What is Taoism?
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy focused on living in harmony with the natural order of the universe. It emphasizes the concept of the 'Tao,' or 'The Way,' guiding individuals to find balance, simplicity, and contentment in life. Taoism encourages understanding the natural rhythm of the world and aligning oneself with it, rather than fighting against it. It's a thoughtful approach that has influenced various aspects of Chinese culture, including medicine and martial arts, and can be seen both as a religion and a way of life
The 70% Principle
Practitioners of qigong learn to avoid strain and stay well within their 70 percent capacity, and, in particular, not to over-strain if there is already some pain or restriction. Qigong balances energy and improves the weaker areas in people’s internal systems. The aim is to prevent the body’s “weak links” from causing problems down the road.
The Five Modes Of Practice
Qigong, a holistic system of coordinated body posture, movement, and focused intention, can be practised in various ways. Here are the five primary modes of practice:
1. Sitting: This mode is often used for meditation and breath control. Practitioners sit comfortably, often cross-legged, focusing on their breath and energy flow. It's a calming practice that can enhance mental clarity and inner peace.
2. Standing: Standing practice involves holding specific postures to align the body's energy. It's a grounding method that strengthens the body's connection to the earth and stabilizes the internal energy flow.
3. Moving: Moving practice includes a series of flowing movements that are coordinated with the breath. This mode is often associated with forms like Tai Chi, promoting flexibility, balance, and graceful strength.
4. Interacting: This mode focuses on energy interaction with others or the environment. It may include partner exercises or practices that connect with natural elements, fostering a sense of harmony and interconnectedness.
5. Lying Down: Practicing qigong while lying down allows for deep relaxation and healing. It's often used for restorative practices, helping to release tension and align the body's energy while in a state of complete rest.
Each of these modes offers unique benefits and can be practiced individually or combined for a comprehensive approach to well-being. Whether you're seeking physical strength, mental calm, or spiritual growth, these five modes of qigong practice provide versatile pathways to holistic health.
The Eight Energy Bodies
In the practice of qigong and other Eastern spiritual traditions, the human being is understood not just as a physical entity but as a complex system of energy. This system is comprised of eight distinct energy bodies, each serving a unique function and playing a vital role in our overall well-being. Together, they form a comprehensive map of the human energy field:
1. The Physical Body: The tangible flesh and structure that make up our physical existence.
2. The Chi Body: The energy that fuels and vitalizes the physical body, connecting us to the life force.
3. The Emotional Body: The source of our emotions, both positive and negative, influencing our feelings and reactions.
4. The Mental Body: Responsible for our thoughts, it can lead to clarity or confusion, shaping our intellectual processes.
5. The Psychic Body: This body helps us tap into hidden internal capacities, enhancing intuition and psychic perceptions.
6. The Causal Body: Governing the flow of karma, it influences the cause and effect relationships in our lives.
7. The Body of Individuality: Enabling the birth of our full spiritual being or essence, it connects us to our unique spiritual identity.
8. The Realization of the TAO: The ultimate energy body, aligning us with the entire universe, a profound state that few ever actualize.
Understanding and working with these eight energy bodies can lead to profound insights into our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual selves. By recognizing and harmonizing these layers of existence, we can embark on a journey towards holistic health, self-awareness, and spiritual enlightenment. Whether through qigong or other mindful practices, exploring the eight energy bodies offers a path to deeper connection with ourselves and the universe around us.
The Sixteen Neigong
Neigong, also known as "internal skill," is a traditional Chinese system for cultivating chi (energy), originating from Taoist practices. The 16 components of neigong are essential for developing chi and are taught within our Qigong system. These components can be integrated into internal martial arts like tai chi or bagua.
The process of learning qigong enables the realization of the 16 neigong's potential to harmonize your eight energy bodies, beginning with the physical one.
Simplified Overview
The 16 Neigong components are techniques for working with internal energy. They don't have to be learned in order, and each has multiple layers:
1. Breathing Techniques: Various methods ranging from simple to complex.
2. Chi Movement: Directing energy along different channels within the body.
3. Specific Chi Movement: Moving energy in particular ways throughout the body.
4. Body Alignments: Precise positioning of the body.
5. Dissolving Blockages: Removing obstacles in the eight energy bodies.
6. Soft Tissue Work: Bending and stretching the body's soft tissues.
7. Opening and Closing Methods: Pulsing techniques.
8. External Aura Work: Engaging with the energies outside the body.
9. Energy Circles and Spirals: Enhancing energy patterns inside the body.
10. Chi Control: Learning to direct energy to any body part.
11. Spinal Energies: Awakening and controlling spinal energies.
12. Left and Right Energy Channels: Utilizing the body's lateral energy pathways.
13. Central Energy Channel: Using the body's main energy conduit.
14. Lower Tantien Development: Enhancing the body's primary energy centre.
15. Middle and Upper Tantiens Development: Developing additional energy centres. 16. Unified Energy Integration: Combining the previous 15 components into one cohesive energy.
These foundational practices can improve other exercises like tai chi, bagua, yoga, dance, or weight-lifting. Mastery of all these components signifies a high level of achievement and the completion of extensive training.