Chinese meditation

Meditation has been practiced since ages in different parts of the world.

The word meditation has originated from the Latin word meditation which means any physical or intellectual exercise. Practicing meditation helps oneself to calm down his mind and body. It rejuvenates a person creating a feeling of inner peace and well being. Meditation can be said as a state of relaxed concentration or focusing mind on a single object for that matter. It is believed that meditation connects ones mind and body to the soul. There are certain general guidelines which can be stated about how meditation should be practiced -

a) Sitting in a particular posture as ascribed in the particular form of meditation one will be carrying out. This helps in breathing which in turn helps in relaxation.

b) It is advisable to carry out meditation in the same place where you practice it daily. The place should be quiet which will ensure that you are not disturbed while meditating.

There are various forms of meditation practiced all over the world. Different religions and regions have evolved their own types of meditation to name a few Buddhism, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Islam and many more. Here we will be concentrating on Chinese meditation.

Chinese meditation practices mainly include Qigong. Qigong has emerged from the traditional Chinese medicine. It is nothing but art of managing ones own breathing which helps in maintenance of good health. It mainly emphasizes on how to move and feel energy within the body. Some of the basic exercises include standing still for a few minutes or hours together at a time this enables a person to realize the movement of energy within the body. The main focus of these exercises is on conservation of energy thus the movements are very gentle and are of rhythmic nature. There are approximately 3,300 different styles and schools of Qigong.

Qigong not only help in toning up and relaxation of the body but also makes it more flexible. But if these Qigong exercises are not practiced under the supervision of trained individuals may lead to physical and mental complications in body. Taking into consideration all these factors China has laid down some guidelines for these Qigong teaching schools but still they are very popular in China.