Development of Qigong and alternative medicines after the Cultural Revolution in China
There are hundreds of types of Qigong: some only need meditation and others require body movement to music.
They are popular among Chinese who wish to improve their health and cure their diseases. It is hard to say if anyone has restored his health by performing Qigong; while it is also hard to say if Qigong is completely ineffective if accompanied by orthodox treatment. Deep breathing, self-controlled meditation, and little movement, which are usually involved in performing Qigong, are not harmful.
The cult of Qigong, however, is not based on its effectiveness in health care. The “spirit balance” it gives and the quasi-religious mood involved in performing Qigong partly accounts for its popularity. Old people may perform it because they have no better ways to spend their time. Around 1985, Qigong began to closely connect with another cult—the cult of “special ability”—and each reinforces the popularity of the other.
The phenomenon of SA (Special Abilities) was first reported in 1978 when the political group headed by Mao’s widow lost its power, and Deng Xiaoping was reinstated and began to advocate the movement to “love, learn and utilize science” in China.
This science movement quickly met the needs that the majority of Chinese, including some scholars, had. They had forgotten what the rigorous demarcation line of empirical science was. (From Paranormal in China written by Wu Xianghong)
During the winter of 1989, Ditan Park in Beijing, was a favorite place to practice Qigong.
At that time other mystical beliefs were combined with the practice of QigongIn the ’80s and early ’90s Qigong presentations took place in front of a delirious audienceApril 2002, in a street in Wanzhou in Chongqing a “doctor” (unlicensed) practice cupping on an old lady. Patients go to improvised doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine with high expectationsGua Sha, literally “to scrape away fever” in Chinese is an ancient medical treatment. Gua Sha involves repeated pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edge. Commonly a ceramic Chinese soup spoon was used, or a well-worn coin, even honed animal bones, water buffalo horn, or jade. A simple metal cap with a rounded edge is commonly used. (Wikipedia) Many people believe that scraping can help balance blood, raise the fatigue and increase the immune function of the bodySome people in fact think that the ants are rich in protein which helps the body against agingAugust 8, 2004, about 30 people during a convention in a hotel in Guangzhou drink urineJune 11, 2006, in Hangzhou, was opened the first restaurant to revive the sexual appetite. Here’s Lubian, a tonic for the male audienceSeptember 6, 2005, health tea shopApril 24, 2010, Wuhan, a doctor treats a patient with ApitherapyJanuary 11, 2009, a group of people devoted to “Happiness Therapy”. Participants think that even a fake smile can helpSeptember 23, 2009, foot bath of vinegar in ShanxiMay 2, 2010, Anshan, Liaoning. Mud baths at a spa (imported from the West)August 8, 2010, Xuchang, Henan Province. A performance of Qigong in publicJuly 24, 2005. 20 Germans have prepared a 7-day trip to Wudang Mountain to learn the use of the 12 Wudang Kam. Chinese medicine is rapidly spreading around the worldLin Guangchang is a diet doctor in Liaoning Traditional Chinese Medicine, challenged in China for his ideas. He discouraged the use of milk, eggs, meat, and other productsJinyun Mountain Taoist Association had 30,000 followers, including business tycoon Jack Ma, the founder of Chinese e-commerce firm alibaba.com, and pop singer Faye Wong. The aim is to restore kidney functions through massage. Li Yi, the founder of the Jinyun Mountain Taoist Association had been the focus of a police probe over an allegation of raping a college student. Li is the latest “grand master” exposed as a fraudAbbot Lee Shao-Long Li of Jinyun Mountain Taoist Association during a lecturing. This year its supposed magical properties have been questioned and was accused of fraudZhang Wuben, a once-popular Chinese diet therapist, was found by officials in May to have faked his nutritionist qualificationsMaking money writing health books it’s easy in China, especially if you’re a celebrity …
CHINA-UNDERGROUND. Matteo Damiani is an Italian sinologist, photographer, author and motion designer. Matteo lived and worked for ten years in China. Founder of CinaOggi.it and China-underground.com.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
