About

Welcome to the United States Health Qigong Association

  

The United States Health Qigong Association is a non-profit 501(c) organization 

whose purpose is to improve the physical and mental health of the public. 

 
Physical health affects quality of life, state of mind and even interpersonal relationships.  
A person in good physical condition tends to have more self-confidence, more energy, and 
more balance which can affect the lives of themselves and those around them in a positive way.
 
There are nine varieties of Health Qigong which offer practice opportunities from simple to complex. 
None of them require special clothing, equipment or venues. Although based on ancient practices,
they are designed to help modern people release tension, balance life rhythms, and tone the body.
They are one of the best overall activities for longterm fitness and wellbeing.
 
Coach Christopher Pei is the Founder and Head Coach of the United States Health Qigong Association. 
For over forty years, he has lead Health Qigong activities in the Washington, DC area. 
He believes in helping everyone practice Health Qigong, so that they can be at their best
mentally and physically and can help more people develop their own positive energy.

 

 Please visit our News and Events pages to learn about upcoming USHQA events and classes! 

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The word “Qigong” (氣功) is pronounced: CHEE-Kung.

It is a combination of "Qi" 氣, which is energy, and "gong" 功, meaning exercise.

 

The origins of Health Qigong can be found as far back as the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) although some sources say it goes back thousands of years. The essential theory behind Health Qigong is to unify body movements, rhythms of breathing and traditional Chinese medical principles to exercise and regulate one’s body (調身), breath (調息), and mind (調心). It is aimed at strengthening and maintaining one's body: not only through building its muscles, but also by paying attention to the tendons, internal organs, and the general flow of “Qi” through the meridians.

 

Through academic research at various sports universities in China (Beijing Sport University, Shanghai University of Sport, Wuhan Institution of Physical Education, and Tsinghua University under the auspices of CHQA), this traditional meditative exercise evolved into four new practice forms in 2003, each with a unique correlation to Chinese medical principles. In 2010, five more forms were added. Altogether, the various forms of Health Qigong pave a holistic way to achieving physical fitness.

 

1. (易筋經) Yi Jin Jing (Tendon-Muscle Strengthening Exercises) 

2. (八段錦) Ba Duan Jin (8 Pieces of Silk) 

3. (六字訣) Liu Zi Jie (The Six Healing Sounds) 

4. (五禽戏) Wu Qin Xi (Five Animals)

5. (導引養生功十二法) Daoyin Yangsheng Gong Shi Er Fa (Mind Leading Qi)

6. (十二段錦) Shi Er Duan Jin (Twelve Pieces of Silk)

7. (馬王堆導引术) Ma Wang Dui Dao Yi Shu (Guiding Qi)

8. (大舞) Da Wu (Big Dance)

9. (太極養生杖) Tai Ji Yang Sheng Zhang (Tai Chi Rod for Wellbeing)

 

Go to our Learn page to find out more about each of these forms!

 

The United States Health Qigong Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established Spring 2017.