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. ***

Sterling Heights Michigan - Qigong Classes with Gary W. Abersold

Late Summer - Autumn Qigong Classes

 with

 Gary W. Abersold

Introduction: There are new Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow Classes being held in Sterling Heights Michigan. By end of September I will have three teachers Certified whom after a 1 1/2 years practice and learning with me can effectively begin to teach the Energy Release, Chi Cultivation and beginner Flow Forms. So until then I am the only one that can properly teach this tradition. My goal is to be able to offer this abroad in Health Clubs, Community Centres, Gilda's Club, Youth Homes, people that are incarcerated, Military personal and Veterans. It's easy to learn and I have a vast amount of resource material for the serious student, that comes with the practice.    

    This is a perfect practice for anyone looking to truly have a Qigong routine that delivers and one can count on, each and every day. There are many practices that I have taught over the last 21 years of teaching; the Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow System is a genuine approach for beginners or experienced practitioners looking for something different. The brilliance of the tradition is that it is very tangible, new students feel their energy very quickly. This is taught in China and abroad even in Wutang Taoist Temples, Groups. A friend of mine that is a Monk teaches his version of it to all his personal disciples as a base for their Tai Chi Chuan understanding.              

Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow (太極氣流): Syncretic System of Tai Chi Chuan, and Healing Qigong practice, which has became very popular, over the past 40 years in China. Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow is not "Tai Chi Chuan" (Martial Art Tai Chi) , it is a healing form of Tai Chi, emphasizing Chi Flow - "life force energy". It is the best practice for anyone looking for health and wellness; and will prepare one better for traditional Tai Chi Chuan Systems as well. It's the Tai Chi training that almost no community centre class will ever offer, that are all so needed .

Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow has been scientifically tested and medically proven. The first entry level practice is designed to improve the general health and well-being of the practitioner. The gentle flow patterns and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. And the overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. What can it do for you:

• Improves health

• Increases energy, agility and flexibility

• Loosens and strengthens joints and muscles

• Normalizes energy congestion

• Rejuvenates body, breath, energy, mind and spirits

• Dissolves stress away

• Develops concentration

• Balances emotions

This Tradition is very effective and easy to learn. It is practiced throughout Asia, and is considered a national health exercise in Malaysia and Indonesia. Come learn about this unique system and my Master Teacher's related healing modalities. A DVD and two Audio Cd's are provided for home learning, away from class. For more information email us at qigonghealingcentre@gmail.com

GWA

Expansion: New Locations for Qigong Classes

Participation in Life is Key - To Move Forward

Participation in life is key; Don't become the "would have, should have or could have person" one day in the rocking chair.  The important thing to do in learning and progressing in Qigong is getting practical experience. You cannot cultivate your Chi from reading a book, surfing the web or watching a video. It takes real practical experience; this is a big beginner tip. There are many benefits from being in a Qigong group such as learning faster, meeting like minded people who are into Qigong and hey how about mastering it! If you are reading this aren't you sick of being on the sidelines; get out of the drought and get your chi filled and activated.   

 It will take much effort and follow through in classes to begin to penetrate through the mystery of it all.  If you want more you have to participate for it. I have invested much personal effort in teaching various students on Qigong since 1994 and many now are certified in well rounded levels of qigong. one cannot go wrong with the teachers I have certified, they are all different and unique.

The following link can begin to get you started locally in Southeastern Michigan areas. Express your inner will and begin to reap the benefits from a timeless tradition that will add much quality and value to your personal and family life:

      http://www.qigonghealingcenter.com/certified-teachers

Health & Wellness, Cancer Prevention Through Qigong

Qigong for Cancer

  By

 Helen Liang

There is a new DVD available for purchase by Master Helen Liang, entitled "Qigong for Cancer".  Helen Liang is a Master in her own right, comes from a genuine family lineage. She is a Cancer survivor and has detailed 15 key real good exercises, Meditations and other insights that anyone looking into Qigong would appreciate. Perfect for beginners, and experienced alike. Filmed in crystal clear high definition video by YMAA Publishing. I wrote an  article about her with many links on my video page:

http://www.qigonghealingcenter.com/apps/videos/videos/show/19018570-qigong-healing-for-cancer   

Those that know me know I generally don't beat the drum to push products, market items in the name of Qigong. I am promoting this with no recompense involved for the sake of helping the community at large. It's a wonderful story as well, one cannot really go wrong with $40.00 investment, especially if going through Cancer Treatments or Recovery. They really did a fine job of keeping character in the video production, not a sterile boring video and her heartfelt testimonial of what she went through is of much welcomed value. I will also say that in a weary world at times its great to have these kind of story's to come across your desk.

Master Ling Guang Ming aka... "Guolin"
 

 Her story is reminiscent of the landscape painter "Guolin", whom created her own system of Qigong, due to a terminal Cancer diagnosis and  nowhere to turn. Guolin was not given much chance to live and created essentially what is often called Guolin Qigong, New Qigong or Therapeutic Walking Therapy. Guolin Qigong is also a complete system in itself; a relatively unknown system to Westerners, but really popular in Chinese Community's. They are both great success story's of how Chinese Medicine and Qigong worked in these hard to deal with Cancer cases.   

Below is a Snippet of the Video; and it can be purchased very easily on Amazon.com: 

https://www.amazon.com/Qigong-Cancer-Exercises-Prevention-Beginners/dp/B0713Z2C3P/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1498166601&sr=8-13&keywords=helen+liang

      

 

Question: How much practice is enough or required?

A common question often received in email is "It possible to do too much Tai Chi, Qigong or meditation? Every now and then students will ask me in classes, “How much practice is too much?” 

Introduction: A long time ago in a different place of time and space...It was the 1980's when I was learning these practice's. Beginning in Junior High School it was a vastly different culture and focus on standards of practice. It was very common to practice several hours a day, 3-6 times a week. There were very few Americans in these groups; it was mostly us guys in the classes as well. Many Masters did not allow women in the groups. A over the top dedication to your Sifu and the school was mandated as well. Students cleaned the school, helped the Master out with whatever they asked. Looking back I was young, fortunate and free from worldly obligations to fill up my day with practice in various forms. All information and techniques was personally and physically taught in person. We had to memorize practices on the spot, there were no video tapping or note taking as well.  

So it was a sink or swim game; we practiced more because everything was memorized and we had no Video Tapes, DVD's, Internet or handouts to fall back on. Was it better than today? I would say no, it was just different and each generation has it's value on how to educate for next generation of students. Today with fast pace of life, everything wired for speed many students just are not equipped to "woodshed" it out as in the old days. Many just don't see the value as well.       

With that being said I do believe that each generation should focus on "Qigong of today, Tai Chi of today or meditation standards of practice today". A worthwhile note as well is that typical in our culture, where we feel that if a little is good, more must be better. It is a common paradigm for Americans, to try and re-engineer anything we can get or hands on. This can be true with these traditions, but will only go so far. 

Cautionary Note for Eager Novice Teachers: A common problem is that many practitioners and teachers of today is they mis-appropriate practice, create their own video tape and water down way too many things. All good systems are well informed and documented in today's world. If you teach - promote your Teachers material, skills and all the great things you have learned along the way with them. There is nothing better than the original! Indigenous traditions should be honored in this way. Make no mistake about it, if you cheat your students out of crucial information and technique, they eventually will find out, and lose faith in the tradition. Many people in many areas have made many videos and books now and claim skills and backgrounds that they do not really have. This continues to be a problems filled with false and misleading information. Don't become part of the problem, be a genuine person focus on leading an example of quality and tradition.    

Less is More!

The Science in the study of Qigong, Tai Chi and Meditation says that as little as 20 minutes delivers very tangible results. One of my Master teacher's is now 80 years old, I asked him during a practice in May of 2016, "how much does he practice"? He said with his busy schedule he practice's still no more than one hour per day. He also practices what he teaches as well. 

There is no need to practice for hours a day, and when people report doing so, often times they are not really accomplishing much better skill as well. The purpose of these practices is to help us to balance ourselves and engage more fully and healthfully in life. If we do too much of anything, we cannot find balance. I will concur that for a modern person practicing up to an hour a day is more than sufficient. We can do two twenty-minute sessions, or one longer session, per day. I recommend that you start with only five to ten minutes a day accomplishable goals because it is easier to set aside such a small chunk of time every day, no matter how busy your lifestyle or daily schedule.


 The advantage of starting slowly and following "less is more" as bendable guideline is that as you begin to feel the effects, your desire to practice increases naturally. When that happens, there is no need to force ourself to practice and, in fact, forcing ourselves to practice rarely leads to an quality, long-term practice. In closing for us that engage in these traditions as a "way of life" take an honest look at your schedule and plan accordingly. It is best to set yourself up for success, rather than setting goals that will be hard to achieve. Sometimes more is just more; it which is not better. :)

GWA

Simple Answer to "How is Qigong Different from Yoga, Gym Exercises Etc?"

  The Main Difference of Qigong Traditions

 By Gary W. Abersold

A common series of question's that is often asked are: 

1. What is the difference between Qigong and Relaxation Techniques? 
2. How is Qigong and Yoga different?
3. Are Gym workouts and Qigong different?
4. How is Qigong different from Samatha ~Vipasyana Meditation   
   

The above are a series of type questions often asked but, in mosaic fashion never truly are explained well. The answer is quite easy actually; it focuses on intention, attention and feeling of life force energy as a primary feature of  Qigong. I explain more below, but to also get a couple of things out of the way lets ad on a couple of other details.

 The term Qigong and Application: This is a umbrella term that has a large body of practices; numerable in style and uses. Each Qigong practice is unique and is not a "One Size Fits All" modality either. It takes a well trained practitioner with many years of practice to be able to easily enlightened the would be new user of Qigong. In the public many Qigong classes are taught and address many common ailments. In reality serious problems need specific tailored Qigong practices, along with in many cases related herb formulas and Qigong treatments. This can include massage and Acupuncture Therapy in various forms as well. There are many guidelines in proper administration of Qigong practices. Many Qigong practices have been vetted by Chinese Scientific and Medical Community, so the practices I am referring to are not self created Qigong sets by self identified Qigong Masters. I have been studying Chinese Medicine since 1981 and working as a Therapist since 1994, with many achievements and credentials. What I can tell you with certainty it requires quite depth, and continuing training and education in this vast tradition. 

The Qigong Difference: Qigong versus modalities such as Yoga, Gym exercises, etc. is that it first puts a large investment on mind intention and attention which develops our wisdom mind and helps us to properly enter into qigong properly. The Mind Intention and Attention I will leave for a journal entry all its own; its concepts are specific and different. It is a large teaching, which requires much elaboration. 

The universal salient features of Qigong Traditions is primarily the specifics of internal energy activation and mastery of life force energy. Specific practice's address the following - building/conserving, harmonizing/balancing, transforming/increasing, releasing/projecting life force energy is the main difference. Also skill set exercises that calibrate the physical body and internal organ system, specific respiratory breathing and paired movements, specialized life force meditations, specialized stretching, and postural movements, based on internal energy pathway system. Specialized personal empowerment's to strengthen ones Body/Mind/Soul are just some of the main differences.  

To Truly Feel and Experience Qi: With all that being said the main goal is to exist in a heightened sense of feeling, focus, and awareness of "life force energy". To truly feel and experience Qi is what seperates Qigong from almost everything else. It is unique and a complete tradition that does not have to be layered upon with other systems. Cultivation of life force energy is the oldest tradition in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The whole goal of Qigong is to strike a balance between yin/yang and develop the Qi for optimum health. Being present in the life force field activation and having the tissues, blood and bones saturated with Qi, is a main difference in Qigong Traditions and practitioners role in health and wellness.

Qigong is Holistic: The concept of holism/holistic is a foundation in Qigong. Western Scholars explain holism as a Philosophy with Therapeutic application.  The philosophy of holism is characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. The therapeutic application of holism is treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease. Qigong in a western sense is Medical, a form of medicine and is therapy. To call it Medical/Medicine although is a slippery slope to use that lingo. Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine have no correlation and those terms eludes it to be western scientific medicine which just causes all kinds of confusion. It is simply therapeutic that lead's one into application of  holism. Follow your Qigong Tradition along with nature and you will exist in a holistic state. 

In Closing: Many years ago I asked one of my teachers of China "What does Qigong do"? Trying to pick his mind and see what he had to say. He said "Oh well It makes everything better"; from your personal to ones professional life that's it in a nutshell. It's no big deal just do it and stay focused and you will find the gold in your efforts. Forget everything else this is the best thing in life.

GWA     

Tai Chi Workshop Howell Michigan

Note: Come join a wonderful group of lifelong Tai Chi & Qigong practitioners for a Super Saturday Gathering! Various presenters in Traditional Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong will be presenting skills and methods that will enhance youre life path traditions. Personal Participation will go a long way in your understanding with these traditions. One cannot learn completely from a book, video or online, it requires personal contact and connection. Much will be added to yourself personally meeting new friends whom share same likeness as you. Express youre inner will and participate and truly learn. :) 

G.W. Abersold 

The Power of Peace ~ Zhan Zhuang Gong

 The Way of Peace

 through 

Zhan Zhuang Yang Sheng Fa 

By

 Master Yu Yongnian

Introduction:

Master Yu Yongnian (于永年) is a celebrated Master teacher in the Zhan Zhuang 
(站桩養生法) Tradition. He was one of the last surviving teacher of Wang Xiang Zhai a famous teacher and Martial Artist in Beijing. Master Yu Yongnian was born on March 31, 1920 and lived until October 2, 2013 passed away at age 93.  He was a life long teacher of his teachers art and developer of this famous style unique to this area of China and within Zhan Zhuang, Yi Quan Health and Martial Arts.

In my life every teacher I have ever studied with (1981-current) taught/teaches a tradition of Zhan Zhuang; three of them were personal students of Yu Yongnian. Even they had considerably different takes on the practice. So there is not one school per se; and its not the final judgement on what is as well. These postural meditative traditions have always existed and always will.  For anyone interested in Qigong there is a sequence for everyone. It does take a experienced teacher to correctly adjust you and physically and verbally teach the in's and out's from experience on what makes this aspect of Qigong work. No video or book will be able to do this only from real practice can you get it out. 

The traditions from Wang Xiang Zhai and made popular through his students such as Master Yu Yongnian and many others are very popular. In many ways a standardized entry gate system into the vast world of this practice. But there is much to meet the eye here, holding the postures is a mere sliver of a very deep tradition. So I will leave it now at that and let his interview speak for the tradition he and his teacher had made famous.

Gary W. Abersold 

Question: Professor Yu, why have you started practicing martial arts? From what I read, after finishing medical school, your physical condition had deteriorated. Is that why you started practicing?

Initially I studied Tai Chi Chuan and Xing Yi Quan. Around 1944, I had already completed my medical studies and I was already working in the dentistry department of the hospital. It is true that my health was not very good; during the winter, I caught a cold easily, and in the spring it did not improve. For one reason or another, I always had something or the other.

Question: And why choose Taiji Quan or internal martial arts?

In China, in the medical field, there is the idea that people who exercise regularly and develop their physique, their muscles, will certainly cause their circulatory system to suffer. Their heart and the blood circulation will be affected by this excess, leading to a shortening of life. However, when someone assiduously practises gentle and slow exercises, their circulatory system strengthens and lengthens their lives, which is why people who practice Tai Chi tend to live longer. If we think of the animal kingdom, the lion or the tiger possess spectacular strength, but their life expectancy is rather short. However, the elephant and the tortoise, animals which move rather slowly, live over a hundred years.

And if we compare the animal and vegetable kingdoms: How many years can a tree live? In Beijing’s parks, there are many ancient trees, gigantic cypress that are over a thousand years old. In Australia, there are sequoias over ten thousand years old. In Chinese, they have a very interesting name, Shijeye, which means “grandfather of the world” .To return to the topic of sports, the majority of people do not understand, think that the more we move, the better it is; the higher the speed, the better it is. Like running the marathon and that sort of thing. However, in China, from antiquity to the present day, it is the question of whether the best exercise is to move or stand still, a subject that is still being debated today, the conflict between movement and stillness. Initially, I also understood that but later I found the answer in the Tao De Jing, which solves this dilemma about quietude. Do you know what I mean?

Question: I think so, is it Bao yi duli bu kai (embrace the one alone and without changing)?

Almost. Bao yi wu li (embrace the one, without abandoning nor going away). Embracing the one is easy, anyone can do it. But persevering, staying this way for forty minutes, an hour, it’s already more difficult. However, the longer one practices, the more the internal changes are produced and the greater the transformation is. This is not to say that the peace is the only way. Training in motion, that is to say, Taiji Quan, also has many health benefits.

Question: Taiji Quan through movement is therefore, the same as the Zhan Zhuang through peace?

What anyone ultimately practicing gongfu, is the forced jin or the wu. All look the same. The thing we need to stress is, which method gets us closest the objective; we must stress on that which makes us progress the most, either through movement or stillness. From my perspective, what will bring us the greatest experience of the jin force lies in the motionless practice, but as we said, it is a conflict that dates back to antiquity. For most people, exercise involves movement. However, training the interior by an outer immobility is a practice that produced surprising results, although it was hard for some to believe. That said, it is necessary to practice for a long time. Moreover, if nobody tells us what to look for or how to find it, it is very difficult to persevere. One must have great confidence in one’s teacher to overcome these barriers.

Question: Furthermore, reading ancient texts on kung fu, information is often very vague and very difficult to understand, especially for the Westerners. Perhaps this leaves too much room for speculation!
 
It is difficult to find a theoretical basis that is precise, useful, explained with verifiable scientific parameters. The theory of kung fu which we inherited from our ancestors reflects the reality of the time, the information was codified and too abstract, so the theory was not easy to understand if we had not someone to explain it. With experience and personal training, it is difficult that it leads us somewhere.

But today, we collect ancient knowledge and combine it with the means that modern science provides us with. This results in a verifiable system much less abstract. Today we can understand the ancient concepts in a new light. Nowadays, we cannot set up a training system based solely on the words of the past. We must aim higher especially as we have the means. For example, we speak of “finding stillness in movement of Tai Chi Chuan and movement in stillness Qigong How do we measure the movement in stillness? How is it verifiable?

Question: I do not know. Is there a means to measure the movement in stillness?

There is one, but until now, no one knew how to measure it. In fact, it is enough tojust measure one’s pulse to see that with practice of the static position, without moving, the pulse can rise to 150 beats. This is an example of what we were talking about.

Question: You mean, with the pulse, it is possible to determine the degree of internal movement?

Yes, of course, is not an external movement, but an internal one. If it moves very, very slowly, it is possible that the heart rate does not change, and yet without moving, it can cross 150.

Question: With such rapid heart rate, there would be some respiratory problems, breathing wouldn’t be normal? 

You see ? That’s the advantage. In any sport, a heart rate above 100, one begins to pant. But the practice of Zhan Zhuang, at a faster pace, doesn’t get you out of breath. There are physical activities that cause us to lose oxygen in the blood, and others where oxygen is not lost, but where it accumulates. That is why, when one practises Zhan Zhuang for over twenty minutes, even if one begins to sweat, the mind is more clear and the breathing does not accelerate.

Question: Can you tell us about your meeting with Wang Xiang Zhai and give us your first impression?

He was an elderly man, neither fat nor thin, neither tall nor short, with a little belly. A normal man for his age. He must have been about fifty years, could have even been in his sixties. I was 23 or 24 years. He was very bright, healthy, but he did not like someone practicing kung fu. You know, people who practice Kung Fu are generally stocky, with lots of muscles (laughs). He looked more like an educated person. His attitude was not that of a fighter, but that of a sage.

Question: Basically if you had crossed the street, you would have never imagined he practiced wushu?

No, he didn’t seem like that, but his physical condition was admirable, and his gait was very sharp and swift. We, at twenty, we were unable to follow. I admit that at first I could not believe it … I thought: “By practicing only Zhan Zhuang, standing doing nothing, can we develop inner strength? “Besides, he did not look particularly special, he was a normal man, he didn’t seem t possess exceptional abilities. I had only heard what others said about his dexterity … Especially since I was a doctor, and it was that he had the ability to cure diseases. This I could hardly believe it. So I had my doubts. But with time, I realized that my teacher was right, and the results had convinced me.

Question: Where were you training with him?

We trained in Tai Miao, the current Palace of the culture of workers, on the east side of Tiananmen Square. In the morning, many people came to train, over a hundred. It is at this point that I started to train with them. The real beginning was in Beijing between 1942 and 1944 at Pichai Hutong, in Xidan, under the Japanese occupation. It was after the seizure of Japan in 1945 that they began practicing Tai Miao. That’s when I joined the group. After the Liberation (1947), the classes were moved to the Zhong Shan Park.

Question: From what I know, in the early days of the Wang Xiangzhai instruction, one especially practices fighting, is it not?

Exactly at the beginning, he taught us boxing. The students were very young and enjoyed the fight. It was the era of Yao Zong Xun, who began studying before me. At that time, after having studied for a few years, students sought prestigious opponents and tested their skills.
 
Question: So pure sparring?

Yes, at Pichai Hutong, students were mainly learning how to fight, and, the truth is that Wang Xiang’s students Zhai fought against opponents who practiced other styles and they usually proved themselves superior. But it is true that many of them were too busy fighting, and some have also abused their power. The overall impression is not so flattering. People thought we practiced Da Cheng Quan, and that we were fighters, troublemakers, so the reputation we had was not positive, of course.

Over the years, this was the reason why Yao Zong Xun gave up its name to go back to its the original style and was renamed Yiquan, hoping to get rid of the bad reputation following Da Cheng Quan. This is why, in Yao Zong Xun’s training system, it is still called Yi Quan.

Question: But then, what is the correct name, Yi Quan or Da Cheng Quan?

Yi Quan is the name of the style developed by Wang Xiangzhai in Shanghai during his time, that is to say, the time before his arrival in Beijing. The system began to be called Da Cheng Quan during Beijing’s era. But it was not the idea of Wang himself, but his disciples.

Da Cheng is a Confucian concept indicating a very high degree of personal development, among scholars. Da Cheng Quan means “Boxing of great achievement.” Yi Quan derives from Xing Yi Quan (boxing of form and intent), but Xing was withdrawn because Xing Yi Quan does not have forms nor routines. Zhang Bi Hua gave the name Da Cheng and Wang Xiangzhai initially agreed. However, he thought that the knowledge of the man was unlimited, as the knowledge of martial arts, and to call it “great success” could give a wrong idea about the unlimited knowledge.

The two names correspond to different eras. The Yiquan dates back to the 20s in Shanghai, Da Cheng Quan dates back to Beijing during the 40s. Eventually, it was given the final name of Xue Zhong Guo Quan or “science of Chinese boxing” or “Chinese kung fu”.

Question: We can say that these three designations correspond to three different periods, is not it? But “the science of Chinese boxing” is a more general name?

The science of Chinese boxing (Kung Fu) is the result of many years of research on the foundations, the pillars of the practice of Chinese kung fu. Otherwise, if you want to call it the first era of Da Cheng Quan or Yiquan, it really does not matter. But the name that corresponds to the last era is Zhong Guo Quan Xue yanjiu hui. (association of the research on Chinese kung fu or Chinese boxing).

The inscription on the tomb of Wang Xiangzhai, Xue Yan Jiu Hui Yiquan (Yiquan Research Association) is incorrect, because the final stage was to move from one style of fighting or boxing to investigate the science of martial arts. Such has been its evolution, this is the reality.

Question: And how does such a martial style develop into a science of culture and of health, of Yangsheng?

After the liberation, the practice of martial arts was banned. And although there were many people interested in the martial aspect, like Yao Zong Xun and Wang Jie Xuan, what interested us was the Zhan Zhuang, it was not only ts quality of therapy, but also its means to preserve health, Yangsheng. I was a doctor, I could not pick a fight over there (laughs), and I was interested more int investigation and studying in depth the aspect of prevention and treatment of diseases.

Question: So how does this research group of curative aspects of Zhan Zhuang created by Wang Xiangzhai created by 1947 in investigated it? By reading books?

At that time there were no books nor any material. There were ancient Buddhist and Taoist texts, but no newer and more precise publications. References to the practice in the ancient books are very vague. And the recent publications were small books that taught positions, nothing more, nothing elaborated upon.

Question: In June 1981, Zhan Zhuang Jian Shen Liang Fa (Zhan Zhuang a good method for health), the first book on Zhan Zhuang as the techinique of the culture of health was published. The first edition sold 120,000 copies, and the second more than 275,000.

Yes, it was in general a theoretical explanation of Zhan Zhuang. It also included some medical cases, but nothing more. It is in the later publications that medical records were included.

Question: I understand that the application of Zhan Zhuang in hospitals began in the 1950's Apparently Wang Xiang Zhai was invited to the hospitals and clinics across China to teach Zhan Zhuang as therapy. When did he begin treating patients with Zhan Zhuang? What was his approach?

After the Liberation, in 1947, coinciding with the period of Tai Miao, many people came to the park to cure their health problems. Essentially, we practiced Zhan Zhuang, and then sick and the weak were leaving and we continued practicing the "tuishou", pushing with the hands.

Question: I understand that this change came from the prohibition by the government of the martial arts, and Wang Xiangzhai then concentrated his practice on the treatment of patients.

Yes, that’s right, and very successfully, too. As I said, many people came for this reason, with problems such as arthritis or an affected shoulder that does not allow you to raise the arm, people coming in wheelchairs pushed by family … these people after half a month or a month were recovering mobility in their members or have started to walk alone. At that time, I began to understand that the cases I saw every day in the hospital and did not improve were resolved in the park almost immediately. Then, in the physiotherapy section of the hospital, we have created a new department called “exercises for recovery” (Ti Liao ke).

At first there were not many patients, but the department soon began to fill up. On the fifth floor of the hospital of western medicine, we had a huge room where we practiced Zhan Zhuang in the morning. Despite the skepticism, word of mouth has worked well and, in no time, we welcomed many people.

Question:And what happened to martial practice, has it just disappeared, or is there anything left?

At Tai Miao, most were practicing Zhan Zhuang for health, but there was also a group that was training at Yao Zong Xun’s home, in Xidan. They were all young students who learning combat but almost clandestinely, because it was not allowed. This does not mean that there has been a change in the mentality of Wang Xiangzhai, this was due to political circumstances. But the fact is that the number of people practicing Yangsheng was growing more and more and the number who trained at combat was growing fewer and fewer, and so, the practice has evolved towards the prevention and curing of diseases. Anyway, the therapeutic results were very good.

Question: What types of diseases are treated?

They were all chronic illnesses: hypertension, arthritis, coronary heart diseases, digestion, insomnia … Insomnia has given excellent results.

Question: What was the reaction of the medical community?

There has been no concrete answer. At first we had just created the rehabilitation room with the exercises at the general hospital of Peking. Other hospitals did not have such courses, but they gradually began to include similar activities, but they used only the generic name Qigong.

Question: How did the Zhan Zhuang therapy and the Qigong therapy differ?

At first they were very similar. We all practice with static postures standing, sitting or lying down. After creating the sanatorium of Beidahe, they started calling it Qigong in the parks, and the Chinese medicine hospitals have also called it Qiqong and not Zhan Zhuang. In 1967, they invited Wang Xiang Zhai to the Research Institute of Chinese medicine and created the Department of Research on Qigong. It was called Qigong but Zhan Zhuang was practiced like in the hospital of Guananmen or the one in Baoding.

Question: So initially, the practice was the same, but wore different names? Because they followed different paths thereafter? 

It’s exactly that. In the 60s at Xiao Tang Shan, a seminar was held where all the sanatoria and rehabilitation services in the country spoke of Zhan Zhuang. Then I went to Shanghai where we have also presented, and it is from there that it was accepted in all these institutions as therapy, but it was called Qigong because the name already had a reputation and Zhan Zhuang didn’t.

Then came the boom of Qigong and many systems have emerged, some were positive and some real scams. Then Li Hong Zhi appeared and created Falun Gong. He also taught on the basis of Zhan Zhuang, but added things like “Falun wheel” orbits etc. They promised spectacular things. But it ended Qigong movement in a tragedy.

The first steps of the Qigong therapy are very positive and very useful from a therapeutic point of view. The problem is with the higher steps, such as “open the gate of heaven”, the micro-orbit, macro-orbit … These elements can cause many problems. By practicing Qigong, the focus is on the middle line in the meridian design, while in the practice of Zhan ne practices on the four members of the body. It is best not to focus on the centre and not to control the breathing. Natural breathing is the best, for then the brain is able to relax. The ends are the most important, this is where we concentrate our work, thanks to them, we connect with our nternal centres (bodies) and we develop our capacity, our potentiality. The lower extremities are most important, the potential is much greater. Technology has made the man largely sophisticated the movements of its upper members, but there is much more potential in the legs.

Question: Did you know the original therapy of Qigong? What was it?

In ancient times, there were methods of Yangsheng, the culture of health, used by people of high intellectual and culture. In my view, this whole culture of Yangsheng comes mainly from Tao Teh Ching of Lao Tsu. A very important part of the Tao is to cultivate life or health. Understanding this is very important, but many miss the point.
 
Question: And the Buddhist contribution?

In Buddhism, the main one is the sitting posture. The Chinese cultural tradition brings this little gem that is standing meditation, sometimes with martial vocation, but always centered on the development of global energy and integrated in the middle.

Question: But the training system which, according to tradition, brought the Bodhidharma in the Shaolin also includes standing postures.

Yes, it is true, but the first references to standing meditation exist in the Chinese culture a thousand years earlier than it did in the “Classic of the Yellow Emperor” and especially in the Tao Teh Ching.

Thereafter, the only practice of Zhan Zhuang, which had perhaps become too difficult and too elementary, evolved towards a practical in movement, then came those who were called internal martial arts, thereafter. These styles function on movement, and Qigong, on peace.

Question: What is the reality of Zhan Zhuang as therapy today?

Therapy is currently used in very few places. In the medical field, we still use a lot of acupuncture and Tuina massage, but static practices are in decline. They solely exist in small communities and parks and really is a shame, since it is the gem of the tradition. 

Question: Can we get it back?

At least, it is at the state at which it had arrived a few years ago. In hospitals, we can say that it has almost disappeared. Now the practice is going pretty much on a personal level, at home, in some schools, in the parks with professors. Sure, it does not benefit from the recognition it had a few years ago.

Question: At which position do you think the Zhan Zhuang could aspire?

We should spread and promote its practice because many chronic diseases are not cured with medication, but with the Zhan Zhuang one can re-balance effectively without resorting to the often aggressive treatments. The evolution of Zhan Zhuang is taking place at a private level, not at the public level or at the state level. In the private sphere, there has been an increasing level of interest, especially abroad. 

Because in China, what just happened to Falun Gong weighs too much, is still too recent. The Da Cheng Quan situation has been affected by all this. But we must not lose sight of Zhan Zhuang, which more than therapy or a system of combat, remains the best way to prevent disease, and it is this value that we must defend, it is an extraordinary method for preserving and reinforcing good health.

End of Interview

If you have any questions on Zhan Zhuang or looking how to start feel free to contact me at the email below: 

taozahnchi@gmail.com