Qigong | Meditation | Yiquan | Tai Chi | Yoga | Body Mind Therapies
Qigong
Qi or “chi” means energy and “gong” refers to any skill which is highly developed through dedicated practice. Qigong is a method of building, balancing, and refining your energy and awareness. There are thousands of forms of Qigong which may focus on health, martial power, inner alchemy, spirituality and ethical development or can be a synthesis of these. Qigong often includes still meditation and self-massage/acupressure as well.
Qigong exercises are generally performed with relaxation and focus. These meditative movements gently stretch and open the body and meridian system to promote a balanced flow of qi. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, qi and blood are said to be inextricably connected. Scientific studies in China have shown that Qigong can catalyze increased blood flow right down to the capillary level. Practitioners know that consistent Qigong practice can build abundant and harmonious energy which fortifies one from daily stressors and develops a deep sense of centeredness.
Qigong Resources and Videos
Qigong warm up and 8 pieces of the Brocade Qigong:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ9qM6G6l6g
(the knee exercises require supervision to perform properly and may be contraindicated for some).
A quick and simple style of Qigong: http://youtu.be/3zL4DyguWAk
Books on Qigong:
- Heal Yourself with Qigong: Gentle Practices to Increase Energy, Restore Health, and Relax the Mind – by Suzanne Friedman LaC
- Restoring Your Life Energy by Waysun Liao
- The Master Key by Robert Peng
Qigong websites:
http://nqa.org/
http://www.qi-journal.com/index.asp
Qigong Meditations: http://www.neiyanggong.us/jing-gong.html
Comprehensive site about Traditional Chinese Medicine: http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/front/index.html
Acupuncture/Acupressure points: http://www.yinyanghouse.com/ Locations, uses and charts
Yiquan
Yiquan is a powerful Martial Art which is based on health building standing meditations known as Zhan Zhuang (pole standing). The approach in Yiquan is different than most qigong forms. The cultivation of energy is more of a side effect (added bonus) of practice. A primary aim is the expansion and realization of Awareness creating the integration of body and mind with deeper levels of intention. These skills can be used in martial arts or other life pursuits. Yiquan can reveal how to be natural in an unatural world, how to stop fighting yourself on all levels and how to liberate your intrinsic power and talent Numerous scientific studies in China attest to Yiquan’s amazing health building abilities without creating any negative side effects. This research started in the 1950’s and contributed to the widespread acceptance and practice of Qigong in China.
Yiquan Videos
Zhan zhuang or Standing Meditations. A step-by-step method of exercising by standing still, in poses which burn fat and tone muscles without strenuous exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y07FauHYlmg&t=2s
Tai Chi or Taijiquan
Scientifically verified benefits:
- Lower blood pressure
- Strengthen immune system
- Better balance
- Reduces stress and tension
- Body mind harmony
- Increased awareness
- Increased circulation of blood and qi
- Increased brain size (grey matter)
Taijiquan is an excellent mind body exercise, integrating internal kung fu, meditative awareness, Taoist philosophy, and the physics of effortless movement.
Key Concepts
Tai Chi Resources and Videos
The Qi Journal site has information on Taijiquan, TCM, Qigong and related topics. All about Tai Chi : http://www.qigonginstitute.org/html/taichihealth.php
Article on Tai chi and Meditation helping insomnia:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-michael-j-breus/mindbody-therapies-to-eas_b_6115592.html
Study shows Tai chi chuan increases brain size:
http://www.prevention.com/health/brain-games/health-benefits-tai-chi
Tai chi is good for fibromyalgia too
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/health/19taichi.html?_r=0
Book Recommendations:
Simple book on the 24 Tai Chi form with drawings of each movement:
Beginning T’ai chi by Tri Thong Dang
Very detailed book on the 24 Yang form: The Yang Taiji 24 Step Short Form by James Drewe
Book on the Yang long form: Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan by Fu Zhongwen
Taiji Videos
Very good instructional video on Yang Taijiquan Simplified 24 Short Form in sequence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tetf79WQta4&list=PLCB98FB48CFE9D3C9
- Yang 24 Taijiquan (rear/side view)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X16NbG0pM0
- 24 Tai chi with the english name of each movement performed by a Chinese Taijiquan champion (“the Lady in Pink”). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua-M7js0F0g
- Yiquan Master, Dr. James Kan, Yang style Taijiquan 24 Form. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Ydt8dqrdQ
Yang 24 Short form Videos (DVD) https://usa.taichiproductions.com/the-24-forms-new
Breathing Exercises
The Healing Power of the Breath: Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Enhance Concentration, and Balance by Richard P. Brown and Patricia L. Gerbarg
http://www.breath-body-mind.com/
Deep Relaxation
https://www.irest.us/
Richard Miller, PhD
Meditation
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858
Free Guided Meditations:
http://www.calm.com/