2020 ~Understanding Basic Elements of Qigong (氣功) By Gary W. Abersold

 Sifu Kuo Lien Ying the "Real Deal"

Understanding the Basics 

Chi /Qi (氣) pronounced "chee" is refers to all types of energy. Traditionally taught as the intrinsic substance or the "life force energy" behind all things in our current universe.

Gong (功)  pronounced like you read it in English refers to the skill & power to achieve a desired effect, attainment or accomplishment that is achieved with diligent daily practice. Chi Kung, Qigong (氣功)  can be translated as  the cultivation & study of "life force energy".

 The term Qigong is a "umbrella term" that refers to many schools, traditions & spiritual societies historically found throughout East Asia. Indigenous Spiritual Societies like Taoist, Buddhist, & Village Tradition's do not refer to religion. It is viewed in East Asia as practice systems who follow the way of these Indigenous  traditions as a part of their culture and way of life, though not necessarily as a strict religion as many westerners would view it.

Qigong utilizes breath work, posture, movement, and sound resonation to cleanse, refine, accumulate and circulate life force energy in our body. This leads to improved health, stronger immune systems, stress management transformation of consciousness, and greater power for busy lifestyles. One of the best alternative body/mind therapies you will ever encounter with short learning curves.

Through harmonization of  body, mind, breathing, and sound resonation techniques; our resistance to major disorders, disease, adaptability to the external environment, and immunity to pathogenic influences is strengthened. With a strong immune system, diseases are hopefully prevented, creating a state of super health, vitality, and youthfulness for the practitioner. There is tons of evidence based medical research in the study of what the effects are.

Learning in Covid19 Era

How does one begin if there are no option of learning face to face due to the virus? This is complicated now; the best option that I can think of is home studying an approach where it can be universal, systematic and credible. Having a good map and guide is important to say the least. So from my experience and careful thought I would recommend Master Yang Jwing Ming Qigong series. They are very good and build on each other systematically, and good quality.

All these DVD's are almost like the highlights from his classes & workshops like I use to attend for many years. It was all taught through a sequential Qigong 1-8 class series, I did four rounds of Qigong 1-8 which also incorporated the Touch, no Touch Healing Massage,specialized in White Crane System & Taiji Qigong. This spanned over many years, it was well worth it although because it was in a time when there was literally nothing being taught in public. Many don't know that Master Yang is an incredible bodywork specialist and knows Chinese herb applications that many experienced people have never seen. His teaching style is very entertaining, logical, scientific; universal no matter what stye you do. Visit his website at:

https://ymaa.com/publishing/dvd/by-topic/qigong-1?sort_by=field_date_released_unix&sort_order=DESC&items_per_page=20&page=1     

Go to the bottom of the page and begin with the "Understanding Qigong"; Series 1 & 2; after that there are follow up series to this. These QIgong videos are very informative and you will learn alot of unknown concepts, do your self a favor and get "The Root of Chinese Qigong" book which coincides with this series. If you want to add a easy routine try the Eight Brocades DVD and get the book that is written for that Video.

Is the Master Yang series the final say? Not at all but its a great stepping stone down the path when real classes are non existent. I evolved eventually from the days at his Jamaica Plains School where he taught locally, and so have literally countless experts around the world.

Sage Wisdom for Adepts of  Chi Flow

A wise piece of advice I received from my first teacher Master Katsumi in Florida was roughly as follows way back at 13 I never forgot was roughly ~ Dissolve western sass; be a person of compassion and receptivity. You will forever be learning & relearning each and everyday, be patient as the clock of life clicks on. There is no graduation, nothing to Master; each day we try to improve and be less wrong. Be open minded, be a sponge eventually seek out legitimate masters of the "way" and teach anyone that you have affinity with, the healing traditions you learn. Never become greedy  or you will become unlucky and jinxed in all you do. Be close to all that you do and you will be ok. :)

GWA  

Stay at Home & Relax; Be Safe Think of Others

So today we had protesters up in Lansing today protesting the capital. These selfish few should of been arrested and fined. If no one follows the stay at home rule/loose law we will just go on and on with this lock-down. The cases are still racking up look at the last 7 days:

4/9: 21,054
4/10: 22,783 
4/11: 23,993
4/12: 24,638
4/13: 25, 635
4/14:27,001
4/15:28,059

The good news is the cases are appearing not to stack up so steep. A doctor I know explained it like this each new time you venture out and mingle with people, you are resting the contamination period of 14-21 each time. Stay out of harms way the virus is real, don't be selfish and impose youre possible infected body unto other people. Where a mask and protect the hands as well. Follow the guidelines.        

Single Form Linked Chi Flow Patterns

Free Video for Practice & Learning:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OVoF1AzPGA&feature=youtu.be

The Set Contained is this video is based of Traditional Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan. It uses selections from Tai Chi and is repeated several times. It is a very good set & if you use the Natural Qigong Breathing Method as described below it is perfect for the times we live in.

Natural Qigong Breathing practice helps to move congested energy and allow the body to get rid of it by creating different internal vibrations and pressures within different parts of the body through the inhaling and exhaling of air. In other words, when you perform the exercises and do the respiration, we are giving the internal organs a good massage to expel stale energy aka life qi.

The key is inhaling through the nose when possible and exhaling softly through the mouth. This breathing method is not described on the tape; so this is a added feature. So here is the breathing directions: Arm/body Movements that rise: inhale Arm/body Movements that descend: exhale Arm/body movements that go left: inhale Arm/body movements that go right exhale Arm/body movements that go backwards: inhale Arm/body movements that go forward: exhale All movements should be softly strung together likened to be moving underwater.

Everything is done calmly and patiently. Follow all parts of the tape and eventually get away from the tape and practice with music you like and try to build each part in repetitions of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18. If you are sick with covid19 try the first three exercise in groups of three.

This is a very easy set . Before the movement practice try chair style qigong meditation (non conceptual) just relax and focus on interior peace.

*At the end of the set there is a part known as La Chi - emit chi for yourself use everyday breathing; then later switch to natural qigong breathing.

Gary W. Abersold

Be not Affraid!

 My Grandmother and her three sisters and one brother left Finland during WWI as very young kids and teenagers. They traveled by a ship for several weeks, a unknown couple help them make it here. They left with the clothes on their back, and were not bilingual. As a kid I was often reminded how lucky we have it here and not take things for granted. Growing up we had no cable, internet etc. it was a different time we learned culture and traditions. Time was spent on nurturing life lessons, learning on what to do in life.  My parents and grand parents, elders will always be my greatest teachers to me; they made me who I am today. Those lessons make these trying days alot easier; my father always said don't worry alot things sort out if you can maintain patience. So very true!

There are many things you can do within your home life. This is not the end of the world having to sacrifice for the good of the cause.Now is the time to cleanse, lose a bad habit or get closer to a loved one whom might not always be around.My grandmother often said that her mother taught:

*Never give up on yourself or your dreams; there is always hope after despair.
*There is always a tomorrow after the storm
*True poverty is that of a lost soul; must have faith even in the worst circumstances.

Gary Abersold           

Energy Deficiency a Perfect Setup for Health Issues

Life Force Energy (Qi, Chi) Deficiency

The above highlights some of the typical feelings one might have with "Qi deficiency". Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes their experience and knowledge to concur common

symptoms through the use of body/mind cultivation (qigong), herbs & food, bodywork such as acupuncture & massage.

 The current problem with the "corona virus" should be a time to embrace Qigong and learn to stimulate your immune system and begin to correct deficient energy. If you have access to purchase herbs I would recommend the use of tonic herbs for they will work very well with a qigong practice. Tonic herbs help with strengthening the body/mind and correcting deficient Qi. The heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen & liver will be strengthened and balanced to building a strong immune system. The number one problem with these recommendations often is lack of follow through. We must practice qigong; and you have to take your supplements as well. If you donot follow this advice you will get nowhere going forward.

Within our current situation is many, people who are posting videos, pressuring people to sign up to "zoom classes" which is fine I suppose. It is funny to me although that many of these people I know very well, where staunch haters of transmitting knowledge via "cheap and sleazy online classes". So just beware that there are going to many people looking to make a buck as well as many genuine teachers who truly want to help.

 My only view is that if you cannot get a recording of the class or modality that you are buying it will be very hard to retain. That would be a huge thing I believe especially if its a expensive one.  Just remember that a live class will be a one time experience moving very quickly as you are experiencing it. 

I personally donot think this is a time to be taking classes; it is a time for self practice. Nurturing those around you and giving hope. If you never learned Qigong I recommend possibly trying non conceptual meditation or zhan zhuang qigong (see below) that focus on being yourself and naturalness. The situation with the corona virus could be the wakeup call to many that body/mind healing is imperative for the family's in general. The Unites States is behind the times with this, most other countries have embraced body/mind healing is a must have in the community. 

One hour of Qigong is only 4% of Ones Day

Many experts believe that any type of exercise is only 4 percent of ones day, which is actually 4.16 for most common like days if all goes well. Its a catchy way to encourage people to take care of themselves. So yes!..one of hour of Qigong is only 4 % of your day. On a serious note I will close this by saying whatever practice you do stick to that one only! 

The best qigong you could do is one that's not complicated and delivers tangible effects. I recommend Zhan Zhuang Qigong you can learn it here for free on my youtube channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQdg9OZDSjNhueZC22rHvAA/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0  

Go to the 10 day Zhan Zhuang Qigong video series as presented by Master Lam Kam Chuan. I studied with him over 20  + years ago, a excellent teacher and a lineage Master. The series is very old but delivers the message and teaching. The price is right cost nothing but all this time you have. Zhan Zhuang Qigong aka "Standing Meditation" number one feature is that through simplicity it helps correct energy deficiency. I have healed innumerable students through Zhan Zhuang Qigong in my teaching experience.

You will find the simple exercises and dedication to the practice of Zhan Zhuang Qigong is kinda like the best kept secret.  To taste the apple through description never does it justice; you have to bite into yourself...just like Qigong.

Gary W Abersold

 taozahnchi@gmail.com

 

   

  

 

 From Gary W. Abersold (Qigong Healing Centre): Below is a post that Master Yang has asked to be circulated to as many people that all connected to his teaching know. Many might not now that I studied with Master Yang when he had his school in Jamaica Plains Ma. for many years. My focus was the White Crane System,Tai Chi Chuan and his Massage Healing Traditions. Please share if you like its a excellent piece, which is so timely.

 

The Coronavirus Crisis – A Time for Us to Awaken

by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, YMAA CA Retreat Center, 3/18/2020

April 6, 2020

The human body was made to move and to exercise. It is the reason we have so many different muscles and joints. At the most basic level, movement and exercise will help your blood move, facilitating nourishment, repair, and energy circulation (Qì) in all of your body’s cells. The body functions most efficiently when this circulation is happening, and it is the foundation for a strong immune system.This article republished with permission. The views are those of its author.

Editorial note: The main point of this article is that in the big picture, we (humans) are relying on modern medicine to keep us from becoming ill. Whether you agree with the author or not, ask yourself “are we becoming naturally stronger or naturally weaker?”

Introduction

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is a startling wake-up call to the entire human race. Although advances in science have enabled us to live more comfortably and conveniently than ever before, they have also caused us to rely too much on external remedies for our health and well-being. Nowadays, we often hide behind a wall of technology and chemicals to get better. Our natural immune systems have become unnaturally weak and compromised as a result. We have become “greenhouse” people, seemingly unable to survive without the high-tech amenities and drugs that have become so commonplace in today’s world. In the process, we have been changing nature on a global scale. Now, we must face the consequences and brace ourselves for the challenges that lay ahead. Our current ways of living do not show any signs of imminent change. Material and energy pollution will continue to change the environment in ways we do not expect and are unprepared for, ultimately presenting the most difficult challenges to us, to nature, and to all other life on this planet.
Today we are finding that viruses are still periodically winning the battle over modern medicine, despite all of the great strides we have made in medical research. Viruses have evolved and become much deadlier than what they used to be. Meanwhile, our own capability to adapt and evolve, as these viruses have, has become stagnant because of the very environment we created in order to live a safer and more comfortable life. We need to make our immune system stronger, to try to keep up with pathogenic evolution. In ancient times, maintaining our health was much more imperative, given the absence of modern science. While overall life expectancy in the past was not as high as today, the average person was more adapted to a rougher and less merciful world. Our modern lifestyles have made us detached and ignorant of nature’s condition, and as a result, we fell behind in evolving together with it.

Our Disconnect from Nature

The nature of humans contradicts, damages, and even alters the nature of the world we live in, not to mention the nature of the human body. Our habits and beliefs seem to encourage and promote a desensitized, incomplete understanding of nature. Time and time again, we are surprised and taken off guard by how nature responds. Natural disasters are a prime example. We are perhaps most familiar with natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, tornadoes, etc. Diseases should also be included in this list, as they are very much a part of nature as well.
People with a higher level of awareness tend to have a better survival rate. They are the ones who take decisive actions in trying to prevent or entirely avoid disasters before they happen. Many of those who ignore warning signs or are incapable of making the necessary changes in their lives unfortunately often succumb to nature and perish. Before the time of such large urbanized environments and societies, I believe there was a greater pressure and urgency for us to develop and maintain this awareness. We have been increasingly distancing ourselves from nature over the past few centuries, ultimately making us ignorant of nature’s condition.

Humans have also strayed from nature because of war. Many of the wars and mass killings in our history were a direct result of the societal matrix that we ourselves have created. This matrix has no place in nature. It is the matrix that locks us into the bondage and dogmas of glory, dignity, power, wealth, desire, etc. We have been killing, conquering, enslaving, abusing, and taking advantage of each other for thousands of years, and sadly it still continues today, just in a less conspicuous way. The 21st century is truly the time to break free from this unnatural, corrupted pattern of behavior. We have focused too much of our attention and resources on developing the material sciences. Spirituality has been ignored. The time to change is now very crucial, because our wars today carry the threat of nuclear devastation.

 

Modern Medicine as a Supplement, Not a Replacement

Modern medicine has literally replaced some of our inherent abilities to survive in nature. Our abilities diminished over time because there was no longer a need to maintain them. Advances in medicine have resulted in a very successful pharmaceutical industry, one that allows us to shortcut solutions and continue neglecting our body’s natural survival mechanisms. The human body was not meant to be this passive. If we keep hiding ourselves behind this wall of modern medicine, then we will only continue to weaken.

Of course, we should continue researching and developing medical science to better face the unknowns of the new oncoming era, but we must also recognize that we should not and cannot rely on it completely. The environment is becoming more and more complex, and it will likely result in a day where modern medicine alone cannot overcome a disease. Our vulnerability as a race will become ever much more apparent then. It is hard to predict exactly how the environment will change due to the constant flow of pollution and new contaminants that humans keep introducing into nature. This includes artificial energy created from cell phone radiation, satellite technology, and light pollution, as well as material waste generated from manufacturing, power plants, and nonbiodegradable products. Viruses have evolved to a point where they occasionally still conquer both the environment and modern medicine. We must give ourselves the chance to evolve as well, to give ourselves another line of defense behind modern medicine.

At the most basic level, movement and exercise will help your blood move, facilitating nourishment, repair, and energy circulation (Qì) in all of your body’s cells. The body functions most efficiently when this circulation is happening, and it is the foundation for a strong immune system.

The human body was made to move and to exercise. It is the reason we have so many different muscles and joints. At the most basic level, movement and exercise will help your blood move, facilitating nourishment, repair, and energy circulation (Qì) in all of your body’s cells. The body functions most efficiently when this circulation is happening, and it is the foundation for a strong immune system. We move less now, due to the development of machines and modern transportation. Exercise has become more of a hobby, pastime, or luxury when in fact, it should be a daily necessity. Good health is often paired with an active lifestyle. The Chinese have long talked about Qì and the importance of Qìgōng for countless generations. Qìgōng is the traditional and most natural way to condition and strengthen our physical and mental bodies, and consequently, also our immune system. There is no mystery behind Qìgōng. At its core, Qìgōng is about the movement and circulation of energy. In fact, any form of exercise can be considered Qìgōng. Qìgōng was developed through thousands of years of experience, in accordance with nature and the human design. Eventually, the purpose for practicing Qìgōng became not just about health, but also spiritual cultivation. I believe reemphasizing the importance of Qìgōng practice will be central to regaining and utilizing the full potential and resiliency of our body’s original inner defense system. We must do more in educating each other on how to maintain and condition the immune system, and to establish a regular routine for self-maintenance and practice.

Qìgōng is the traditional and most natural way to condition and strengthen our physical and mental bodies, and consequently, also our immune system.

A Stronger Push for Data

Qìgōng, Tai Chi, Yoga, and other related disciplines are now recognized by more and more people as viable methods for improving health and the overall quality of life. These activities often involve exercise or movement, and a deliberate, focused use of the mind. The key is in the mind. We can make our immune systems stronger from the inside-out and depart from using drugs and technology to cure us from the outside-in. I hope to see more support for scientific research geared towards gathering the data we need to explain why these methods work. Although many white papers have already been published on various studies in these areas, I believe they are still too often overshadowed by Western medicine—what most people tend to find more convenient and believable. But many studies produced inconclusive results and require further experimentation and analysis. We are still missing the data to decisively prove or disprove certain theories.

My wish is to see governments, local leaders, universities, and those with the financial means to step up and encourage, promote, publicize, and demystify those Qìgōng secrets and ancient practice methods that can have the biggest health impacts on the world today. Recruiting the right instructors and professionals to teach, monitor, and run these studies is an important key to making this happen properly. Unfortunately, maintaining a consistent standard, especially in controlled studies, can be difficult because of the widespread confusion and misinformation about what Qìgōng is about and how to practice. There must be a more unified effort in pushing for better and more consistent data. I want to see Qìgōng proven as scientifically sound. As we gather more data, I believe we will likely be able to develop technology to manipulate Qì and even correct energy imbalances in the body.

I believe reemphasizing the importance of Qìgōng practice will be central to regaining and utilizing the full potential and resiliency of our body’s original inner defense system. We must do more in educating each other on how to maintain and condition the immune system, and to establish a regular routine for self-maintenance and practice.

Summary

Due to the rapid development of drugs and technology, we have been ignoring and downplaying the importance of maintaining a strong immune system for far too long. While we are developing modern medicine, we should not forget to also develop our own immune system. Modern medicine can serve as an effective barrier against many diseases and ailments, but history has shown us that it can and will still have limitations in the future. As viruses have continued to evolve into stronger variants of themselves, our own immune system defenses have conversely become depleted over time and overly dependent.

We should thoroughly examine the ancient knowledge of traditional methods and practices that are now available to us—experience, study, research, and experiment with them—to see what possibilities there are to revive our inner capabilities of natural defenses. I believe they are as important, if not more, than our current system of medical science. In cases where modern medicine falls short or is delayed, as is the present case with COVID-19, at least we will not be as susceptible to worst-case scenarios. The coronavirus crisis has made it very clear to us that human health will always be a global concern. We all live in the same environment. We are all a part of the same race. We all need to work together to effect a change.

Author Notes
I will be following this article with another titled The Scientific Foundation of the Ancient Chinese Secret of Youth, which will focus on the details of how you can rebuild your inner energy core and boost your immune system. My goal is to help you comprehend the scientific theory behind how the immune system works and highlight how ancient methods of practice can maximize its potential.
If you would like to share these articles with others, please feel free to link, repost, or translate them. It is my hope that the entire human race will unite and rise up to nature’s challenge.

*** If we wake up now, together, we can still make ourselves stronger and create a more sustainable future. ***