When this word is mentioned, the first thought that comes to the mind of readers is Chinese. Yes, no doubt, it is Chinese orientated and it has been practised in the Middle Kingdom ie China for countless centuries. The ancient Chinese discovered how to practise it through accidents and later try and error methods evolved. Soon various methods were invented and systems of chi kung soon followed.
It has been mentioned in many Chinese medical books and notably "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine". The two great philosophers Lao Zi and Confucius were great chi kung masters. They passed their knowledge to their disciples. The five animals chi kung which was created from movements of the bear, the tiger, the bird, the deer and the ape originated from the famous physician Hua Tuo. Da Mo (Bodhidarma) the founder of Zen Buddhism noticed that the monks at Shaolin Temple were frail and weak. Some dozed off during lesson time. He taught them a set of 18 exercises to strengthen their bodies. Thus evolved Da Mo's Muscle and Tendon changing classics.
There may exist some form of chi practice in other parts of the world besides China in ancient times that a few inhibitants then were doing. But the funny thing is that no major record of that exists. The Mongols, Trojans, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Turks, Cossacks, etc were great warriors at one time or another and surely amongst them some of their famous fighters maybe practising chi in a certain way.
At the present moment there are thousands of chi kung styles. Millions of people all over the world practise it. It is being practised widely in China. Everyday there are new members entering the chi kung community.
During the execution of the exercises, body movements and breathing are involved. Some exercises are passive and are being done laying down, sitting or standing without any bodily movements. The most popular ones are done with bodily movements.
Chi kung has been encouraged to be practised to enhance health, strengthen the body, prevent illnesses, cure various sicknesses, relaxation of body and mind, etc.
