Static Qigong Jing Body

The most popular art form of Qigong in China is considered to be a static form, which in Chinese is called “zhan-zuan” (“fixed pillar” or “observation post”). The basic form, which has dozens of variations, is essentially a stationary pose in a relaxed state.

The word “qigong” (“ki gong”) itself appeared relatively recently and was introduced in the manual of Shaolin martial art, published in 1910. Traditionally, these exercises were called “yang shen shu,” or “the art of nourishing life.” The technique appeared more than three thousand years ago. There were five main schools of thought in China at the same time: Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, medicine and martial arts. Each school professed its own theory and practiced unique exercises. Over time, the differences have been erased, and the interpenetration of ideas and forms has become so deep that in our days it is pointless to separate one school from another.

Historical data on the art of static qigong is extremely scarce. This technique probably owes its origin to the Shaolin martial art, the practice of which involved standing for a long time in the same position. To this were added Taoist silent mind exercises, breathing exercises and certain forms of meditation, which will be discussed below. In China, static qigong is known as the "still form." The name itself suggests that there is no external activity during the exercises. At the same time, it is also called a form of relaxation, since the technique itself is based on complete mental and physical relaxation. You should know that a “relaxed mind” does not mean a sleepy state. On the contrary, the mind is calm, awake and always alert.