Qigong

Qigong(Chi Kung) is a powerful system of healing and energy work originated from China. 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, or working with Qi.

Qigong is the art and science of using breathing techniques, meditation, postures, gentle movements, vocalization and visualizations to cleanse, refine, strengthen, and circulate the life energy (Qi). Qigong practice leads to improved health and vitality, increased awareness of bodily functions, tranquil state of mind, and transformation of consciousness. The four main types of Qigong societies are Medical, Daoist, Buddhist, and Martial Arts.

Why learn Qigong ? Who should take this class?

• Suitable for men and women, young and old, and for all fitness levels
• Qigong increases the supply and flow of energy throughout the body. It is effective for strengthening and harmonizing the functioning of all the internal organs and bodily systems.
• Good for preventing illness and disabilities that come with age, improving immune function, increasing vitality, and enhancing overall health.
• An ideal aid to recovery from illness or injury and works well with other forms of therapy. 
• Qigong training improves self-awareness and concentration,  induces calm mental and emotional states, and opens us to higher states of consciousness. It is a way to attain Great Wisdom, and to realize the true nature of human existence and its relation with the cosmos.

Qigong Class Structure

Qigong classes are generally taught over 4 month periods. Students are asked to commit to regular training over these periods, avoiding missing class as best as they can. Drop-in availability is limited to certain Qigong styles. 

What will I learn?

• Qigong training in our school includes the following:
• Medical Qigong for health (Baojian Qigong or Yiliao Qigong) where we will introduce a variety of techniques including but not limited to: “Fang Song Gong” for deep relaxation,  “Guan Qi Fa” which works on absorbing the pure essence of the universe into the body and discharging all the impurities from the body, and “Jin Gang Pai Da” (Vajra Sattava Hitting) which promotes the circulation of Qi in the major meridian channels of the body. We introduce Organ Qigong which strengthens the functions of the internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, and heart. We also include “Jian Shen Qi Gong” such as “Yi Jin Jing”(Muscle Tendon Changing Classic) for strengthening the muscles and tendons, Wu Qin Xi (Frolics of Five Animals) which derives its health rejuvenating properties from mimicking the movements of the Tiger, Deer, Bear, Monkey, and Bird. “Ba Duan Jin” (Eight Pieces of Brocade), “Liu Zi Jue’ ( Six Healing Sounds), and many others. We also instruct Emitting and Absorbing Qigong – Shaolin internal Qi training as to how to absorb Qi to make oneself stronger, how to emit Qi to help others.
• Daoist Qigong System – we have a system of methods which discuss both the longevity training and the higher spiritual purposes of the training; how to elevate from the level of Qi cultivation to light cultivation and to spirit cultivation. 
  • • The Daoist Qigong Cultivation Class mainly revolves around the Cultivation of Traditional Internal Elixir（内丹) and the Balanced Cultivation of Body, Mind and Spirit (性命双修). The class begins with an introduction of several breathing techniques with a goal of building and strengthening Qi in the Dantian and to prepare one for Cosmic Circulation（周天循环 ). Cosmic Circulation includes methods such as Microcosmic Circulation(小周天循環), Macrocosmic Circulation(大周天循環), Eight Extraordinary Vessel Circulation(意領氣行奇經八脈), Sunrise and Sunset Circulation(卯酉周天功法), etc.
    • Then it moves to the “ Cultivation of Spirit” (性功修炼）which includes methods such as “Golden Light”(金光法）“Collect Spirit Light Method”(聚靈法),  “Initiating the Spirit”( 啟靈法), “Gather Together the Five Elements”（攒簇五行), “Harmonizing Four Phases”（合和四象） “Regulating the Spirit Light”(調鍊靈光法),  “Nurturing the Original Spirit”(陪練元神法） “Letting Out the Original Spirit”(出神法), “Returning of the Original Spirit”, etc.
    • “Cultivation of the Physical Body” (命功修煉) that are introduced in class including methods such as “Reflect Back of the Spirit on Dantian”(丹田返照), “Embryonic Breathing”(胎息法), “Gathering Herbs”(採藥法),  “Cultivate the Dharma Wheel”(法輪修持), etc. These are methods that aim to train oneself moving out of the form and into the formless（出有入無). 
    • The fore-mentioned methods are merely a small part of of the essence of “Daoist Qigong Cultivation” which has had a history of thousands of years, and they serve to help one obtain Pre-Heaven Essence, strengthen the body, maintain health, regain youth and ultimately build a strong foundation for yet higher level cultivations.
• Buddhist Qigong System – we have a system of training that consists mostly of traditional methods such as Nine Segment Buddhist Breathing(九節佛風), Precious Vessel Qigong(寶瓶氣), Achieving Through Spiritual Flame(靈熱成就法), and The Nine Esoteric Seals(九指密令)
• Note: for both Daoist and Buddhist Qigong, we are not referring to religions. Many Chinese follow the philosophy of Buddhism and Daoism as a part of their culture and way of life, not necessarily as a religion.
• Wushu Qigong – traditional martial arts have always included Qigong as part of the internal energy training. This special type of Qigong is not just for fighting. It is also for strengthening the mind and body. A healthy mind and body are the foundation for any average individual especially for proficient martial artists, and athletes. We offer classes for Hard Qigong training for improving one’s combat applications and Iron Shirt Qigong training to strengthen and develop one’s physical ability to withstand powerful attacks.

Notes/Precautions

• Daoist and Buddhist Qigong do not refer to religion. Many Chinese follow the philosophy of Buddhism and Daoism as a part of their culture and way of life, though not necessarily as a religion.
• Qigong can be used as a form of complementary medicine. It works well with other forms of therapy and should never be used as a substitute for necessary treatment by a physician.
• For people who have any serious health issues, always consult with a physician and a SYL instructor before participating in class.
• Wear comfortable exercise clothes. Jeans and clothing that restrict movement are not recommended. Wear light and comfortable exercise shoes.