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  • About
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Qigong 

PictureWang Xiangzhai


 
Qigong exercises are generally performed with relaxation and focus (in some instances, tension is consciously used for a specific purpose). The mindful movements of Qigong gently stretch the body and sinew channels to promote a balanced flow of qi. Proper practice also develops the resilience, whole body connectivity and flexibility of the fascial/connective tissue system.  Qigong practice can be more yin or nourishing, or more yang and energizing. Once you understand what you need for balance, you can use the appropriate type of Qigong to attain that. Scientific studies in China have shown that Qigong can catalyze increased blood flow right down to the capillary level. Practitioners know that consistent Qigong practice can build harmonious energy  and a deep sense of centeredness. 

​** Qi meaning life force is very simplistic and limited. To begin a deeper understanding of "Qi", please read this: http://jaybulloch.com/articles/what-is-qi/ and start practicing Qigong or Taijiquan.
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                                                                            Qigong Resources and Videos

Common Mistakes in Qigong and Taijiquan Practice by Sifu Mark Rasmus
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvSMOD1OV8&t=127s
Sifu Mark Rasmus has hundreds of fascinating free videos on Youtube covering
Qigong, Taijiquan, Wing Chun, Hermetics, Healing and Meditation

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Dealing with side effects in Qigong, Sifu Mark Rasmus:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AGfQ1koYn8

Eight Pieces of Brocade at Taoist Temple
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6kNW504Jjs
please be careful with how far you stretch your neck....less is better for most 

One of the Master's I learned Ba Duan Jin from :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XmD9K68Wwc

A quick and simple style of Qigong:
http://youtu.be/3zL4DyguWAk 

More on Qigong self-healing-one approach:
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXMSvxk0LRM

Another version of 8 pieces of the Brocade:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=445Fz8AQvX8


Recommended Books on Qigong:

A Comprehensive Guide to Daoist Nei Gong by Damo Mitchell
Decoding the Dao by Tom Bisio
Opening the Energy Gates of the Body by Bruce Frantzis
Heal Yourself with Qigong  by Suzanne Friedman 
Restoring Your Life Energy by Waysun Liao
The Master Key by Robert Peng
Meridian Massage by Cindy Black

Qigong websites:
http://www.qi-journal.com/index.asp

Qigong Meditations:
http://www.neiyanggong.us/jing-gong.html
 
Qi Magazine free download:
​http://www.qimagazine.com/qimagazine00.html 

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Comprehensive site about Traditional Chinese Medicine:
http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/front/index.html

​Acupressure points: Locations, uses and charts, http://www.yinyanghouse.com/




​                                                                                                             







                                                 What is Yiquan?


​            Yiquan is a powerful martial, health and spiritual art  which uses standing meditation for its foundation. These practices were found to rapidly  build total well being, proper structure and internal power. Our classes feature these standing  meditations for well-being,  known as "Zhan Zhuang" or "post standing", along with slow motion drills or "shili" and stepping  methods.  A primary aim is the expansion and realization of Awareness creating the integration of  body and mind with deeper levels of attention, will and intention. These skills can be used in martial arts or other life pursuits. Yiquan can reveal how to be natural in an unnatural world, how to stop fighting yourself on all levels and how to liberate your intrinsic power and talent. As a martial art, Yiquan training requires great perseverance, deep understanding and careful step by step cultivation of mind, body and spirit.
“Yi” (pronounced “ee”), refers to the concentration of mind and intention but in Yiquan it refers to something between "attention" and "intention". “Quan” (pronounced “chwen”), means fist or force in martial arts. Yiquan is a profound and unique art because of its focus on mind, intention and Zen like “emptiness” awareness combined with  detailed physical training. Wang Xiangzhai created Yiquan and   quickly established it as a formidable martial art. Later in life, he turned his attention to the use of Yiquan for  health and conducted systematic research on Yiquan’s application for a variety of ailments with great   success. This aspect of Yiquan, known as Zhan Zhuang, soon gained  widespread use as a form of medical Qigong. Numerous scientific studies in China attest to its amazing health building abilities without creating any negative side effects. This research contributed to the widespread acceptance and practice of Qigong in China.

English translation of Wang Xiangzhai's  "The Correct Path of Yiquan"
https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/the-correct-path-of-yiquan/

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                                                                                               YIQUAN VIDEOS

Shifu Wei Yuzhu demonstrating Yiquan's "Hold the Tiger" and "Flying Dragon"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQJIRHyKBWk

Introduction to Yiquan in English, his site has more in-depth information
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG1jwVxUKiE  

Master Cui Ruibin- Yiquan's effect on the Cells
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU5nrT2dEEk

​Yiquan "Zhan Zhuang" program by Master Lam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y07FauHYlmg&list=PLnbdKqPj9CY6iVtRrXg_Vjf07oozW6H5o

Master Yao Zongxun demonstrates Yiquan and Zhan Zhuang in the videos below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeQ76vOOq5k&feature=bf_next&list=PL52FF6B9246236BF6&lf=results_main

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOjct-3pFm8&list=PL52FF6B9246236BF6

Yiquan's Jianwu or "Health Dance" by Yao Zongxun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKEpsJUBnqE&list=PL52FF6B9246236BF6

Yiquan Masters
www.youtube.com/channel/UCJW2UjNOpy0qDqPeBwskj3Q

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​Yao Zongxun was the formal successor of the founder of Yiquan, Wang Xiangzhai.  Grand Master Yao did a great deal to systematize Yiquan to make it more accessable.
                          Master Yao Zongxun
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                   My Yiquan teacher, Dr. James Kan and his teacher Mr. Bao Yong Gang

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                                                                      Gary with Master Bao, 2007