Qigong
Mastering life energy through practice.
Qi Gong is a collective name for all exercises in which one works with the life energy (Qi). Qi is a broad concept and in the general sense it covers all the different manifestations of energy. Physical (Jing), Energetic (Qi) and Spirit (Shen). These are the 3 treasures (San Bao)
Qi Gong gives you a tool to work with these 3 manifestations and bring them into harmony.
You could say that sport mainly improves the physical body.
While Qi Gong refines the physical, the energetic and the mind.
A more holistic approach.
Health
What is Health?
Scientifically, if nothing abnormal can be observed. Then you are declared healthy.
The benefits that Qi Gong offers according to science are therefore all things that can be measured.
Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Neuroelectrophysiological and Psychological.
The Psychological benefits of Qi gong have received extra attention in recent years and I predict that this will only increase.
Qi Gong is one of the 5 pillars of Chinese medicine in addition to acupuncture, Tuina (massage), herbalism and nutrition.
According to Chinese medicine, the body consists of meridians (channels) through which Qi (energy) flows.
These meridians connect all functions of the human body.
So if this energy flows well, everything works well, strength in the limbs, warmth in the extremities, balanced emotions, a clear mind, vital feeling, ...
External pathogenic factors, malnutrition, extreme and/or persistent emotions or other lifestyle related issues
can cause this Qi to become deficient or excessive and even stagnant. Pain, cold, poor digestion, fatigue, frustration, shallow breathing, not feeling well, ... These are direct symptoms of a disturbed Qi.
Qi is the connection between the Jing (physical body) and the Shen (mind) so problems with Qi will eventually cause problems on the other levels as well.
Problems with Qi can manifest at the Jing level into "Blood stasis", oedema, wear and tear on joints and bones, ...
Everything that grows obnoxious or dies prematurely.
At the Shen level, this manifests as problems with the mind, depression, manic behavior, lack of willpower,…
Anything that is too much or too little for a well-functioning clear mind.
These 3 levels are inseparable and they constantly influence each other.
Disease can come from any level and can form at any level.
So if you want to be/stay healthy, it is best to opt for a comprehensive approach.
Other reasons
Some other reasons why someone does Qi Gong:
- As support for martial art.
Learning to use internal strength gives you an advantage over your opponent,
but it also makes your training more complete and your form deeper.
- Improving Performance.
Optimizing Jing, Qi, Shen puts you in top form on several levels, but the harmony of the 3 takes you to a whole new level.
- Spiritual
Man comes into the world from the subtle (Shen), which condenses into energy (Qi) which in turn forms the body.
When we die this happens in the opposite direction.
Getting to know these states and working with them teaches you a lot about yourself and the nature of things.
- Other
Healing people works better when your energy is right.
Creating art from a more open place.
...
Everyone has their reasons.
What are yours?
How?
How do you do Qi gong?
Because Qi gong has such a wide meaning, there are also many different methods.
Perhaps you have already seen some quiet meditative movements,
but have you also heard of "the 6 healing sounds"?
Or the microcosmic orbit, where the Qi is guided around the body (while sitting or standing).
Although these methods seem as different as night and day, they also have something in common.
...
Jing Qi Shen
A 3-part practice, consisting of a physical aspect, an energetic aspect and a meditative aspect.
- The physical aspect can be a movement that opens the body, but can also be a good sitting posture.
It is important that the posture remains open so that the Qi can flow properly, you will have to remain attentive for this.
Searching for the perfect balance between tension and relaxation.
- The energetic aspect, breathing is the link between our physical body and our consciousness.
The way we breathe can make us excited or relaxed. Control over the breathing, while still allowing this breathing to be relaxed. Deep, still, steady, full, are some of the qualities of good breathing.
Your physical posture directly influences your breathing (ex. opening the chest helps to inhale).
The mind directs everything in the right direction.
With the 6 healing sounds you work with sound, so breathing becomes vibration, energy.
This energy can be of low or high frequency. Then you use this vibration to heal what is out of balance, for example the organs that all have their own frequency. This too happens within the structure of a good attitude and a meditative mind.
- The meditative aspect, In meditation we have to find the balance between focus and forgetting, over-fixation and nonchalance.
The idea is simple, the practice is much more difficult. There are also certain methods here.
For example, some say that you should lead the Qi with your mind (eg Microcosmic orbit), others say that you better keep your mind relaxed and trust in the intelligence of the body.
They are probably both right.
The most important thing is that you are present,
aware of what is happening and adjust where necessary,
In combination with the physical and breathing,
the mind becomes calm and clear.
So that it can control better.
Everything is connected, everything is one.
With us
Ba Duan Jin (8 silk brocade) and Wu Xing (5 elements) are the 2 Qi Gong forms we practice at Xiangyun.
Because they are part of the extensive San-Feng-Pai system, these are strongly influenced by the local Taiji and Kungfu. This is reflected in the use of kung fu stances, low postures and movements from Taiji. These forms are usually taught early on as they help develop the practitioner's strength and flexibility. By using the different stances, a first practical experience is gained and the reflective aspect of Qi Gong helps to further refine the postures before they are used.
Character development is important for any serious practitioner, for this the meditative mindset is taught "playfully".
We opt for a very "down to earth" approach. We always start from the physical, the most tangible. A solid foundation is being laid where we can ensure that the movements are performed correctly and that the right postures are adopted.
Then we go to the thinner spheres. Examination of breathing, qualities are learned and the power of breathing is experienced. Once the attention is paid to the movements and to the breathing, the mind follows automatically. A deep satisfied rest is experienced and there is clarity.
Medically, the general health benefits of these forms are the same as those of other Qi gong forms. Ba Duan Jin uses a lot of twisting movements of the back, so it works well for back problems or for improving posture.
Wu Xing helps to harmonize the 5 elements in your body, a concept from Chinese medicine. Everything in your body belongs to a certain element, by opening a specific area the Qi flow is stimulated and problems solved.
