Qigong Excercises for Holistic Health
Qigong is an ancient exercise system for Holistic Health. It has been around for at least 1500 years.
We find the roots of qigong embedded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Many of the exercises have slowly developed over time.
Below is a shortlist of qigong exercises formed over the centuries.
– The 18 Jewels (The 18 Therapeutic exercises)
– Hua Tuo’s 5 Animal Play
– The 18 Lohan Hands (Includes the 8 Pieces of Brocade)
– The 18 Lohan Arts
– Sinew Metamorphosis
– Bone Marrow Cleansing
– Abdominal Breathing
– Small Universe
– Big Universe
All of the above are available courses at The Shaolin Wahnam School.
It is important to note that, to learn genuine qigong, one should learn from a qualified instructor.
They can be potent exercises when learnt correctly and systematically with the correct instruction.
We estimate that least 80% of qigong practitioners do not practice genuine qigong. Most often, the forms themselves are genuine, but the skills are lacking, meaning they only practice forms with minimal results. It may still mean that they take years to achieve any desired results.
Fortunately, we at the Shaolin Wahnam School aim to bring the essence of this holistic health system back to its origins as was back then in ancient times. Or as close as we can get it. We also teach the essence of qigong at a rapid rate when compared to most schools.
We want to get this message out to as many people as possible; so the genuine holistic art of qigong is not lost.
This ancient holistic health system is just as important today as it always has been through the centuries.
The benefits are many when utilised and practised correctly. It will benefit you physically, mentally and emotionally. Shaolin Cosmos Qigong can enhance peak performance and give spiritual joys, regardless of race, culture or religion.
Qigong and the Meridians
What are meridians?
Imagine a stream of rivers flowing through the arms, legs and body. These rivers pass through the organs and all over the body.
With this insight into the meridian system, we can understand a little more about genuine qigong.
Meridians are the rivers of energy that ideally carry energy throughout the body to maintain the holistic health of the body’s organs, blood flow, nervous systems, bones and skin.
In the case of the mind and emotions, we utilise standing meditation to enhance Shen or Mind.
Qi flow or energy flow; is the essence of qigong.
When qi flow passes through the meridian system, it balances the bodies health in a myriad of ways.
Imagine doing a set of 18 exercises that has a significant list of holistic benefits. Imagine how life-changing it could be when practised correctly.
I will list a few Lohan Hand exercises with associated benefits later. It will broaden your perspective on what genuine qigong has to offer.
Practising Genuine Qigong
How do you find a new exercise that makes a difference?
Shaolin Cosmos qigong students across the globe have experienced many health benefits. The key lies in discliplined practice and the skills learnt at the Shaolin Wahnam classes.
Over the years, Shaolin Wahnam students have reported many long and short-term benefits of the practice. They feedback on many health benefits for anxiety & stress relief, various mental health issues, and many other physical and emotional symptoms.
One of the reasons for the great success at the Shaolin Wahnam School is that we have a master who has explored the depths of the arts and given us the best of his findings. He has shared many secrets when so many masters have held them back for themselves.
I’m eternally grateful to Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit for his dedication and sharing of these arts. I can now share the depths and secrets of the techniques and skills with a new generation of deserving students.
In this section, I want to share with you some of the qigong benefits of, The 18 Lohan Hands. Although I will not be adding all of the Lohan Hands exercises, you will at the very least see what genuine qigong has to offer.
In the 18 Lohan Hands, I have picked three patterns, Lifting the sky, Shooting Arrows and Rotating knees to help understand the genuine health benefits of these Qigong exercises.
Lifting the Sky
雙手托天
Shuang shou tuo tian
Lifting the sky is the first pattern of the 18 Lohan Hands exercises.Traditionally we teach the best pattern first.
Lifting the Sky works on all of the meridians and the Triple Warmer.
It is excellent for allergies, stress, posture, back & neck pain. And also haemorrhoids.
To get the best results, students must learn the skills of self-manifested qi flow or energy flow. Over time a student will learn the skills and eventually get the excellent benefits.
Shooting Arrows
左右開弓
Zuo you kai gong
Shooting Arrows is a demanding and more complex form.
I teach this pattern over two weeks to give my students time to adjust to the form.
Shooting Arrows, Strengthening arms; is used for for Skin problems, Respiratory issues and Blood Pressure (Hypertension).
It is a pattern used to help, Confidence and benefits a focused mind and Memory.
Practising Shooting Arrows is an excellent way to massage the Lung and Heart Meridians.
Rotating Knees
仙鶴轉膝
Xian he zhuan xi
The third pattern is Rotating Knees. When you see the form, you may wonder why it has so many benefits.
This simple answer is the skills applied to the techniques. It is the skills that make qigong exercises so effective.
The benefits of Rotating Knees are; it strengthens knees & legs as it helps to clear and is used to help varicose veins and knee pain.
This humble qigong exercise is also used for agility.
It is important to remember that, practsing genuine qigong takes time and effort. You can not experience all of the above benefits in one or two classes as a new student.
You must learn and apply the skills provided in the class to the forms to self manifest qi flow or energy flow.
Without qi flow, qigong is merely a gentle exercise that has minimal benefits.
In the case of the 18 Lohan Hands, we often see the eight brocade, the first eight patterns, being taught as a long and continuous form. The eight brocade are also known as the Eight Pieces of Fine Silk.
We teach each pattern as a singular exercise. When students attend classes, they wonder why we do so.
It is because the Chinese qigong and Shaolin written classics tell us that each pattern is a stand-alone pattern, each with specific benefits.
A Final Note
I hope that you have learned something from this article.
At the Shaolin Wahnam School, we aim to inform people of the difference between genuine qigong and qigong practised as a gentle exercise.
If you have any questions, please feel free to make contact, and I’ll answer as soon as I can.
My advice to all who want to get the best benefits of Cosmos Qigong is to find yourself a genuine master to learn the arts.
Learning from videos and books will only help you to achieve minimal benefits. On the plus side, videos and books will give you an overall idea of the qigong forms. And will be a guide on how to practice forms correctly and what they will benefit.
Of course, if you’re looking for a routine that has some movement to help lose joints, relaxation and blood circulation, then make the most of the resources.
However, if you want to learn genuine qigong, always find a master. The master will teach you and guide the way to the higher levels of your qigong practice.
Sifu James Lawrence
Quote from Sifu James Lawrence
We do not claim to teach genine Shaolin Arts, we do teach genuine Shaolin Arts.
— Sifu James Lawrence
With Shaolin Cosmos Qigong, we teach clear instructions on practising standing meditation. Meditation is, integrated as part of a daily 15-minute qigong session……….
When we integrate meditation into our daily lives, we reap the great benefits of a calmer and clearer mind. Our qigong becomes deeper. At higher levels, the beneficial health results become more than some could have ever imagined…….
