practical learning and practice. One can
master them even without the instruction of a teacher. Qigong therapies introduced
in this book are suitable for all Qigong enthusiasts who wish to be face of diseases,
and enjoy a healthy body and a long life.