Final answer:
The answer to the fill-in-the-blank question is (a) Physical exercise, meditation, mental focus, which describes the components of the ancient practice of Qigong. Qigong emphasizes physical postures, breath control, and mental attention, much like Yoga.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient practice of Qigong integrates physical exercise, breathing techniques, and mental intention. The correct answer is (a) Physical exercise, meditation, mental focus. Qigong is a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for the purposes of health, spirituality, and martial arts training. While it has historical roots in Chinese medicine and martial arts, Qigong is a practice that encompasses a variety of techniques, including exercises (often referred to as 'daoyin'), healing methods, and a spiritual pathway to balance one's internal energy, or 'qi'.
The purpose of Qigong aligns with the concept of regulating the body through exercise, calming the mind through meditation, and focusing the spirit through intention—a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being. Similar to the concept of Yoga, which also involves physical postures ('asanas') and breath control ('pranayama'), Qigong's philosophy is grounded in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, aiming to develop human potential and awaken to one's true nature through disciplined practice.