Qi Breathing, Movements & Meditation
Properties Of Qi
Many Qigong Practitioners have been shown to demonstrate profound anti-aging, looking generations younger than their chronological age. Some also possess an incredible ability to heal other people. Some have displayed high endurance and strength on minimal food intake. But exactly how does Qigong work?
The ancient masters said Qi has properties like Fog. Scientists In the late 1800's theorized the universe was filled with an energy plasma substance they called "Ether". They said this plasma pervaded the entire universe. I predict there will be a reemergence of this theory in the scientific community someday.
Qi can be felt all around you once higher levels of sensitivity are realized. It’s a "delicate" electromagnetic fog-like substance. And it exists in every city, building, church and temple. Some places like forests, riverbanks, and waterfalls have more Qi (try doing the Nine-Breath Method under a waterfall). Three primary methods are used to collect this energy:
(1) Breathing Exercises
(2) Movements & Postures
(3) Meditation & Visualization
Qigong Movement
Movement & postures can also be used to collect Qi. When discussing movement it is important to differentiate between Qigong and traditional exercise. "The Qi is like Fog". If we move abruptly or without fluidity, this pushes the Qi away from us. It is like reaching into a cloud of fog. You can only collect this fog (Qi) if you move slowly. This sounds silly, but it is very much the reality. Three of the greatest secrets to successful Qigong are:
1) which has dramatic effect. People often think that bigger movements yield the "bigger Qi". This could not be more wrong. When people learn the "subtle Qigong arts" of how to press on the Qi during the entire form it is indeed a high-level accomplishment. Pressing on Qi is a direct way to tap into the universal energy. Also, finding the exact position of the shoulder during ball making movements, holding the hand just right, keeping the palms aligned...for these tiny little corrections are the real essence behind Qigong. One must eventually learn the subtle movements from a teacher or video in order to develop a deeper experience of Qigong.How to hold your hand during the movements.
2) How to transition from one movement to the next with a smooth flow.
3) How to Spiral, Pulse, & Press on the Qi while you're moving.
Subtle movements are the most powerful Qigong movements. Even the slight bend of the wrist can put a magnetic spin on the Qi,
Qi Gong Meditation
Fundamental to Taoist thinking and Qigong practice is the concept that Qi follows the mind intent. It is said that when the mind is confused, the mind intent disperses and becomes unable to focus. When the mind intent is dispersed, the Qi of the body tends to become weak and insubstantial. The corollary of this, as stated in Qigong literature, is that when the Qi sinks to the lower Dan Tien the mind intent becomes strong and focused and the mind becomes tranquil. Qigong theory thus sees these three aspects of the body, the mind, the mind intent and the Qi in a state of mutual equilibrium and support.
To insure overall health and well-being it is important to settle the mind and focus the mind intent. The various techniques that are used to do this are not unique to Taoism and Qigong, but the structure that links them together provides a unique insight into how the Chinese perceive the body-mind connection.
There are many different meditation practices that do not involve going into a trance or even sitting still. The practice of qigong involves developing a meditative while standing or sitting in a static posture or even in motion. Spending about half an hour a day in meditation is calming and strengthening. It is advisable to set aside the time each day, and to make sure that you will not be disturbed, Wear comfortable loose clothing and be sure that you are comfortably warm. If you can, practice meditation outside in the fresh air, early in the day; avoid meditating within an hour of eating. Remember, breathing is all-important and harmonizes the flow of Qi.
Qi Gong Healing
Qigong Healing is a fascinating area of Chinese medical practice. In this process, the practitioner guides his or her own Qi, emitted through key acupuncture points in the body, to enhance Qi flow in the patient. In many instances, this is done without any physical contact. Several quite specific hand gestures are used in order to emit Qi. Central to Qigong healing is the practitioner’s own strong and robust energy system, which will have been developed by practicing many of the Qigong exercises and postures already discussed on previous pages. There is a growing body of literature and evidence from China regarding the emission and guidance of Qi and how this can be focused onto the patient in order to facilitate his or her Qi balance and redress any apparent disharmony.
It is likely that many of the techniques ascribed to the “laying on of hands” or “distance healing” (in western context) can be attributed to a process of energetic transfer between practitioner and patient, which balances the underlying Qi flow and helps clear disharmonies. Chinese medicine offers the most comprehensive theoretical articulation of what happens during the process.
Chinese medicine operates at an energetic level and produces changes at a physical level. I have no doubt the Qi emission and guideance are real. These healing techniques require a deep understanding of the Chinese system of medicine, and specific training. When considering Qigong healing, remember that powerful energetic forces are involved, consequently, you need to feel confident about the qualifications and experience of the practitioner you choose.
