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 and Buddhist 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. 
    • （道佛）气功养身及修炼    
    • —、介绍
    • SYL Wushu Taichi Qigong Institute  
    • 根据葛洪的养生思想和编排
    • Ge Hong’s Thoughts on Health
    • （葛洪，东晋著名的道家修炼者，著有《抱朴子》一书，确立了以金丹道为中心的神仙理论系统
    • Ge Hong, a famous Taoist practitioner in the Eastern Jin Dynasty(317–420 AD) of China, authored the book “Baopuzi”, which established the “immortal” theoretical system centered on the practice of “Golden Elixir“）
    • 1、不伤不损，虚心静虑——凡事中庸不能过
    • Do no harm, do no damage, maintain a tranquil and contemplative mind. In all things, avoid extremes.
    • 例如 For example
    • 养生之方，唾不及远，耳不极听，目不久视，
    • The way to nurture one’s health is to not spit too far, not excessively strain your ears to listen, and not gaze for too long.
    • 座不至久    卧不及疲，
    • Do not sit for too long, do not lie down until exhausted
    • 先寒而衣，先热而解，
    • Get dressed immediately if you feel cold, or untie your clothes if you feel hot
    • 不欲极饥而食，食不过飽，
    • Do not wait until you’re too hungry to eat, and do not overeat 
    • 凡食过则结积聚，饮过则成痰癖。
    • Excessive eating leads to indigestion, and excessive drinking leads to phlegm disorders.
    • 不欲极渴而饮，饮不过多。
    • Do not wait to drink until you are extremely thirsty, and do not drink excessively. 
    • 不欲甚劳甚逸，不欲起晚，
    • Avoid excessive exertion or extreme idleness, avoid sleeping in
    • 不欲汗流，不欲多睡，
    • Prevent excessive sweating, and avoid sleeping too much,
    • 不欲多啖生冷，不欲饮酒当风，
    • Do not consume excessive cold or raw foods, and do not drink alcohol in the wind,
    • 冬不欲极温，夏不欲穷凉， 
    • In winter, avoid extreme cold, and in summer, avoid extreme heat
    • 不露卧星下，不眠中见肩背， 
    • Do not lie naked outdoors under the stars, and do not expose your shoulders and back during sleep
    • 大寒大热，大风大雾，皆不欲冒之。
    • Avoid extreme cold, extreme heat, strong winds, and heavy fog
    • 2、辟谷食气法
    • Fasting and Absorbing Qi Method.      
    • 心情平和安静，戒躁；少食鲜肥之物；少食生菜，否则浊气强难闭
    •      气长久。不能发怒而使气乱。
    • Maintain a calm and tranquil state of mind, avoid impatience, consume less rich and raw foods, particularly limiting raw vegetables to prevent the accumulation of stagnant qi. Avoid anger to maintain harmonious and steady energy flow.
    • 欲得长生，肠中当清
    • 欲得长寿，肠中无垢.
    • 欲得不死，肠中无滓
    • To attain longevity, one’s intestines should be clear.
    • To achieve a long life, one’s intestines should be pure.
    • To seek immortality, one’s intestines should be free from impurities.
    • 辟谷可治病，养生，延寿，避 荒，升华修炼层次
    • 自然辟谷也是修炼中的自然过程，通过辟谷可以达到升华修炼层次之目的。
    • Fasting can be used to treat illnesses, promote health, extend life, avoid famine, and elevate one’s level of cultivation. 
    • Natural fasting is also a natural process of cultivation, and through fasting, one can achieve the goal of elevating their level of cultivation.
    • 古语说：
    • 食草者善走而愚
    • 食肉者多力而悍
    • 食谷者智而不寿，
    • 食气者神明不死。
    • Ancient wisdom says:
    • Those who eat grass move swiftly but are simple-minded.
    • Those who eat meat are strong and fierce.
    • Those who eat grains are wise but not long-lived.
    • Those who consume Qi(energy) are enlightened and immortal
    • 3、导引吐纳法
    • The method of using mind to guide body movements and breathing to help the movement of Qi
    • 导引就是用意引导人体的动作，吐纳就是人体的呼吸行气。
    • 古人认为＂导引可疗未患之疾，通不和之气，动之则百关气畅，
    • 是养身之大律，祛疾之玄术＂。
    • 著名的导引术如中国的健身气功：五禽戏，易筋經，八段锦等等健身气功
    • 以及一些内家拳术：太极，形意，八卦，六合八法，无极拳等内家拳术，既是武功，也是导引延年之术。
    • DaoYing (导引）—Guiding, is to deliberately guide the body’s movements．
    • ToNa(吐纳）Breathing, is the use of human breathing to help the movement of Qi (internal energy) circulation
    • Ancient people believed that Dao Ying can prevent illnesses, harmonize dissonant energy, and when practiced, ensures smooth flow of vital energy through the body’s hundred joints. It is a great principle for nurturing health and a profound art for dispelling ailments.
    • Prominent Dao Ying techniques include Chinese fitness qigong exercises like the Five Animal Frolics, Yijinjing, Eight Pieces of Brocade, and various internal martial arts such as Tai Chi, Xingyi, Bagua, Liuhebafa, and Wuji Quan. These internal martial arts not only serve as combat skills but also as practices for helth and prolonging life.
    • 4、宝精行气法
    • The method of treasuring Essence and cultivating Qi          
    • 1）、宝精行气  
    • 人有三宝精气神，精是先天之精华，必须珍贵和保护，而气在体内的正常循环人才会百病不生。所以如想健康长寿必须宝精行气也
    • In humans, there are three treasures: Essence, Qi/energy, and Spirit. Essence is the quintessence of innate vitality, requiring careful preservation. Normal circulation of Qi/energy within the body ensures freedom from a hundred illnesses. Therefore, to achieve health and longevity, it is essential to treasure Essence and cultivate Qi/energy.
    • 2)、房中术
    • Joining Energy or Joining of the Essences 
    • Taoist sexual practices encompass the methods through which Taoists engage in sexual activity, often referred to as “Joining Energy” or “The Joining of the Essences.” Adherents hold the belief that engaging in these sexual arts contributes to maintaining good health, achieving longevity, and fostering spiritual advancement.
    • 南朝时候，著名气功医学家陶弘景（456–536 AD）著书名《真诰》中一再说明男女合气、中黄之道只是中下等修行法，所成的仙也只是穢浊之仙，並非高层次的仙。后來这种男女双修之法是不为正统道派所重视的。
    • During the Southern Dynasties period, the renowned Qigong and medical expert Tao Hongjing (456–536 AD) emphasized in his book “True Records” that the practice of dual cultivation for men and women and following the Dao of the Yellow Court represents only a middle-to-lower level of spiritual practice. The achieved immortality through such methods is considered impure immortality, not reaching the higher level of spiritual attainment. Later on, this practice of dual cultivation was not valued by orthodox Daoist traditions.
    • 5、行气胎息法——真息
    •     Embryonic Breathing —True Breathing 
    • 伏气胎息。–由后天进入先天，由后天呼吸进入先天呼吸，名为胎息，又称伏气，这时息念凝神下照丹田，使神炁合一，这叫守窍，才能达到止念，住息，和停脉的真正胎息。
    • 在＂命功＂中，首先需介绍胎息之法
    • Conceal the breath to cultivate Embryonic Breathing.Entering the innate from the acquired, transitioning from acquired breathing to innate breathing is called embryonic breath, also known as concealing the breath. During this practice, focus your attention on the lower abdomen, allowing the thoughts to settle, breath and mind gathers the spirit to illuminate Dantian and the spirit and Qi are United. This is referred to as guarding the gates. Only by achieving thought cessation, breath retention, and true cessation of pulses can one attain genuine embryonic breath.
    •    胎息经
    • Embryonic Breathing Sutra
    • 胎从伏气中结，气从有胎中息，
    • The fetus forms from the hidden vital energy, and energy rests within the presence of the fetus. 
    • 气入身来谓之生，神气离形谓之死，
    • When energy enters the body, it is called life; when spiritual energy leaves the form, it is called death. 
    • 知神气可以长生，固守虚无以养神气，
    • Knowing that spiritual energy can lead to longevity, one should firmly hold onto emptiness to nourish spiritual energy. 
    • 神行则气行，神往则气住，
    • When the spirit moves, energy moves; when the spirit goes, energy stays. 
    • 如欲长生，神气相住，
    • To achieve longevity, let the spirit and energy dwell together. 
    • 心不动念，无来无去，不出不入，自然常住
    • Keep the mind still, without comings and goings, without exits and entrances, naturally abiding.
    • 勤而行之，是真道路。
    • Diligently practice this, and it is the true path. 
    • 神气相注，就是性命双修
    • When spiritual and vital energies merge, it is the cultivation of life. 
    • 仙人冲虚子说：人之生死大关，只一气也。圣凡之分，只一伏气也。The Immortal Chongxu Zi says: The pivotal point between life and death lies solely in the breath. The distinction between sages and ordinary beings is solely in the hidden vital energy.
    • 炼气的时间必须生时：11—1 am 到11—1 pm 是生气之时
    •              从日中到半夜为死气之时，行气无益。
    • The time for refining Qi must be:子时（ 11-1am）午时（11-1pm）
    • 6、金丹仙药及其它修炼方法   
    • Golden Elixir and other cultivation methods 
    • 炼丹是道家修炼重要的组成部分，有外丹和内丹之分。丹就是药，金丹就是仙药，炼丹有多种如玉液还丹，金液还丹，大还丹等，方法也有多种多样，但原则相同，
    • 如：神气合一功法、神入炁穴、勾引胎息、採外药、採内药、玉液还丹、法轮修持等
    • Alchemy is an essential part of Taoist cultivation, consisting of external elixirs and internal elixirs. “丹” refers to medicine, and “金丹” is an elixir of immortality. There are various methods, such as Refining Elixirs Like Jade Liquid Elixir, Golden Liquid Elixir, and Grand Elixir. Though the methods vary, the principles remain the same, including practices like Unifying Spirit and Qi/Energy, Guiding Prenatal Breath, External and Internal Medication, Refining Elixirs, and Cultivating Dao Through the Dharma Wheel.
    • 二、修炼课程 Introduction of Cultivating Courses
    • 根据每班学生对功法的接受能力，在以下的功法中选择性介绍
    • Based on each class’s students’ receptivity to cultivation techniques, selectively introduce the following techniques.
    • A、強精法—Strengthen Essence Technique…..Strong Dantian Qi
    • 热身基本功法 Basic warm-up exercises 
    • 1、金刚拍打法（舒通經络自我拍打法。Self-tapping method for smoothing meridians)
    • 2、百会贯气法。Qi Permeating Method
    • 周天功 Cosmic Circulation
    • 1.周天基本功-Fundamentals of Qi Circulation
    • 2.小周天—Microcosmic Circulation
    • 3.大周天—Macrocosmic Circulation
    • 4.奇經八脈周天一Eight Extraordinary Vessel Circulation
    • 5.卯酉周天功—Sunrise and Sunset Circulation
    • B、保護身心法 Protection of Spirit and Body 
    • 1.金光法—The Golden Light Method
    • 2.披甲护身法—Armor Protection
    • 3.睡夢防魔護身法一Sleep and Dream Defense, a method to guard the body against malevolent forces.
    • 4.念力開發••九字密令一The Nine Esoteric Seals
    • C、增強灵炁能量 Increase Energy of Spiritual Oi
    • 1.聚炼五脏之光气 Gather and Refine the Luminous Energy of the Five Organs
    • 2.每日不漏荷花功 -Lotus Cultivation to Prevent Leakage
    • 3.寶瓶氣一Precious Vessel Qi
    • 4.九節佛風-Nine Segment Buddhist Breathing
    • 5.聚灵法—The Method of Gathering Spirits
    • 6.灵热成就法—Achieving Through Spiritual Flame
    • 7.北斗七星燈修炼法—Seven Star Cultivation 
    • D、性命双修— Cultivation of Both Spirit and Physical Body
    • a、（性功）內煉元神 (Inner Cultivation of the Original Spirit)
    • 1、啟動灵力法 (Initiating the Spirit)
    • 2、調煉灵光法 (Regulating the Spirit Light)
    • 3、灵動修持法 (八脉修持法）–Spontaneous Spirit Movement –Eight Vessels Cultivation
    • 4、培育元神 (Nurturing the Spirit)
    • 5、出神法 (Letting Out the Spirit)
    • 6、出神后的各种真言及元神七返的真言 Various mantras chanted after letting out the Spirit and mantra for the seven returns of the Originak Spirit
    • b、（命功）修命功法及口訣
    • Methods and mantras for physical life cultivation 1、 Reflect back on Dantian  (神蛰氣海、丹田返照)
    • 2. Embryonic breathing (胎息训练)
    • 3. Women’s cultivation practice method (女丹功)
    • 4. Take elixir (採药法)
    • 5. Small elixir passing through a gateway, refine the elixir with jade liquid. (小药过关，玉液还丹)
    • 6、Cultivation of the wheel of dharma （法轮周天）
    • （玉神成就—Jade Spirit Achievements）
    • E、六成就法
    • Six Achieving Methods of Tibetan Buddhism Training
    • 1.灵熱成就法 Achieving Through Spiritual Flame (Lingre chengjiufa)
    • 2.幻观成就法 Achieving Through Visualization,
    • 3.梦观成就法 Achieving Through Dream
    • 4.淨观成就法 Achieving Through Pure Light,
    • 5.中陰成就法 Achieving Through Middle Yin
    • 6.轉識成就法 Achieving through Reverse View.
    • F、修持身外身（阳神），大丹（金丹）成就及其它
    • Cultivate another spirit body outside of the physical body,  and  other secret methods, etc.
    • 1、乾坤日月神功一Heaven Earth Sun Moon Qigong
    • 2、心光修持法一Cultivation of Heart Light
    • 3、阳神修持法-Five Internal Organs Yang SpiritCultivation Method
    • 4、药师佛琉璃光飞照功-Medicine Buddha Liuliguang Feizhao Qigong
    • 5、大圆满心髓 The Great Perfection —The Heart Essence ( Dayuanman Xinsui
    • 6、大丹成就 Great Elixir’s Formula for Complete Perfection 
    • （圣神成就 Holy Spirit Achievements)
  • 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.