Qigong Explained
Qigong is a way of directly experiencing and opening to the subtle energy known as Qi in oriental medicine. It connects us more deeply to the natural flow of energy around us and to the source of our aliveness. Benefits of Qigong may include increased vitality and mobility, enhanced clarity of perception, the development of inner stillness, the clearing of chronic illness and, most of all, a deeper enjoyment of being alive.
Qigong’s origins lie in the preliterate society of China some 5000 years ago. It is said to be the root of all Chinese medicine as well as the basic method through which the subtle energy body was first observed and mapped, leading to the the system of meridians and points used by acupuncturists and bodyworkers. The earliest recorded Qigong is the practice of imitating the sound and movement of animals, such as the deer or bear, to develop the special powers perfected in each animal.
Qigong differs from most western trainings in its emphasis on relaxation and not-trying as key methods. Yet within the field of Qigong there are many and varied styles ranging from the sitting and meditative through to the exuberant and martial. It is the subject of extensive research in China and is fast gaining ground in the west both as a method of health maintenance and as a path of personal spiritual growth.
Hua Gong Style
Qigong Southwest promotes the Dao Hua Qigong style. Hua Gong, as it is more commonly known, has been developed by Zhixing Wang and his wife Zhendi Wang who both received teachings from Master Zhang Hong Bao and later Master Shi Song in China. Initiated and inspired, they have devoted themselves to the practice ever since.
Hua Gong is a result of the visions and experiences of their Qigong practice, and the integration of Chinese Qigong into Western society.
Hua means transformation, purification, integration, and liberation. Hua is a rather poetic term that contains a sense of beauty in itself. A butterfly coming out of a cocoon is an illustration of the Hua. The following images are also good illustrations of the Hua concept: bees produce honey from hundreds of flowers; mountain snow melts in early spring; morning mist dissipates in sunlight; bright moon merges through clouds; an eagle flies freely in the air.
Hua Gong focuses on health and healing, artistic creativity, and the spiritual aspects of Qigong practice. It is simple to learn, yet rich enough to become a lifelong practice. Click below to find out about training in the art of Hua Gong.
About Hua Gong Training
We all want mental peace, physical relaxation and good health in our life. It can be frustrating, however, to find that we do not always know how to achieve these qualities. Even when we do know the way, we may still find that we cannot follow it.
Qigong provides an invaluable way and clear guidance for us to realize these desirable qualities. The art of Qigong originated in China several thousand years ago. Throughout its history it has been practised by Taoist and Buddhist monks, Confucian scholars, indigenous doctors and Martial Arts practitioners to attain energy, knowledge and wisdom. It embodies the essence of the Chinese civilization.
Qi is the vital subtle energy that gives us life and connects us to the Universe. Gong means the practice of cultivating the Qi. Qigong awakens and cultivates the Qi to prevent or conquer illness, to improve physical and mental health, and to realize our inner potential and higher intelligence.
Hua Gong is an artistic style of Qigong focusing on health cultivation and spiritual development. Hua means transformation, integration and liberation. It is practised mainly through meditation and energetic body movements. Relaxation, visualization, breathing techniques, sounds and mantras are various techniques used in Hua Gong. To integrate Qigong principles into daily life is also an important part of the practice.
Hua Gong approaches the essence of Qigong and is an open and dynamic system. It is simple enough for beginners to learn and sophisticated enough for advanced practitioners to study as a philosophy and a life long practice.
The way of teaching is called ‘Dai Gong’ or ‘Zu Chang’, which means the teaching is passed on through what is known as a ‘heart to heart transmission’. A vibrant healing energy field created in the class enables the participants to overcome their problems or limitations and to receive subtle information for the practice.
Benefits of Hua Gong Practice
Prevention and Improving Health
Prevention is better than cure. People who are healthy can prevent future illness and improve their health greatly.
Healing and Recovery
Its healing power is probably the most important reason for the popularity of Hua Gong Many people have experienced profound transformation in their health and life because of Hua Gong.
Longevity
Daoist masters take longevity as the highest goal of practice. Sustaining good health to the end of our life is the real test of high level accomplishment of practice.
More Freedom in Life
It becomes more possible to recover from serious illness and to improve our health through our own efforts. We are better able to restore the balance when we occasionally feel unwell.
Unusual Abilities
It is possible to develop unusual abilities in healing, artistic creativity and spiritual aspects.