CLASSES

QIGONG (CHI KUNG)

• Sitting Qigong
• Standing Qigong

What is Qigong?

Qi is a Chinese term used to refer to all types of energy. It is the intrinsic substance or the "vital force" behind all things in the universe. Gong refers to the power to produce an effect, an attainment of, or accomplishment that is achieved with steady practice. Loosely, Qigong (chi kung) can be translated as the study of Qi.

Today, Qigong most often refers to the art and science of using breath, posture, movement, and/or sound to cleanse, refine, accumulate and circulate Qi in the body. This leads to improved health, transformation of consciousness, and greater power for martial arts. The four main types of Qigong societies are Basic, Medical, and Buddhist

Through the cultivation and regulation of body, mind, breathing, and vocalization, our resistance to disease, adaptability to the external environment, and immunity to pathogenic influences is strengthened. With a strong immune system, diseases are prevented, creating a state of super health, vitality, and youthfulness for the practitioner.

Why learn Qigong? Who should take this class?

• Best for people over 16 years of age.
• Qigong is the art and science of using breath, posture, movement, and/or sound to cleanse, refine, accumulate and circulate Qi in the body. This helps students improve health, prevent illness, and increase the quality of their lives - ultimately leading to greater power for martial arts. Taking it one step further, Qigong training is also a way to attain Great Wisdom, and to realize the true nature of human existence and its relation with the cosmos.
• Through the cultivation and regulation of the body, mind, breathing, and vocalization, our resistance to disease, adaptability to the external environment, and our overall immunity to pathogenic influences is strengthened. With a strong immune system, diseases are prevented, creating a state of super health, vitality, and youthfulness for the practitioner.

SITTING QIGONG

Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong (Return to Oneness) - The primary purpose of Wuji Yuan Gong is to allow practitioners to return to a natural state. Practice consists of standing and sitting forms. Forms combine movement and non-movement, internal and external, physical and spiritual. Initially, the practitioner will learn the movements until they become relaxed and automatic. As you progress, you will observe the feeling of qi flowing in your body. Contemplations are then added to accompany the movements. Understanding the contemplations and practicing with feeling help deepen your experience. You will achieve a heightened awareness and deeper capacity to enjoy life. When you first observe the presence of qi, you will find that your mind leads the flow. As you progress, you will notice that your qi begins to lead your mind. You are following the way of your heart and your life begins to flow with ease as you return to a natural state of wholeness.

Sheng Zhen Healing Qigong - The healing qigong is designed to strengthen and heal the body. This form seeks to generate, move, and unblock qi deep inside the internal organs. It is known to improve the immune system and restore a healthy balance in your life. This qigong is performed while sitting in a chair and is especially good for those who have difficulty standing. This qigong is comprised of three parts. Part I - The Gathering of Healing Qi - the body is conditioned to open the flow of qi and awaken internal energy. Part II - The Processing of Qi in the Human Stove - the qi begins working deep into your body, opening and purifying the heart, and replenishing your being. Part III - The Alchemy Frees the Source Within - the loving qi is freed to do it's deepest work, releasing all limitations and unlocking the long hidden joy within.

STANDING QIGONG

Wu Qin Xi was developed by Hua Tuo, the most famous doctor in the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25-220). It imitates the actions of animals based on the habits of tiger, deer, bear, ape and bird. The physician Hua Tuo invents anesthesia over 1600 years before the western doctors and is the first person to use it in surgical operation. Health Qigong·Wu Qin Xi embodies the essence of the traditional Wu Qin Xi, trying to present the spirit of the “five animals”. It simulates the power of tiger, the ease and comfort of deer, the steadiness and calmness of bear, the dexterity of ape, and the agility of bird. The harmonious and symmetrical compiling integrates will and spirit, bringing people to the state of “three adjustment into one”.

The movements of Health Qigong · Wu Qin Xi are gentle and unfold, and its extent of physical exercise is suitable for most people. The result of the scientific study shows that regular practice of Wu Qin Xi exerts an active influence on the people’s physiological functions, physical nature and state of mind. The functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory system will be enhanced; agility of the joints improved; vigor and grip power strengthened; and psychological condition advanced.

Ba Duan Jin emerged before the Song dynasty (960-1279) and developed into a formal exercise in Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Health Qigong Ba Duan Jing preserves the excellence of the ancient movements and develops into a regimen with and emphasis on limb exercise. On the basis of Kinesiology and Physiology the order of the movements has been changed and the amount of physical exercise regulated reasonably, so as to make it more suitable, effective and standardized. Ba Duan Jing leads to good health by harmonious conjugation of mind, breath, and movements.

The characteristics of movements of Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin are gentle, slow, smooth and coherent, unfold and elegant; and it couples tension with relaxation, activeness with quietness. Scientific studies show that Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin can enhance the functions of respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems, build up cellular immune function and the ability to resist senility, adjust psychological state, strengthen limbs and joints, and improve body equilibrium.

Legend goes that Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen in China (circa 5th century), advanced Yi Jin Jang. It is a method of health building exercise aiming to strengthen muscles and tendons. Monks in Shaolin Temple recompose the ancient masterpiece and include it into daily exercises. Healt Qigong – Yi Jin Jang embodies the essence of traditional Yi Jin Jang 12 forms. When practicing, what should be emphasized are the movements of turning, bending and extending, pulling and drawing of muscles, bones and joints. The turning, bending, and extending of spine benefits its regulating and controlling function.

The flexible postures, the point kept in mind, the frequency of breathing required by Yi Jin Jang fit the needs of people of any ages and in different health conditions. The results of scientific studies show that regular Yi Jin Jang practice improved the functions of cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems, raises balancing ability, betters the flexibility and force of muscles, and lessens anxiety and depression. Moreover, it plays an active role in healing some common diseases among aged population.

The earliest record of Liu Zi Jue can be found in the documents of Northern and Southern Dynasty (420-581). It is an art of expiration in producing six different sounds. Based on traditional Liu Zi Jue, the pronunciation practice in Health Qigong Liu Zi Jue is being taken up in scientific actions. The respiration and actions can supplement and complement each other.

The six characters in the Health Qigong Liu Zi Jue form a whole entity, and each of them is independent as well, and may be practiced separately. It is suitable for practitioners of difference physical conditions. Scientific studies show that after a certain period of practice, the living quality of the exercisers has been remarkably improved. There is a trend of improvement in physical and psychological states, and in human relations. Furthermore, the research on the healing of sick people shows that Health Qigong Liu Zi Jue is helpful to elderly and middle aged people who suffer from certain chronic diseases.