One of the most important components, and most puzzling component, of Chinese martial arts and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is Qigong (气功). The Chinese word Qi in Qigong is the same as the Chinese word air (气). In practicing Qigong, usually breathing is very important; that may be why this word was chosen. However, Qi in Qigong means much more than air. Qi is some sort of bioelectric energy, or life force, that gets circulated and stored in the body. There are channels for circulation of Qi; these channels are called meridians. There are reservoirs for storage of Qi; these reservoirs are called vessels. The health of a person is related to the ability of Qi to flow through these channels. Illness is usually associated with some blockage of Qi. The Chinese word Gong means skill or attaining skill through practice or work. Therefore, Qigong can be interpreted to mean the skill of regulating Qi through practice.
Qigong in some form or another has been practiced in China for several thousands of years. It has been practiced by many, many people in China as well as in other parts of Asia. Today, there are literally millions of people practicing Qigong. Because of the large span of time and space where Qigong has been practiced, there are many, many different types of Qigong. The number of varieties of Qigong is much more than the many different varieties of Taiji and Chinese martial arts.
A Discussion of China’s Population Control Policy and Issues
China is well known as the most populous country in the world and a country where the government has adopted a one-child policy. The one-child policy is actually not a one-size fits all policy. Furthermore, formulating a good population control policy for China is extremely complex, and there are serious consequences for whatever policy adopted. This article provides some background information on this important issue, and discusses China’s current population control policy, its resultant issues, and potential resolutions.
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