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…
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…
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 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…
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…