The prospects and development of Chinese qigong in the 21st century Author: Nagura Osamu Affiliation: Head of Directors, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Japan Branch Conference/Journal: 4th World Conf Acad Exch Med Qigong Date published: 1998 Other: Pages: 227 , Word Count: 345 Medical Qigong is a very important aspect of Chinese medicine. Its growth and development will play the most central role in the establishment of global medical treatment in the 21st century for several reasons. Today, human beings are facing a life or death crisis. The Chinese medical concept of regulation of the body, the philosophy that 'Heaven and Humans Come Together as One' will be the basis of 21st century medical treatment in order to correct the existing contradictory approach to medical treatment. Medical treatment based on life energy must become the main current in holistic medical treatment. Medical Qigong has historically been called upon to aid human development and life as seen in various fields of study such as: Fetal Respiratory Qigong: Infant Developmental Qigong Children's Health Strengthening Martial Arts-Style Qigong which aids in the mental, moral and physical development of children Health-Preserving Medical Qigong for an aging society Preventive Medical Qigong and the Advancement of Healthy Body Treatment Qigong in View of the Present Day Rapid Increase in: serious diseases chronic diseases diseases linked to physical constitution In addition, as education is the very foundation of an effective health care system, it is very important to set up a system of higher education to train individuals to become effective health care professionals. China has a 4000-year history of medicine and of training and educating people as health care professionals such as Qigong doctors and Qigong practitioners which can be drawn from in view of this goal. Internships in actual clinical settings in which students can gain practical knowledge and experience similarly play an important role in the advancement of such an educational system. At the same time a system of international qualification must be established. Medical Qigong strives for the regulation of the body, breathing and the mind as Chinese medicine strives to guide us through the path of life. The above is the perspective of the Japan Branch of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine concerning education and we will make our best efforts to further the implementation of such a program.