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QIGONG
Achieve physical and spiritual wellbeing as well as mental clarity through the practice of qigong. Work side by side with our own David Derdiger, L.Ac. to learn how you can cultivate harmony, health, and a greater mind-body awareness.
WHAT IS QIGONG?
Daoist qigong (pronounced “chee-gohng”) is a category of self-cultivation practices that facilitates settling of the heart-mind, clarification of spirit, and encourages development of supple muscular and connective tissues.
In Daoist qigong there are practices that emphasize stillness, and those that emphasize movement. Stillness practices involve periods of standing, sitting, or lying down, and allowing the mind and body to naturally settle. Moving practices involve smooth, round, continuous motions that allow the tissues of the body to become supple and free.
Types of Qigong Taught:
Hunyuan Gong
Hunyuan Gong teaches you how to resonate and harmonize with the qi of your surroundings and increase your capacity for storing qi.
Eight Brocades
Eight Brocades is set of eight simple repeated movements that regulate and harmonize the qi of the primary organ and channel systems of Chinese medicine. This is a great place to start if you’re looking to learn a complete set to practice every day.
Chansi Gong
Chansi Gong teaches you how to open the 18 major pivots of the body, to move with a balance of relaxation and intent, and how to make the movement of any part of your body a whole-body movement.
Six Healing Sounds
Six Healing Sounds is a set of six movements that are coordinated with the breath, which make use of distinct mouth shapes and sonic resonances to cleanse each of the major organs of stagnation, and cultivate their vitality and vibrancy. Historically practiced by Daoist monks that underwent long periods of sitting in stillness, this practice is especially relevant for those who spend the majority of their time seated.
FAQ
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TYPE OF QIGONG IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Read the above descriptions about the types of qigong offered and select a type that piques your interest. If you’re having trouble deciding, you can always book a free 15-minute consultation with our qigong instructor David for help in deciding where to begin. Click above to schedule.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF QIGONG?
While specific benefits depend on the type of qigong practiced, all Daoist forms of qigong cultivate both body and spirit. With regular practice comes a grounded form of vitality, a sense of peace and contentment with one’s body, as well as emotional resilience and mental clarity.
WHAT IS QI?
Qi - 氣, the image of steam rising from a grain of rice, is the basic stuff of the universe, a dynamic and seamless dance between yin and yang; Gong - 功, is skill attained through disciplined practice and training. In the context of qigong, qi is the source of vitality and the animating quality within us; its refinement and accumulation are skills that can be practiced.
HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD ONE PRACTICE QIGONG?
Qigong should be practiced daily, though it need not be for a long period of time. Even 10-20 minutes is enough to see cumulative benefits over time. Regular, consistent practice is more important than practicing for long durations.