Taoist Yoga and/or Taoist Qigong
I teach a variety of exercise sets that offer a wide education of Taoist Yoga and/or Taoist Qigong
Sanskrit, Chinese and Korean terminology:
Qi, Chi or Gi = air, energy or breath
Gong or Kung = work or effort
Qigong = energy or breath work
Yoga = to join or unite
Tao Yin / Tao Yi = guide the Qi, stretch the body (sometimes referred to as Taoist Yoga)
The origins of Yoga, Qigong and other eastern mind, body and spiritual practices date back thousands of years. Tao Yin is quite possibly a root of Qigong and was practiced in Chinese Taoist monasteries for health and spiritual cultivation. From my research spanning over 35 years, I have found these practices are all greatly intertwined. What I currently find most important is that these methods have passed the test of time and proved their benefits to the human condition on many levels.
The human body is made up of bones, muscles, and organs among other components. Veins, arteries and capillaries carry blood and nutrients throughout to all of the systems and components. Additionally, 12 major energy medians carry the body’s energy, “life force” also known as “Qi”. One’s Qi is stored in the lower Dan Tien. Daily emotional imbalances accumulate tension and stress gradually affecting all of the body’s systems. Each discomfort, nuisance, irritation or grudge continues to tighten and squeeze the flow of the life force. This is where “dis-ease” claims its foothold.
Taoist Yoga, Taoist Qigong breathing exercises, Tao Yi and Tao Yin can adjust the brainwaves to the Alpha state where the mind is relaxed and the body chemistry changes and promotes natural healing. Relaxing of the deep skeletal muscles, working outward. Release of tension accumulated within the muscles, organs and nerves. Whereas conventional physical exercise can deplete energy, Qigong helps to replenish your natural energy.
Benefits of Qigong exercises:
■ Boosts the immune system
■ Reduces stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings
■ Lowers blood pressure
■ Increase the body’s natural healing process
■ Lungs increase their capacity
■ Promotes better respiration and circulation
■ Enhanced self-awareness
■ Helps to change the body’s chemistry for the better
■ Most exercises are performed standing or sitting; a few are performed on the ground but are easily adaptable.
■ Exercises can be practiced almost anywhere requiring no special apparatus, clothing, mats, music, etc. Some of the prior can be used to complement the exercises.
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The 8 Pieces of Brocade
The 8 Pieces of Brocade is a gentle exercise set that is relaxing and energizing at the same time, with each set of movements designed to activate and cleanse the Dan Tien and particular acupuncture meridians. Training can benefit every internal and external muscle of the body (over 625), all joints and internal organs of the body. The circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems will perform better with proper instruction.
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Opening & Filling the 8 Vessels
One method of opening the 9 Gates & Filling of the 8 Vessels, is with the practice of Ship Pal Gye or Ship Par Gay, which is a Korean version of Chinese Shaolin Lohan Qigong, meaning “18 chi movements” or what were supposedly the original 18 drills that Bodhidharma introduced to the Shaolin monks. It is reputed to be the basis for the Shaolin Kung Fu, which in turn, greatly influenced the developments of all branches of Asian fighting arts. For the martial arts student it is essential to appreciate that Lohan Qigong is not just another Chinese exercise to be introduced to the West; it is possibly the original ‘blueprint’ for Shaolin Kung Fu, from which the more familiar Karate, Aikido, Jujitsu, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, Hsing I, Baguazhang, etc. systems evolved or drew inspiration.
There are at least 8 Pal Gye sets taught within this system, forming a comprehensive system of progressively more advanced techniques towards gaining mastery of ones Qi (chi), or vital energy.
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Noble Stances
Noble stances are a combination of various stances from different styles of Chinese martial arts. Stances, in this case, meaning correct placement of the feet, knees, hips, and arm positions relative to ones center of gravity. Executing static positions and holding the particular body positions for anyway from a few seconds to several minutes reaps many benefits foremost being able to cultivate a strong and healthy core. Some of these Qigong practices require practitioners to hold the postures for a duration of time in order to pressurize the energy that flows through 12 Energy Meridians and 8 Extraordinary Vessels. This method encourages practitioners to build proper structure and posture, allowing them to stand in the positions longer and to increase and store more energy in their body.
5 (1-hour) sessions recommended to achieve some level of proficiency
Classes held within the Wekiva Neighborhood of Longwood, FL or a negotiated location