Qigong
Qi means "breath", not the physical act of breathing, but the concept of "breathing life into something". Qi is the essence (energy) of life. It is electromagnetic with a positive & negative flow of energy that can be measured but not seen. But it can be felt! Qi is always there, it never dies (only transforms). It is everything that we see, hear, touch, feel or detect with our senses.
The Chinese have many names for the many aspects of Qi.
- Ren Qi - Qi within humans
- Yuan Qi - Qi that we are born with, that is stored in us
- Jen Qi - Qi that we obtain from our environment
- Shen Qi - Qi that sustains our spiritual & intellectual mind and gives us Wisdom, Compassion, Love and Empathy
These are aspects of the SAME QI. There is only ONE QI.
Qi governs everthing in life
- emotions
- nature
- thoughts
- relationships
- health
The Tao (the way) of Qi is transformation, Qi never dies. One pattern of Qi is transformed into another. The Tao of Qi is to ebb and flow. There are 12 sets of channels (meridians) and 2 governing channels that the Qi flows through. Each set is named for an organ of the body that governs it. As the Qi flows through each organs' meridian, it transforms and takes on the nature of that particular organ. These transformations give the Qi an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual manifestation. Qi flows steadily through each of these meridians, from one to another in an order. Illness and or pain can arise when this ebb & flow is blocked and not in balance.
How Qigong can help
Qigong - gong means to work, to work with Qi. Specifically an activity that will enhance the quality and flow of Qi 'to improve health'. Qigong is self-healing. It is about our mind/body/spirit bond, and your own PRIVATE MOMENTS WITH YOURSELF that give you awareness.
As you work with Qi you become more aware of its effects.
- you become more focused
- you have a higher energy level
- you are more vibrant and alive
- you learn to carry these effects with you throughout all of your activites
- you are connected to yourself, your surroundings, and other people in a positive way
Qigong works on the development of the internal power of the body through the removal of all stress and tension, this develops 'internal health'. There is a difference between doing a physical exercise and 'practicing' a Qigong form. Physical exercise involves using muscles to perform an activity which creates energy by burning calories. Often, not always, people are not completely focused on the activity (like watching TV or reading while working out). They are not fully engaged, this often leads to fatigue, pain, and exhaustion. In practicing a Qigong form there is INTENT and MINDFULNESS which brings about mind/body/spirit connection. In Qigong, all muscular stress within the body IS RELEASED! One only uses the muscles necessary to perform the activity, while releasing those not being used. This equals a quality of letting go.
There are many styles of Qigong each with a particular emphasis and purpose. Some styles involve movement, others are purely moving the Qi with the mind. I practice and teach-
Wisdom Qigong - Dr. Lui Dong states, "its function is to develop wisdom and bring out human potential. Bringing the mind-heart to tranquility by cleansing the five organs and waking up their spirits & recover their full functions." This form is effective in healing
- mental nervousness
- forgetfulness
- fatigue
- irritation
- anxiety
- allergies
- immune dificiencies
Walking Qigong - this form was developed to help heal cancer. It is based in the Five Animal Frolic that releases emotions in the lungs, clears the heart, clears the spleen, tonifies the kidney energy, and softens the liver. There has been much research in China on this form. It has a positve effect on breast cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and leukemia. It is good for general health as well. This form is powerful and wonderful for most anyone to do, it is based in strengthening our immunity, it will oxygenate all of our cells which leads to health.
Qigong Meditations - sitting forms that have various techniques for balancing body, mind, spirit. Letting go of daily worries enables us to open our heart and spirit centers to our Universal Qi. In Chinese medicine terms Qigong & meditation will transform the human Qi(Ren Qi)to the more refined spirit Qi (Shen Qi). This brings self-assurance to the forefront of you life and helps you manifest your potential. Morning time is good to set INTENTION for your day and evening practice is to RELEASE,REVITALIZE, & NOURISH your system.
I offer private classes for Qigong and meditation. You may do it by itself or combine it with a massage session. Price $125 for eight 1/2 hour classes or four 1 hour classes.
Serving Portland, Hillsboro, Cedar Hills, Cedar Mills, Aloha, Beaverton, Tigard, West Linn, Lake Oswego