The longest day of the year has already come and gone. As we travel towards fall, each day is a few minutes shorter. At the moment of the solstice the dominant yang qi made the subtle shift towards the growing yin qi. Despite this, there is still time to reap the benefits of this summer…
In the Gregorian calendar the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, marks the first day of summer. It is a magical time that awakens our hearts to the beauty of nature which in turn encourages us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. In the Five Phase Theory of Chinese Medicine, summer…
How can we make our qigong practice into an art? Those I meet through qigong usually express a desire for a meaningful regular practice to support them in transforming their lives. We know that qigong undoubtedly leads to greater personal happiness and health, and that it increases our capacity to contribute to the wellbeing of…
Last month Qigong for Life contributed an article to Locally Well San Diego, an online resource for all things wellness regarding mind, body and spirit. The article introduces qigong and its benefits to those who may be less familiar with the practice. It also serves as a good reminder to those of us who have…
Qigong Choices I’m often asked about spiritual, medical and even martial qigong. There are several systems of qigong to choose from. But why are there so many and what are they? Qigong has an immense and rich history. Originally, the natural world influenced and supported ancient people to live in harmony with nature. Qigong was…
As the Lunar New Year approaches, we bid farewell to the Yin Water Rabbit and hand the reins to the Yang Wood Dragon on February 10, 2024. The Dragon, the only mythical animal of the 12 animals in Chinese astrology, is a courageous, powerful and auspicious animal known for bringing heaven to earth. It is…
Many of us look forward to the winter solstice because it marks the beginning of the gradual increase in daylight hours. In the Gregorian calendar it is the first day of winter. In the Five Phase Theory of Chinese Medicine, winter is the most yin season. The attributes corresponding to the winter season are the…
Qigong incorporates gentle movements, meditation and breathing exercises that anyone can do. No matter your age, fitness level, or health condition, there are qigong practices you will be able to incorporate into your life to enhance your wellbeing. Pay Attention to Your Abilities During qigong practice, you are encouraged and empowered to modify practices according…
To fully harness the power of qigong, we must understand the way it works. A basic explanation is when the body, mind and heart are relaxed, they function in the natural state of harmony. Qi and blood flow freely. In a balanced and relaxed body qi moves freely through a network of channels (meridians) as…
Remembering to focus the mind to penetrate into the body when practicing qigong is essential for maximum benefits. If our intention is to receive maximum benefits from our practices then we must remember to focus inwardly. Our minds can easily wander, making our practices less effective in receiving healing information. While the original intention is…