Qigong is a complete system of health care that recognizes the root causes of disease, and treats the individual as a whole. It is one of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with acupuncture, herbal medicine and medical massage. As with the other branches of Chinese Medicine, the goal of qigong is to correct bio-energetic imbalances and blockages caused by injuries, pathogens, chemical and environmental toxins, emotional stress and aging. This enables the body to strengthen and regulate the internal organs, the nervous system and the immune system, relieve pain, regulate hormones and strengthen and release deep-seated emotional stress.
Qigong exercises combine the use of breath work with physical movements, and mental intention. These practices offer individuals a safe and effective way to help rid themselves of many years of bio-energetic disruptions and the variety of symptoms that manifest as ill-health. Here are some of the exercises that I teach:
Daoist 5 Yin: A set of coordinated breathing, movement and sound exercises that enhances the health of the five yin organs of the body: lungs, kidney, heart, liver and spleen. Simultaneously works with clearing chronic stress from unresolved negative emotions such as grief, fear, anger and worry. These exercises also stimulate the paths of energy that flow from the meridian channels to each organ.
Daoist 5 Yang: A breathing and movement exercise that enhances the health of the 5 yang organs of the body (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder, gallbladder). Increases peristaltic action of the digestive system and is good for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. 6 Healing Sounds: Healing sounds use subtle vocal vibrations as a way to cleanse, detoxify, and strengthen our internal energy and detoxify negative emotions. The sounds are easy to learn and fun to practice. They are used to balance and regenerate the 5 internal vital organs and an additional 6th area of the body known as the ‘triple burner’ which covers the head and torso.
Old Man Searching for His Reflection in the Tide Pool: This is an emotional detoxing exercise that works on the lungs to release grief and the liver to release anger.
Wu Zang Meditation: Handed down from the Ming dynasty, this meditation creates a powerful protective energetic field around the body, and enhances immunity from pathogens and toxins. Medical Qigong doctors will often use this to enhance their own immunity before treating patients.
Cross Crawl: This exercise is excellent for activating full mind/body function, especially for those with dyslexia, stroke, multiple sclerosis or other conditions needing lots of physical therapy in order to relearn daily functions. When done on a regular basis, more nerve networks form and more connections are made in the corpus callosum, thus making communication between the two hemispheres faster and more integrated for high level reasoning.
Bone Marrow Washing: The purpose of this Basic Marrow Washing exercise is to cleanse and refresh the brain and spinal cord, helping to promote mental alertness and acuity.
Guolin Qigong Walk for Cancer: This walking qigong exercise, also called walking kung, is the exercise that has helped thousands of people all over the world recover from serious illnesses, notably cancer. It was devised by Madam Guolin after studying Qigong notes left behind by her grandfather and it helped her recover from her own cancer that her doctors had given up hope of curing.