Chikung

THE DANCE OF ENERGY

It is a body, respiratory and mental technique, known as "Chinese energy gymnastics." Chikung controls breathing and body movement in a ritual dance that brings great benefits to the body, such as muscle stretching, physical coordination, balance, strength, serenity, psychological stability and inner calm.

The Chikung goes back to ancient China and, although its origin is lost in history, references have been found in tomb writings and engravings from 2,000 BC. It was the ancient Chinese shamans of the Zhou Dynasty (1028-228 BC) who devised the dances and rituals based on movements and stretches that they copied from certain animals.

The term Chikung is relatively current, as it began to be used at the beginning of the last century to unify the techniques and styles within the immense and varied history of Chinese energy gymnastics.

Chikung encompasses a multitude of techniques and exercises that range from groups or sequences of dynamic movements, to static postures both standing and sitting. Also to the exercises performed on the floor, ranging from postures of stretching, toning, breathing and body awareness.

There are different currents and ways to practice Chikung, but we can summarize them in three:

CHIKUNG MEDICAL: Focused on health, it is adapted to the individual as part of their own therapy or preventive or rehabilitative gymnastics. Also with healing character through techniques to channel the Chi (energy). In fact, in hospitals where traditional Chinese medicine is applied, there are Chikung teachers who work with patients directly. Through massages they are unblocking channels, acting on points and applying their own Chi to heal.

CHIKUNG MARCIAL: Techniques linked to martial arts that usually have a stronger and more intense ingredient in their execution, where there are many strengthening, elasticity and control exercises.

 MENTAL CHIKUNG: Meditation, visualization and concentration take precedence over physical work. In moments of history it has gained an even religious character, and was only practiced in temples, both Buddhist and Taoist. Little by little he went abroad and today the teachers themselves impart and disseminate many of these techniques to all types of people for the common good.