Qi Gong
Qi is the energy or life force that fills the universe.
Gong is work or time spent at training with conscious effort to perfect a skill.
Qi Gong is the science of Qi or energy, particularly in regard to its circulation within the human body.
Qi Gong harnesses the Universal forces balancing them with the Earth forces and harmonizing them within the three treasures (San Bao) of human existence, Vitality, Energy and Spirit
Through the practice of Qi Gong we learn to open our body to the universal qi and circulate and cultivate this qi internally. We develop awareness of the channels and network (jing-lou) within the body by using the mind and breath if practicing static Qi Gong; or mind, breath and movement if practicing moving Qi Gong, curing, rejuvenating or enhancing our health and wellbeing.
It is due to imbalance or stagnation of Qi that we fall ill. Through our practice we gather the forces, plus more natural or refined qi into the body to strengthen or firm that qi already present, thus making better use of it. This promotes self-healing, encouraging good physical and mental health as well as increasing longevity. There are 3 main aspects of Qi:
Prenatal “former heaven” (yuan) qi, this we inherit from our parents.
Refined or natural “latter heaven” qi, this is a combination of heavenly and earthly qi derived from breathing (kong-qi) and food (gu-qi)).
Internal (zheng) qi, prenatal and refined qi combined that permeates the body. As with Tai Ji we seek to balance the yin and yang aspects of the body. The body is viewed in the light of Yin Yang theory, a way of describing the interrelationship of all phenomena and the process of continual change. Yin and Yang give rise to one another. Male and female contain yin and yang and through our practice we keep in check the harmonious balance to achieve full health. Yin and Yang are not antagonistic but mutually supporting.Tai Ji and Qi Gong together are a means to cultivate the three treasures (San Bao) of human existence, Vitality (Jing), Energy (Qi) and Spirit(Shen). The basis of our practice then is to protect our Vitality or Essence, nourish our Qi and lift our Spirit. The internal nature of our practice, opening to the universal forces, manifests in our physicality and our interaction with our environment.
Wild Goose
Dayan Qigong — Wild Goose Breathing Exercise.
Imitating the movements and postures of the wild goose this Qigong form consists of 64 forms, movements that are both vigorous and gentle, incorporating motion and stillness and providing a strong sensation of Qi.
Originating in the Daoist Kunlun School this system has become highly revered in China due to its health giving benefits. Wild Goose Qigong helps promote blood circulation and clears the channels through which the Qi (vital energy flows) helping the performer to gather health giving Qi while discharging toxins from the body.
This form is particularly suitable for martial artists to develop internal power and for efficiency of movement, also of significant use for Healers as the form enables quick mastery of emitting WaiQi (out flowing qi-energy) for self healing or the healing of others.
Seven Star
Seven Star Qigong consists of 7 forms of graceful and well-balanced movements performed in a slow smooth connected flowing rhythm that involves every movable joint in the body.
The form combines internal and external work (meditation and action) that promotes circulation and awareness of the internal energy system in the human body.
Zhan Zhuang
Standing Postures -“Stand still and enter meditation”
A basic skill to develop a centred and grounded habit and to develop awareness of structural alignment focusing on right breathing and relaxation.
Various postures can be selected to suit the individual
Benefits include – increased leg power, enhanced muscular strength, flexibility of joints, concentration, increased vital capacity and improved function of internal organs.