Qigong ia an ancient Chinse health care system that integrates postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.

The word Qigong (Chee Gung) is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced Chee and is translated to mean life force or vital energy that flows through all livings in the universe.

The second word, Gong, pronounced Gung, means accomplishment, or to cultivate through steady practice. Together, Qigong means cultivating energy. It is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality.

People do Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds and reconnect with their spirit.

Qigong practices can be classified as martial, medical, or spiritual. All styles have three things in common: they all involve a posture, (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus. Some practices increase the Qi; others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others. Practices vary from the soft internal styles such as Tai Chi; to the external, vigorous styles such as Kung Fu. However, the slow gentle movements of most Qigong forms can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups.

Qigong's great appeal is that everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstances.

Anyone can enrich their lives by adding Qigong to their daily routine. Children learning to channel their energy and develop increased concentration; office workers learning Qigong to reduce stress; seniors participating in gentle movements to enhance balance and their quality of life; caregivers embracing a practice to develop their ability to help others; prisons instituting Qigong programs to restore balance in inmates lives; midwives using Qigong techniques to ease child birth.

When an individual or group assumes responsibility and takes action for their health and healing, we all benefit.