Life force energy

An age-old Chinese healing art, Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Kung and literally meaning 'working with the energy of life') is fast gaining popularity in the UAE. Introduced at Zou Wei Jia Body Fitness Centre in Sharjah by Dr Zou WeiJia, the renowned master of Kung Fu and acupuncture, this technique of healing through Qi Gong rests on the belief that sickness arises when a person's vital body energy is either stagnant or imbalanced. Hence, exercises that promote and balance Qi or 'the life force energy' would restore health by a healing process that requires medication.
Techniques to build Qi, the energy which is circulating within all of us, involve a combination of fluid movements, breathing exercises, visualisation and relaxation. Practitioners say it strengthens organs against disease and illness while also reducing stress. The movements of Qi Gong, basically through regulation of three postures – walking, sitting and lying – harvest energy and stimulate its flow through the body, improving energy and flexibility.
Dr Zou, the chief practitioner, said, "This 5000-year-old Chinese healing exercise draws upon your inner energy to tone muscles, regulate hormones, boost circulation, and lift spirits. It is believed to restore balance in an individual in all three planes: physical, mental and spiritual, and is also a system that rejuvenates, heals and enhances overall well-being by strengthening the immune system and building resistance to disease."
A further plus point of Qi Gong is that it complements Western medicine, because patients who practise Qi Gong recover faster, suffer fewer side effects, and need less medication than other patients. It also helps people adapt to natural changes in weather!
Ten-year-old Imran and eight-year-old Zeeshan of Our Own English High School, Sharjah, are two of Dr Zou's first batch of young students to train in Qi Gong here in the UAE. Being a black belt in karate, it was easier for both the brothers to pick up Qi Gong, and since their learning of the art, their parents have noticed a lot of changes in their behaviour. Besides becoming very conscious and quiet, they no longer fight among themselves as other siblings do. Imran can perch himself erect, upside down on a stool and gulp down a whole glass of water. Another amazing act is arching himself backwards in a semi-circle, palms and feet firmly rooted on the floor, carrying Zeeshan atop his taut belly. These are just two of his many hair-raising manouvres.
Dr Zou, who is immensely pleased with their performances, says, "Qi Gong exercises are suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions. However, beginning at a tender age of four or five years can make learning easier, for at this age, the grasping power of individuals is very high."