Chi-Kung is an ancient Chinese system of therapeutic exercises. Chinese medicine views a human as an integral composite of mind, emotions and body, which are intimately connected with the heavenly and earthly environments. Health and longevity result from harmonizing these components within oneself and in the environment. Illnesses are perceived as the result of imbalances in any of these aspects. Emotional stress can induce physical problems while physical problems can induce emotional response. The interrelationship between the physical and emotional state has guided Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

The term Chi-Kung is difficult to translate. Chi is usually translated to mean air or breath. It is the substance traditionally believed to permeate the human body flowing along paths called meridians. When the flow of Chi is unobstructed, health prevails. Obstruction in any part of the body brings on sickness. Obstruction can be brought on through neglect and abuse of the body or from emotional disturbances. The word Kung translate to accomplishment or effort. Together the two words mean “working on Chi” or “mastery of Chi”. This is accomplished through specific movements, rhythmic breathing and mental imagery.

In the first few years the student is taken through a series of exercises designed to open and strengthen the body both internally and externally. These consist of “stillness looking for motion” and “motion looking for stillness” . The student will eventually find the two are interdependent. After this initial stage the student learns to control and direct his/her energy to heal one’s self and introduced to Taoist breathing eventually changing ligaments, tendon and bone.