Central to Traditional Chinese Medicine is the concept of the 'Three Treasures', Jing (Body/Essence), Qi (Energy) and Shen (Spirit).
Qigong (also, Chi Kung) is the discipline devoted to developing understanding, awareness and control of one's own three treasures. Qigong exists in many manifestations, however principally involves some form of meditation combined with stretching and strengthening exercises. Qigong practice is also known as 'internal training', and martial arts that incorporate a large Qigong component, are often referred to as 'internal martial arts'. Importantly, Qigong is best practised under the guidance of a Master.
Further background reading and articles on Qigong can be found in the resources section of our web site.
Qigong is practised to improve mental and physical health and well being. It is also essential in building a foundation for internal martial arts.
Daoist Master
Liu Sheng Xian
Our practice of Qigong has been passed down through the Zi Ran Men system. It has been refined through many generations by Masters throughout the lineage. Master Liu De Ming is a Qigong devotee and brings many new elements, including traditional Shaolin Qigong sets, to the current system. In the Zi Ran Men tradition, we encourage relaxed, natural practice.
Below we outline some of the major components of Ziran Qigong.
Standing Meditation
As well as the specific standing postures that go with each of the
internal martial arts, there are a series of universal postures
which strengthen the energy flows within the body, build
stamina and develop good physical posture and relaxation.
Seated Meditation
There are a wide variety of purposes for seated meditation
- stilling the mind, regulating the flow of energy, relaxing
the body's habitual tensions and balancing the emotions.
Five Element Qigong
The Daoists believe that there are five basic energies which make
up the universe. These five elements are also found within the
body and relate to specific organs. Five Element Qigong is Master Liu's
own personal Qigong set, which
works to balance and purify these elements within the body.
Qian Ba Zuan
Zi Ran Men '1008 Movement Qigong'. Developed to stretch the tendons,
stimulate the flow of blood and Qi, and to lighten the body.
Ai Dang Bu
Zi Ran Men 'Lower Hip Step'. Disperses heart fire, opens the body's
meridians and brightens the vision.
Damo Yi Jing Jing
Master Liu teaches several ancient Shaolin Qigong sets from the
Chan Buddhist period of the Shaolin Temple. Damo Yi Jing Jing is a set
of postures developed to open the spine and internal meridians.
Damo Xi Sui Jing
Shaolin Bone Marrow Washing Qigong.
A Chan Buddhist set developed to help regulate deep internal energy.
Shaolin Ba She
'Eight Movement' Qigong to develop internal power.
Ba Duan Jin
'Eight Pieces Of Brocade', this Qigong set stimulates
the flow of Qi by stretching and relaxing the muscles and limbs.
Dao Yin
Designed to clean up the body's energy and stretch the meridians, joints and tendons.