According to the Traditional Chinese Calendar, which is intricately linked to Daoist cosmology, autumn begins on August 7. This day marks the solar term known as the “Beginning of Autumn.” Unlike a sudden end to summer, this date signifies a symbolic turning point. It indicates that the peak of outward yang energy has passed, making…
Taking Qigong on the Road Traveling can be a joyful, exciting and an adventurous time. It can also be challenging and tiring. Travel can feel nourishing or depleting. Balancing your energy during these extremes can be made easier by incorporating qigong into your travels. Vacations are a time when we are fully immersed in traveling…
In 2008, I was introduced to a set of unique qigong breathing exercises by Zhineng Qigong teacher Jane Jin. As I started incorporating them into my daily practice the effects were remarkable—I felt more awake, calm, insightful and stronger than ever before. These breathing exercises also helped to deepen and enhance my other qigong practices.…
During my studies of Zhineng Qigong in China, a revered teacher once told me that if I could only practice one movement each day, it should be Bend the Body to Open the Spine from the Body Mind Method. Initially, I was surprised; it seemed like a simple stretching exercise. However, after incorporating it into…
Enchanted by Roses This spring, I find myself once again enchanted by the spectacular display of roses blooming abundantly around the Elfin Forest Qigong Studio. There has been a fair amount of research linking intentional qigong practices with improved plant growth and food crops with an eye towards improving yields. For thousands of years, cultures…
In Part 1 and Part 2 we explored energy centers and gates. Now, let’s delve into some of the acupressure points, also referred to as acupoints. These are frequently recognized in qigong practices. The Importance of Acupoints for Qigong Practitioners Energy gates and centers along with a variety of acupoints are essential to maintaining a…
It is time to bid farewell to the Year of the Wood Dragon and welcome the transformative energy of the Wood Snake. The Lunar New Year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice. January 29, 2025, kicks off two weeks of festivities for many across China, other Asian countries and around the…
Change! Everything in our world, including ourselves, is in a constant state of transformation. As qigong students, we explore and embrace change through a unique perspective. Yet, despite our knowledge and experience, we often find ourselves resisting change. We sometimes expend our energy trying to devise strategies to avoid accepting change. Change can trigger fear…
Be sure to check out the end of this article for your FREE download of the Eight Verses of Zhineng Qigong. Learning and practicing the Eight Verses is an integral part of the Zhineng Qigong system. Their main purpose is to help students become grounded, centered and aligned with universal energy. They are potent…
This article is Part 2 in a 3 part series. What are Energy Centers and Why are they Important in Qigong? Last month, we took a look at energy gates. Now let’s venture into energy centers and their importance in qigong. As explained in Part 1, energy gates, energy centers and a variety of…