The Holy land of the Shaolin

Vital internal energy (chin.: qìgōng 气功) is a Chinese cultivation practice which, according to specific written documents, goes back at least 3000 years ago. During the legendary Chinese ruler’s Tang Yao (chin.: Táng yáo 唐堯 2353 - 2234 BC) monarchy; qigong art used as a form of dancing. The actual origins of Qi Gong, however, are lost in Chinese prehistory. Qi Gong was practiced during the earliest period in order to maintain good health.

In Master Lu’s Spring and Autumn (chin.: lǚshìchūnqiū 呂氏春秋) records which was completed in 239BC we read: In the beginning of the Tao Tang Tribes, the sun was often shut off by heavy clouds and it rained all the time; turbulent waters overflowed the rivers’ banks. People lived a gloomy and dull life and suffered from rigidity of their joints. As a remedy dancing was recommended. From the experience of their long-term struggle with nature, the ancients gradually realized that body movements, exclamations, and various ways of breathing could help readjust certain bodily functions. For example, imitating animal movements such as climbing, looking about, and leaping was found to promote a vital flow of Qi. Pronouncing “Hi” was found to either decrease or increase strength, “Ha” could disperse heat, and “Xu” could alleviate pain. In this way, Qigong was brought into being.

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