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…
In the Five Phase Theory, autumn is a time of waning yang and increasing yin. It is a time to slow down and turn inward for the approaching winter. This season supports us in letting go of old ways. Like nature releasing summer leaves and seeds to return to the earth, we can embrace this…
This article is Part 1 in a 3 part series. What are Energy Gates and Why are they Important in Qigong? Energy gates, energy centers and a variety of acupoints are essential to the flow of energy within our bodies. It can be a surprise to Westerners to learn that we have these intriguing,…
The term ‘qi field’ can sound mysterious when you first hear it. It is as important to gain an awareness of this ethereal concept as it is the physical movements of qigong. To fully embody qigong forms we must understand the underlying theories of energy. We can begin to demystify the qi field by understanding…