Recently, there has been a lot of media coverage on the ancient health practice known as Qigong (Chee, Gung) and for this, I am truly grateful. However, as someone who has literally dedicated thousands of hours training and practicing this powerful art, I want to make sure that people are clear in their understanding of what Qigong is all about. Currently on Dr. Oz’s realage.com website, there is a Qigong workout that people can put into practice. There are a great number of Qigong systems and the one presented is a Dao Yin training method. The link is:  http://www.realage.com/StayingYoung/YOUToolsTips.aspx?tip=19

On the page is a statement that says: “The most important goal of chi-gong is to learn how to breathe correctly -- which involves breathing from the tan tien -- a point 2 inches below the navel.” This is not accurate and needs to be clarified so Qigong doesn’t become an energetically empty system similar to what has occurred with many Yoga practices. Qigong is primarily the science of bioelectricity generation, accumulation and circulation within the human body. The practice is entirely based on ENERGY control and manipulation both inside and outside the human body regardless of the particular system or method being trained. The breath is a means to connect to the internal energy (Nei Chi) as well as the external energy (Wei Chi). In fact, there are thousands of Qigong systems that don’t emphasize breathing or focusing on the tan tien at all. The most important element of all Qigong systems is to first gain awareness of Chi itself. Once you have acquired this awareness, you begin to use it in a variety of movements, postures, meditations or exercises, while trying to stay connected to the energy at all times. Chi is not something that you visualize or imagine it is something that you actually feel inside and outside of the human body.

The concept of using visualization or imagination is another common misunderstanding of the Chinese character “Yi”, which means, “mind intent.” If you hold your hand out and imagine that your fingers are wiggling, they don’t wiggle. You have to actually use intent to cause them to move. Similarly, you have to train your mind or intent to accumulate and manipulate the life force energy known as chi, which will lead to an actual physical tactile awareness of this powerful healing energy. 

Here is a simple meditative Qigong you can do right now.  Find a private area where you will not be disturbed for a few moments. Sit or stand in a comfortable position with your back straight and upright. If you stand, your knees should be slightly bent. Turn off any lights and close your eyes and relax. Take in several deep full belly breaths. As you inhale, mentally make the “Mmmmm” sound as if you were enjoying something really delicious exhale with a soothing “Ahhh” sound. This should be a relaxing feeling, like taking a warm shower. Repeat until you feel very calm and relaxed. Now, inhale slowly through your nose and “FEEL” yourself glowing brighter and brighter, like a light bulb on a dimmer switch slowly being turned brighter. Hold your breath in for a moment pausing as you continue to amplify the brightness of your glowing radiance. Exhale and repeat. Inhale again and feel like you are illuminating the entire room with intense bright light. On the next inhale continue to expand your glowing radiance so that it penetrates the walls and mentally repeat: “The unlimited energy of the universe is flowing within me, I can feel it.” Repeat this several times along with the alternating thoughts: “More and Thank You!” After you have done this for several minutes, open your eyes and point your palms at one another and try to feel the space between them. You may feel tingling, sensations of heat or cold a magnetic repelling or attracting force or combinations of these feelings. This is Chi and it can be used for health, martial arts, and enlightenment or for the energetic healing of others.

For those interested in learning more about Qigong, please contact me. To achieve the benefits of Qigong training, one must be committed to regular practice. Benefits come much quicker with group practice, which is one of the major advantages of Qigong classes. I also have a home study course: Authentic Teachings of Shaolin Qigong available through Amazon books: http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Teachings-Shaolin-Qigong-Complete/dp/1434842134

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