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“If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong “

Dr. Mehmet Oz MD

People are starting to hear about Qigong

Qi Gong, (Chi Kung), is one of the best-kept secrets of the East. Once known only by the wealthy elite of China, these simple, gentle, longevity exercises are as soothing as they are energizing.

Scientifically proven to reduce high blood pressure & hypertension, boost immunity and hasten post-operative recovery.

Whether one is an athlete, executive, student, busy parent or senior, more and more people are enjoying the profound health benefits that Qigong can provide.

Even 5 minutes a day of Qi Gong increases health & well-being, but most importantly, this ancient gem of the East prevents the onset of stress-related illnesses & supports optimum immune health.

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A Brief Introduction to the Basics

Move, Breathe, Relax – Come to your senses!

In North America (perhaps we might say “The West”, (knowing this is a big generalization) we tend to focus on “the body” when we exercise and have a tendency to believe there is no gain that comes without pain.

Our external approach to exercise ignores the internal deeper currents of our “being” based on a paradigm that does not fully acknowledge the interconnectedness of things including the mind and body.

Far too often our lives are spent in “busy-ness”. Interestingly, in Chinese language the character for busy combines the characters for the heart …..and death! an indication that too much….of anything, is lacking in balance.

Qigong is a Chinese system of exercise which draws us beneath the surface of our overstimulated lives. It is a beautiful blend of exercise and meditation that makes the mind and spirit tranquil, improves performance in sports, and cultivates health, well-being, and long life.

• A more in depth introduction

Taped in Victoria Park in 2020 during lockdown. (about 40 minutes)

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Twelve Benefits of Qigong

1. Improved health and well-being. Qigong emphasizes the whole body, whole system health. While it is true that qigong will often cure specific ills, this is not the primary reason for practice. It is not only a matter of adding years to your life, but life to your years.

2. Clear and tranquil mind. When the mind is at peace, the whole universe seems at peace. World peace begins with you; it is your responsibility to find a peaceful heart and mind. Then you can heal and transform others just through your presence. If you have a tranquil mind, you will make better decisions and have the skill to know when act and when to be still.

3. Deeper, more restorative sleep. Qigong will help you find the deep relaxation and mental quiet necessary for sleep.

4. Increased energy, including sexual vitality and fertility. Qigong people have more energy; it can reverse energy and restore youthfulness.

5. Comfortable warmth. Qigong is great for cold hands and feet. Circulation improves, and the body generates more internal warmth when it is cold.

6. Clear skin. The skin, like the intestines, is an organ of elimination. According to Chinese medicine, as your qigong improves, your body eliminates toxins, and the skin becomes clear.

7. Happy attitude. There is an old Tibetan saying, “You can tell a Yogi by his or her laugh.” Correct and moderate qigong practice usually creates an optimistic and joyous disposition.

8. More efficient metabolism. Digestion improves, and hair and nails grow more quickly.

9. Greater physiological control.This means that aspects of the body that were imbalanced or out of control begin to normalize, for example, breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, and states of chronic inflammation or depletion.

10. Bright eyes. The qigong master’s eyes are said to glow in the dark, like a cat’s. The eyes also appear bright because the spirit and soul are luminous and the heart is open.

11. Intuition and creativity. Intuition and creativity generate each other and come from the same source, an awakened brain and being, an ability to think with the gut, to feel with the mind.

12. Spiritual effects. Advancement in qigong is often accompanied by a variety of spiritual experiences. For example, synchronicity, meaningful coincidences, become more common. When the qi is abundant, clear, and flowing, the senses perceive and are permeated by a sweetness.

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A Selection of Videos about Qigong

Chungliang Huang began practicing Tai Ji and studying the Taoist classics as a child in China. His seminal book, Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain : The Essence of Tai Ji, published in 1973, is a transcription of his teaching during the early days of Esalen Institute in California, and has become a classic in 14 languages. His unique style of teaching his students to fulfill their “human potentials” has garnered accolades and nurtured students of life around the world.

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