What is Qigong?
pron. chee-Gung
alternative spellings: Chi Kung, Chi Gung
Qigong translates as the study or work of “Qi,” (chi) or “life
energy,” and dates back 5,000 – 7,000 years. Originally
named “pushing and pulling” or Dao-Yin, Qigong is the
deep study of the relationships that exist within all of life. The
early study gave rise to the discovery of and laid the foundation
for an entire system of Chinese medicine & philosophy. Of primary
significance was the intuitive detection of the meridians, the internal
energy ‘highways’ of our bodies, their relationship to
the internal organs of the body, and the entire unified relationship
to general health and longevity. Through the millennia, many thousands
of systems evolved to explore and cultivate these initial discoveries,
each with breathing, meditation, philosophy and movement at their
core. Qigong remains the root energy practice that underpins all Chinese
martial, meditative and health systems and the feeling of the practice:
slow and meditative, can be found through many internationally recognized
systems of health and well-being.
Qigong practice naturally integrates and enhances the functions of
our body and mind. The internal organs, the immune and endocrine systems,
the musculo-skeletal systems, cardiac fitness, blood and energy flow,
among others, are all supported and healed. The scientific benefits
of Qigong have been studied in China for decades and the positive
findings are now coming under equally positive scrutiny in Europe
and the West. Qigong is a key to unlock many things: health, intuition, self-reliance. With Qigong, people of all ages and fitness levels
may find peace, joy and a sense of profound connection.
New
York Times Features Qigong & Embrace the Moon
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Yi Jin Xi Sui Jing Classic
(Muscle Tendon Changing, Bone Marrow Washing Classic Qigong)
Yi Jin Xi Sui Jing Classic Qigong set is one of the oldest traceable Qigong forms. For over
2000 years, the 13 gentle movements have been practiced for muscle
and tendon strength and flexibility, for general circulation of blood
and Qi, and to calm and prepare both mind and body for meditation
and spiritual development. The movements also tonify the stomach, spleen, pancreas and liver and
strengthen the overall posture and constitution. As with many Qigong
forms, the movements are based on nature (Pick Stars & Replace
the Dipper) and animals (Blue Dragon Outstretches Claws) and it is
a beautiful and graceful form of exercise to practice.
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The Ba Duan Jin (Eight Treasures) Qigong
(Also referred to as the Eight Pieces of Brocade and the Eight Jewels)
For nearly a thousand years, Eight Treasures Qigong has been passed
down to maintain overall health and increase vitality. There are many
versions of this form, but all rely on the same basic principles and
theory of Qigong practice. The Eight Treasures is effective in building
up energy throughout the body, and particularly in the limbs, where
it will then flow into and circulate supporting the internal organs.
It thoroughly works all the energy channels in the body in a precise
and effortless way. Practitioners of the Eight Treasures will enjoy
the gentle stretching and twisting movements to release and relax
the entire body, to increase blood and energy circulation and to strengthen
their internal organs. The best thing about the Eight Treasures however,
is that it is very simple to learn, easy to practice and good for
you!
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Breath, Balance & Flow
Come discover or re-discover your robust & confident self! Create and deepen your self-mastery and move through the world with vigor and grace. This class is devoted exclusivly to better breathing, more assured balance and fluid overall movement. Combining meditation, relaxation, training methods from time honored traditions of Tai Chi, Qigong & Yoga as well as modern understanding of both body & brain, you will cultivate the necessary awareness for body alignement and concious awareness throughout the whole body. Our Instruction is individualized and will empower you not only in class but outside of class as well. You will leave each session with a simple but effective home practice routine so you will experience rapid and lasting progress. As the Chinese saying goes, "an oiled hinge does not rust!" This class welcomes beginners looking for a solid foundation for practice and also those who have concerns about any dimishment of function from age, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, MS, or other illness or injury.
| Back in the late fall |
w/ Joyce |
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Soaring Crane Qigong
Soaring
Crane Qigong is an elegant, peaceful form that is one of the most
famous in China for its overall healing capabilities. For over 20
years it was the single most practiced Qigong form. There are many
individual reports that this form is successful as a complementary
method in treating cancer and other serious illnesses. Still practiced
by over 20 million people in China, as well as millions more throughout
the world, the benefits of Soaring Crane are an overall energetic
balance, greatly improved physical health and an accompanied liveliness
of spirit. Study Soaring Crane at Embrace The Moon if you want a medically
based Qigong form, if you are new to Qigong and wish to gain a clear
theoretical & physical understanding of basic Chinese medicine,
and if you wish to have a practice that methodically develops mindfulness
and intent.
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Essence Qigong
Essence
Qigong is one of the many modern forms of Qigong. It was developed
about 20 years ago by Chen, Fu-yin as a method for practicing and
experiencing the ‘essential’ traits of Qigong and Taiji.
It is delightfully simple and restorative and very good for those
wishing a deeply meditative and intuitive approach to their practice.
Practicing Essence Qigong is like taking an internal bath. It purifies
your meridians, nourishes your internal organs, tonifies qi and opens
spiritual centers. Take an Essence class with Embrace The Moon if
you are a beginner who would like to gain a tool to easily practice
on your own. Or, take an Essence class if you are an advanced student
who wishes to deepen your experience of qi without learning another
complex form. Essence Qigong is offered in the winter syllabus of
ongoing classes as well as throughout the year in workshops.
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Standing & Walking
Standing Meditation, also known as Zhan Zhuang is the crown jewel of all Taijiquan and Qigong practices. There is nothing better to achieve both mental and physical relaxation, correct alignment, energy flow and innate strength. Zhan Zhuang perfectly combines with Walking Meditation to take the results of stillness into movement. These very simple practices, The Yin & Yang of each other make for a perfect complete practice in all ways accessible to most people. Try this class on its own or as part of your program and see how quickly your forms and your daily life improve.
| Back in the Summer |
w/ Kim |
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