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Approved For Release 2000/08/14 "@1A'RDB 96-66742Rb60300400002-9 first, lets leave these extreme cases away and concentrate on more common aspects of qigong. Brief description of qigong It is very difficult to give any modern theory or even a consistent description of qigong. Clearly, this 2,500 year old practice is documented in a way very foreign to the scientific vocabulary to which we are used to. There are also various schools of qigong stressing different forms of practice to achieve specific results. In general qigong concerns the flow of a certain substance called gi (hence gigong - the qi ability). A steady flow of this substance in the human body insures good health and internal happiness. By channeling gi into a person through the "meridian _ channels" that, incidentally, coincide with those of acupuncture, illness or malfunction can be cured. Steady flow of gi can be obtained by daily concentration and balancing exercises accompanied by a slow motion of the arms, legs and the whole body. At some point of such regular practice, typically several months later, the adept will start moving on his own, without an- apparent intent. Just as if the limbs would know themselves how to move, independent of the brain. This is the second stage of qigong practice. Yet more practice gives the ability to elevate 3 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000300400002-9