| Qigong is a discipline that is widely practiced as | | | | The core approach of Breathworks Qigong is a |
| well as wildly misunderstood. Some familiarity with | | | | fusion of Tai Chi Chuan and Taoist yoga principles |
| its historical roots and evolution are helpful. Around | | | | with Ecopsychology and body-oriented |
| 7000 years ago, a documented dance method, | | | | therapies.The unique integration of movement, |
| Yinkong,was practiced to prevent and treat | | | | breath and visualization significantly enhances the |
| arthritis in China's humid climate. Intuitively, people | | | | overall health benefits. Stripped down to the |
| understood that movement was necessary to | | | | basics, the goal is the creation of a more |
| release stagnant energy (qi) and maintain health. | | | | balanced, harmonious flow of energy between the |
| Certainly, one finds similar traditions in all tribal | | | | physical body(microcosm) and the environment |
| cultures that use ritualized movements, based | | | | (macrocosm). This skill expedites our adaptability |
| often on characteristics of wild animals, to mimic | | | | to an ever changing world. Being able to roll with |
| and cultivate specific mental and physical energies | | | | the punches is, after all, the premier tool in any |
| and states of consciousness They probably did it | | | | life survival kit. |
| sometimes just to feel good and release tensions | | | | Grounding, balance, flexibility,strength, focus and a |
| associated with everyday survival. | | | | deep sense of our intrinsic bond with nature are |
| In China qigong, as a system, can be divided into | | | | the goals of practice. Vivid poetic visualizations are |
| roughly into four chronological stages of | | | | woven throughout a typical lesson, engaging mind |
| development: | | | | and imagination in the movements. Major |
| 1. As an energy meditation practice from 1122 | | | | emphasis is placed on specific techniques to |
| B.C. to 200 B.C. | | | | relearn how to breath naturally. One could say |
| 2. Following this a religious phase as Buddhism and | | | | that Breath IS QI and that the quality of our |
| Taoism became more influential | | | | breathing regulates the production and circulation |
| 3. Martial Arts qigong then developed to | | | | of this energy preventing fatigue,burn out and |
| supplement warriors' training starting about 500 | | | | decline in our vitality. |
| A.D. | | | | In my own personal and professional life, qigong |
| 4. Modern Qigong, as we know it now, is more of | | | | has been amazingly useful in enhancing my healing |
| an open practice not necessarily dependent on | | | | practice, managing stress and rebounding following |
| the tutelage of a Master and with Medical Qigong | | | | life's many unexpected knock-down changes and |
| as a increasingly significant modality alongside | | | | challenges. I do not pretend to be " A Master" of |
| acupuncture,herbs and diet. | | | | this art, only an experienced practitioner that has |
| Although Breathworks Qigong uses traditional | | | | used it for 30 years to keep myself fit and |
| techniques, I thrive on the freedom to | | | | healthy. Inevitably, it will not suit everyone and |
| occasionally blow this structure apart through | | | | certainly cannot replace other forms of aerobic or |
| improvisation. After all, this is an art of energy | | | | strength building regimes. However, it will enhance |
| cultivation and is always changing and evolving. | | | | any other training method, infusing it with a |
| Philosophy and basics remain consistent but no | | | | profound understanding of internal energies rarely |
| class is ever mechanical or identical to a previous | | | | recognized in the gym. |
| one. For a time, I studied with a Tai Chi master | | | | Keep in mind, qigong comes in many forms |
| and philosopher who, at the beginning of class, | | | | ranging from highly active martial arts systems to |
| would present us with a lengthy lecture on the | | | | "lying down with nothing noticeably happening" |
| theory. poetics and practice of Tai Chi Chuan. At | | | | styles (yes, in Breathworks we practice this too!). |
| the point my eyes would start to glaze over, he | | | | Often, I will adapt classes to the particular group |
| would say something like: Now forget all of that. | | | | dynamic or the seasonal cycles to keep it all |
| Just move and feel Tai Chi ! | | | | relevant and dynamic. |
| This experience of qi naturally circulating through | | | | Do research into the theories of qigong to decide |
| our bodies, minds and hearts connecting us to | | | | if Breathworks is for you but remember: the only |
| each other,the planet and the universe, is an | | | | way to know any art is to practice it. As Albert |
| opportunity to fully awaken and engage our | | | | Einstein wrote, "Nothing changes until something |
| senses. | | | | moves! |