Qigong

A beginning student should be sufficiently familiar with the contents of Dr. Yang’s required textbook and videos, including:

• Basic concepts of Qìgōng
• Qì (bioelectricity) and the human body
• The five categories of Qìgōng
• Five Regulatings: Regulating body, breath, mind, Qì, and spirit (Shén)
• Key points of practice, how the exercises manifest these key points
• An overview of the Qì channels and vessels in the body

References:

• Understanding Qìgōng 1: What is Qìgōng ? – video
• Understanding Qìgōng 2: Qìgōng  Breathing – video
• Qìgōng Energy Regulation – video

Test Format:

• Written or oral test for Qìgōng theory
• Clear description of Five Regulatings

Qìgōng schools and timeline history. This includes the history of Qìgōng, Shaolin Temple & Wǔdāng Mountain, and knowledge of the major teachers who have developed Qìgōng theory over the centuries.

References:

• The Root of Chinese Qìgōng – book  (for Theory and History)

Test Format:

• Written or oral test for historical background

• Yīn & Yáng Theory
• Five Elements Theory
• Organs Morphology
• Zàng Organs
• Fǔ Organs
• Extraordinary Organs
• Qì, Blood and Organic Liquids
• Meridians, Vessels and Collaterals Theory
• More detailed understanding of the Qì circulation in the body and how it pertains to human health is learned
• TCM courses are standardized between schools. Certificate is required.

Western medical understanding of the human body’s components, systems, and biological and chemical interactions, from a recommended, standardized course. Certificate is required.

Regulating the body in meditation posture and coordinating the abdominal muscles with the breath. Regulating the breathing in the meditation. Beginner meditation instruction defines what is meditation and what it is not, how to precede with the experience of centering the mind and becoming present in the moment. Specific breathing techniques are learned and practiced to develop a foundation in meditation.

Breathing Techniques

• Normal Abdominal Breathing
• Reverse Abdominal Breathing
• Introduction to Embryonic Breathing

References:

• Understanding Qìgōng 2: Qìgōng Breathing video

Test Format:

• Written or oral test for breathing techniques theory
• Leading a session test for Breathing Techniques

Study the concept of two minds: “Xīn” (心) (heart or emotional mind) and the “Yì” (心) (logical, intuitive, wisdom mind). Regulating the mind means using the Yì to regulate emotional disturbances so you can be calm, the Yì can be strong, and you may lead Qì properly. This section also includes an introduction to Embryonic Breathing.

References:

• Understanding Qìgōng 3: Embryonic Breathing video (introduction)
• Qìgōng Guided Meditation video
• The Root of Chinese Qìgōng book

Test Format:

• Written or oral test for regulating the mind theory
• Leading a session test for regulating the mind

• Practice regulating the body to build the body’s structure and experience correct postures and relaxed muscles and joints in standing postures.
• Balance, centering and rooting are trained in detail.
• Practice regulating the breath, coordinated with the Qìgōng movements, and experience deeper relaxation.
• Practice regulating the mind by staying focused during the Qìgōng postures and learn to lead the Qì within the movements.
• Layperson Qìgōng Exercises

References:

• Qìgōng for Health and Martial Arts book
• Wai Dan Qìgōng Body Conditioning video (2027)

The Bā Duàn Jǐn (Eight Brocades) is the most popular series of “layperson” Qìgōng. The student will learn both the sitting and standing sets and the purpose of each exercise. These Baojian (health preserving) forms have been known for thousands of years to improve one’s health by resolving “Five Weaknesses” of the five yin organs:

heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys.  Practice will help heal the “Seven Injuries” caused by the seven emotions: happiness, anger, sorrow, joy, love, hate, and desire. Practice can prevent one from becoming ill when the internal organs are weak and emotional disturbance upsets them.

References:

• Eight Pieces of Brocade book
• Eight Pieces of Brocade video

Test Format:

• Written or oral test for Eight Pieces of Brocade history/theory
• Performing test for Standing Eight Pieces of Brocade

The next level of study focuses on applying Qìgōng to address your own common ailments, including back pain, the joints, blood pressure, digestion and others.

• Spinal Qìgōng. Spine Wave training will build the strength and flexibility of the torso. Qìgōng for back pain

References

• Qìgōng for Health: Spine and Back video
• Qìgōng for Health: Joint Rehabilitation video
• Qìgōng for Back Pain Relief video
• Qìgōng for Back Pain Relief book

Test Format:

• Perform test for Qìgōng for Back Pain, Spine, and Joints

A basic introduction to Tàijí Qìgōng, which is derived from Tàijíquán. Soft-style Qìgōng is learned and practiced to develop flexible, flowing, relaxed body control. Soft Qìgōng refers to moving in a large range of motion with minimal muscular tension, coordinated with breathing and meditation.

• Stationary Posture Zhàn Zhuāng: Embrace the Tree or Arcing the Arms, Two Hands Hold Up the Sky, Stances Training, i.e. Mǎ Bù.
• Primary Set

References:

• Tai Chi Qìgōng book
• Tai Chi Qìgōng video

Test Format:

• Written or oral test for history/theory of Taiji Qìgōng
• Performing test for Stationary Posture, Primary Set

Dr. Yang’s Qìgōng Fundamental Daily Routine

References:

• Daily Qìgōng video (new 2027)