Basic Introduction to Ki Gong
What is Ki Gong? 氣功
Ki gong is an aspect of Asian health philosophy that believes the body has an energy field generated and maintained through respiration of the body. This energy field is know as ‘Ki‘ 기/氣, Ki translated literally means vapor, gas, steam from boiling rice. The character Ki is made up of steam over cooking rice. Indicating the four main sources of our energy that keep us alive, fire, water, food and air. ‘Kigong’ means “the level of energy skill you achieved through work” or the art of managing your internal energy to maintain optimum health and longevity.
It is believed that there are many types of Ki just as there are many types of energy. The three basic manifestations of Ki beleived to be concerned with health and longevity, are; ‘Chun Ki‘ (sky or Heavenly energy), ‘Ji Ki’ (Earth energy), and ‘Sun Ki’ (Human energy). Chun Ki (Heavenly energy) involves everything from weather, sunshine, tides, climate etc. Ji Ki (Earth energy) absorbs its energy from the Heavens (Chun Ki) and also contains, gravity, heat from the Earth, the Earths magnetic field etc. Sun Ki (Human energy) absorbs its energy from both Heaven and Earth energy.
All of these energies are vital for life, each of these energies constantly change and are in a state of flux in order to keep balance. For example Chun Ki (Heavenly energy) gives rain to the Earth. That rain transforms into Ji Ki (Earth energy) nourishing life on Earth. If any of these energies become unbalanced, they will naturally rebalance themselves. Everything is interconnected, effecting one, effects the other. If the energy “Ki’ in the air is polluted, by nature our energy ‘Ki’ will become polluted.
In the traditional Korean philosophy it is believed everything has Ki, something’s transmit Ki more than others. For example air gives us most Ki. In our bodies the Ki is also taken in through eating, through our skin and mainly as stated, through breathing. Even our attitude effects our energy. When we breath Ki is absorbed and stored in our bodies. The area which Ki accumulates is called the ‘Dan Jun’ 단전 which literally translates to field of energy. The Dan Jun is the area in the lower abdomen about two inches under the navel. The Dan Jun draws, stores and emits Ki as the body needs it.
Your Sun Ki (personal Ki) must be kept in harmony with natures energy (Ki). If your Ki is out of balance it will weaken and decay. It can be brought back into balance, through natural (ki gong/diet) or medical assistance. Ki Gong is the way to develop and increase your energy in your body so it may be directed and transmitted through your will/intention Eui /意, so you may apply it to prolong and benefit your life.
In the first lesson we are going to discuss how to use your intention to increase your bloodflow and the concept of Su Sang Hwa Ha (water high/fire low) Then immediately after that other video clips will follow discussing in detail Ki and breathing exercise number one or better known as Moo Pal Dan Khum Il Bon (Precious exercise number one from the warrior energy set)
