Tai Chi Qigong - introduction
Originating in China, qigong (pronounced chee-gong) can be translated as 'energy work' or 'cultivating energy'. A more accurate translation could be 'any training or study dealing with Chi (or Qi) that evolves over a long period of time through regular and committed practice'. If that sounds a little daunting to the beginner, it need not. It just means that the more practise we put in, the more benefits and rewards we accrue.
Qigong is similar in look and feel to tai chi, combining deep, mindful breathing with gentle, relaxed, flowing movements, but it differs in that it has no necessary martial arts applications. It can be practised purely for improved health and healing, although martial artists do often train in qigong to develop internal power in their self defence applications.
The ultimate purpose of qigong is to cultivate the chi or life energy within us, so that it flows smoothly and abundantly throughout our relaxed body, healing and repairing and lubricating and bringing us back to a state of natural balance and harmony. Movements flow to the rhythm of our breathing and a relaxed but precise internal focus leads the chi through various pathways and causes the chattering mind (Monkey Mind) to become subdued and tranquil.
Similar benefits can, of course, be achieved through sitting meditation, but the slow, gentle, relaxed, mindful movements of qigong - which feel very much like moving meditation - have a profoundly healing effect on the body, as well as inducing a deep tranquility in the mind.
In summary, regular qigong practice improves overall health, as well as emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. All imbalances and symptoms of dis-ease are remedied and healed to some degree.
Open Door Five
Ilona performing a short sequence by Master Joe Lok. This will be taught in all classes in order to open energy gates.
Qigong - health benefits
Improved muscular strength and flexibility; lubricated, less painful joints
Improved circulation of blood, vital fluids and energy, with blockages becoming cleared and stagnant blood/fluids/energy beginning to flow freely again.
Improved functioning of the internal organs, particularly the 'yin' organs - liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and stomach/spleen. The digestive system becomes stronger and more efficient and we are less prone to digestive upsets. The immune system is upgraded and we suffer less from infections such as coughs and colds and 'flu.
Improved balance and co-ordination. A feeling of being grounded in our body. By 'rooting' into the Earth (like a tree), we can attract 'Heaven' or sky energy down through the head (much like a tree or a plant receives and absorbs the energy of sunlight).
Improved mental health, a more balanced emotional life and a reduction in anxiety, stress and depression. We learn to allow our emotions to flow freely, like the weather, rather than trying to suppress, control or manipulate them. As a consequence, we become more self-accepting and self-compassionate. Our relationship with ourself improves and that leads to an improvement in our relationship with others.
Because we are able to lay, what feels like a blanket of tranquility over our agitated nervous system and subdue our chattering, negativity-biased, 'messy' mind, we experience more inner peace, restfulness and a greater sense of inner fulfillment that isn't dependent on external events or circumstances.
Improved spiritual well-being. With greater awareness and appreciation of our internal energy flow, we feel more in harmony with nature and the world around us and we may be able to access a deeper, more spiritual way of being, beyond mere ego-identification, where we realise that we are all part of the one energy and ultimately, the one consciousness (the Tao, in Taoism). This can bring a feeling of extraordinary peace, joie de vivre and liberation.
Phoenix in Graceful Clouds of Blessing:
Master Joe Lok's Phoenix in Graceful Clouds of Blessing Qigong consists of 3 parts:
- 16 standing qigong movements, each designed to strengthen the internal organs. These are simple to learn, based on spherical movements and cause a tangible chi-flow through the body
- A Practice Form, consisting of the aforementioned 16 movements linked together into a qigong Form. See the video below.
- A Demonstration Form that is similar to the Practice Form, but is at a more advanced level.
At present, Ilona teaches the first 2 parts of this system.
Here is Master Lok performing his Qigong Form:
Shibashi 1- 18 Stance Tai Chi Qigong
Ilona learned this from Chris Jarmey, Director of the European School of Shiatsu. It is one of them most popular qigong sequences in the West. It's easy to learn, adaptable to all levels of fitness and works the whole body, as well as quietening the mind and lifting the spirit. Most people enjoy performing this sequence - Ilona teaches sometimes just a few moves during the lesson and sometimes the whole 18 movements. There are many videos on Youtube that you can search up that will show you the basic moves.
Cheng Man Ching 37 Stance Tai Chi Yang Short Form
Ilona has been teaching this Form for over 20 years. At present, the only class where this form is taught is the Friday 10am class in Gosforth.