Chi Kung: The Art of Energy
by Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit

The term "chi kung" is Chinese, but arts of energy have been practised by different peoples in the past (although they were often kept as secrets). The Indians call their energy art "yoga", the Tibetans call theirs "wisdom art", and the ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks called theirs "the mystery art".

Because of cultural and historical reasons, there are some differences in the methods and emphasis in these different energy arts, but they all deal with developing energy, and they all aim at promoting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

For example, in the history of chi kung in China, physicians developed energy arts for healing, kungfu exponents for enhancing combat efficiency, Confucian scholars for mind expansion, and Taoist and Buddhist cultivators for spiritual growth.

Nevertheless, there are comprehensive schools of chi kung, such as Shaolin Chi Kung, where the various health, martial, mental and spiritual needs are fulfilled.

Numerous variables that determine the level of attainment include the appropriateness of the methods chosen, the competency of the teacher, as well as the dedication of the student. Obviously, assuming all other factors being equal, a superior method, an experienced teacher, and a student who practises regularly will produce better result than someone without these advantages.

But what is not so obvious to many people, including many chi kung practitioners today, is that the operational level at which one practises chi kung is important. As explained below, chi kung training can be operated at the form level, theenergy level, or the mind level.

Although there are thousands of chi kung exercises, they all involve three elements -- form, energy and mind. These three elements are also known as the "three treasures" of a human being.

In other words, every human has form, energy, and mind. Chi kung training develops all three of these essential elements of a person.

However, due to various reasons, the great majority of chi kung practitioners today, including those in China, practise only the form aspect of chi kung, neglecting the energy and mind aspects.Strictly speaking, this is not chi kung; it is only chi kung form, and in terms of its health benefits, I believe it is less effective than conventional physical exercise, like swimming or working out in a gym.

For convenience, I call this level of chi kung which pays attention only to form, "low-level chi kung".

In my opinion, the least a practitioner should have is the energy aspect in order to justify calling his exercise chi kung, i.e. energy training. This is middle-level chi kung, where the practitioner makes a conscious effort to influence his energy flow, such as clearing energy blockages and increasing overall energy levels.

In terms of health benefits, middle-level chi kung is greatly superior toconventional physical exercise.

High-level chi kung is where the mind is involved. After entering into what is known as "a chi kung state of mind", which is a heightened state of consciousness, the practitioner can manipulate energy any way she wants. She may, for example, tap energy from the cosmos and direct it to various parts of her body.

At this level, it is beyond comparison with conventional physical exercise. Not only can so-called "incurable" diseases be cured, but some masters may accomplish feats which ordinary people would regard as miracles (or fakery).

Low-level chi kung may provide some gentle exercise for better blood circulation, muscle loosening and relaxation, but is usually not be strong enough to overcome serious illnesses or diseases.

Middle-level chi kung may overcome diseases like asthma, tuberculosis, rheumatism, body pains, gastritis, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness. It can also effectively prevent common colds and fevers.

High-level chi kung can cure all of those diseases already mentioned, as well as: ulcers, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Actually, high-level chi kung can cure virtually any disease. This is not an exaggerated claim; personally I have helped many people to be relieved of their so-called incurable diseases.There is also a sound medical explanation for the cure. According to Chinese medical theory, illness occurs if there is insufficient vital energy to work the natural systems of the body (and mind), or if the flow of vital energy is disrupted.

The forte of chi kung is to increase energy levels and to clear energy blockages, thus overcoming the illness, irrespective of what labels may be used to describe its symptoms.

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