The specific Daoist meditation known as Qi Gong, was brought to Australia through the Chinese Master Louis Chun Jie Liu. More information about this approach can be found on http://www.tcmqigong.com.au. Marise has been practicing Qi Gong for over 10 years and is a qualified practitioner. Her Qi Gong teacher and master is a direct student of Master Liu.
What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong (also spelled Chi Kung) is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. It is the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy, otherwise known as Qi. Qi Gong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind.
There are four main divisions of Qi Gong, depending on the goal of the practitioner – spiritual, medical, martial, and athletic. However, there is some overlap between the branches. Medical Qi Gong is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Qi means: life energy and TCM says that the health of the body relies upon a smooth flow of Qi within the body. Disease is the result of poor Qi circulation. Balancing the flow of Qi allows the body to heal itself.
Gong means: work or hard task, and it is the task of learning how to control the flow of Qi through the body using breath, movement, and meditation. The WORK, or discipline that is being practiced eventually turns into an effortless way of being.
How old is Qi Gong?
The documented history of Qi Gong goes back approximately 2,500 years. However, Chinese archaeologists and historians have found references to Qi Gong-like techniques at least five thousand years old.
Is Qi Gong like Tai Chi?
Taiji Quan (Tai Chi) is a style or branch of Qi Gong. It is graceful, relaxed, slow, and fluid, like a slow- motion dance. Some Qi Gong methods exercise specific systems or parts of the body, such as the nervous system, endocrine system, heart and kidneys. Taiji Quan is a whole body, whole mind exercise. It treats health systemically, restoring the body to its original “program”, uncorrupted by stress, pollution, and disease. Qi Gong movement based techniques like Self – Healing in the Level One Series, tap into this wisdom.
Benefits of Qi Gong
Qi Gong has been used extensively in China as part of traditional Chinese medicine and is included in the curriculum of Chinese Universities. Throughout the world Qi Gong is now recognized as a form of complementary and alternative medicine, with positive effects on diverse ailments.
These include:
- cardiovascular benefits such as a lower resting heart rate, improved blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels
- respiratory benefits such as a slower rate of breathing, and improvements in asthma and bronchitis
- a stronger immune system
- improved circulation and microcirculation
- improved blood flow to the brain
- lower incidence of stroke
- improved posture, balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility
- significant reduction in chronic pain
- decrease in stress levels and anxiety
- improvements in memory
- improved kidney function
- higher bone density
- destroys free radicals in the body
- improves digestion
- improves vision and hearing
Finding the technique for your current needs
Literally thousands of styles of Qi Gong exist – it is a matter of the student finding the appropriate teacher who can lead the student through the required approach. While there are many styles & levels all are based on similar principles: a relaxed, grounded posture; a straight, supple spine; breathing from the diaphragm; fluid movement without excess effort; and tranquil awareness.
An aim of Qi Gong is to obtain an understanding of one’s mind and body and the link between the two. Through both movement and sitting Qi Gong there is a focus on creating emptiness and stillness, allowing one to drop life’s stresses, clean out the unnecessary emotional belongings and attachments. This in turn can strengthen the inner peace required to help deal with daily stress and heal mental and physical sickness. Three levels exist to take students from beginners to Mastership. Level One consists of two moving techniques that address multiple systems of the body such as endocrine system, nervous system and major organs of the body and seven sitting techniques. The sitting techniques are taught one on one.
Level One Movement Techniques:
Self – Healing
A two – day work shop where the full 5 steps of the technique are taught. This technique transforms poor to average health into vibrant and robust wellness.
February 2nd & 3rd 2019
Qi Gong DAI
October 5th & 6th OR November 2nd & 3rd