 |
| Students practising the movement Spead Wings in Wild Goose Qigong |
|
What is Qigong?
Qigong is a traditional Chinese health exercise made up of movements that
connect with the acupuncture points and meridians of our body. The word Qigong
literally means “energy work”. When we do these special movements and connect
them with relaxation and breathing then we have Qigong. Qigong will help us to
relax and become more aware of our bodies. As we practise more, we will begin
to notice changes including more flexibility, energy and stamina. This is
because the Qi is working to heal any old illnesses or injuries and to open the
channels so that the Qi can flow naturally, making us feel younger and more
alive. There are many types and styles of Qigong, but the style which you will
learn is called the Kunlun Dayan Qigong system.
Kunlun Dayan Qigong System
The Kunlun Dayan system originated over 1800 years ago in the Kunlun MountainsTibet.
Daoist monks lived in these mountains in retreat from ordinary society, hoping
to cultivate longevity and enlightenment.Living so closely with nature allowed
the monks to observe the creatures around them and how they survived in what
was a harsh and often forbidding climate. One of these creatures were the
Dayan, literally 'Big Wild Goose'. However, these were no ordinary geese; these
were Bar Headed Geese, geese a near ble to migrate over the Himalayas
at an altitude that not even a helicopter can manage. Their lungs are capable
of processing oxygen in a unique way and they live twice as long as any other
geese species.
So the monks
began to imitate these beautiful, long life birds.They found
fluttering released toxins from the body's channels and swooping movements and
bending and stretching movements stimulated the waist and kidneys, creating
warmth and flexibility. Over time, as the skill expanded and developed, they
found that it even developed their Sky Eye potential, helping to develop
wisdom.
Today
There are several forms in the Kunlun Dayan Qigong system, not only Wild Goose
Qigong. Each form has its own special emphasis. Dayan (Wild Goose) Qigong is
good for overall health and flexibility of the body but the beginning movements
of Balancing Gong helps beginners to learn correct posture and relaxation, keys
to good health and energy.
Another form is
Jade Pillar Gong and it is good for the spine. Kunlun Swimming Dragon Gong is
good for the kidneys and waist and Dayan Palm is a very vigorous form which
combines soft, gentle movements with jumping and kicking to make the body
stronger and lighter. Also included in the system are several meditation and
healing methods which are used for cultivating the body and mind. In the past,
there were 72 forms and methods in the system and, today, just over half of
these have survived.
What will I learn in class?
In class, students begin with simple exercises called Balancing Gong and Healthy
Living Gong and then progress to Wild Goose Qigong. This progression of
learning helps to prepare the body for the more intricate movements of later
forms and also develops a good understanding of the principles of the Kunlun
Dayan Qigong skill.
|