Qigong Fundamentals
What is Qi?
The direct translation of Qi is air, breath, vitality or force. In Qigong, we refer to Qi as a form of life-force, the intelligence of the body. An example of this is how the body heals a papercut or a broken bone. Everything has Qi.
What is Yi?
Yi refers to the voice of the heart, or our inner awareness. It is our intention, focus, consciousness or our deepest level of awareness.. Yi is often called the director of the Qi.
Dantians
The dantians are the three main energy points of Qigong.
The lower dantian is the body’s vitality center. It is located about 2-3 inches behind the navel. This is where the body cultivates and transforms Qi. It also stores and refines the Dan for healing the body.
The middle Dantian is located at the bottom of the rib cage, in the middle of the torso.
The Upper Dantian is located in the middle of the head. It is only access in the hihest levels of Qigong.
Belly Breathing
This form of Qigong uses belly breathing with all movements and with meditations. Belly breathing is a form of reverse breathing. The breath is very gentle and slightly stronger than normal breathing. In belly breathing, you breathe in through your nose, drawing your belly in slightly. When you exhale, release the belly and move it out slightly.
Body Posture
Body posture encompasses mental and physical relaxation. In Qigong, it’s called “song”. Mental relaxation is slowing the thought process and bringing your focus to the moment. Physical relaxation in Qigong involves a slight amount of body tension to hold the body’s frame effortlessly. To achieve this, one needs to have a straight spine. This helps the flow of Qi and more easily delivers a message between the body and the brain.
Position of the Tongue During Qigong
During movements and meditation, place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, where the teeth and gums meet. The tongue in this position connects the front and back channels in your body. The two channels are called the governing channels. These two channels must be connected to create a loop for Qi to move along.
Password: Connecting to our Inner Source.
A password is a key that opens the door to what is within. Before we begin the Qigong movements, we say, “I am in the universe. The universe is in my body. The Universe and I combine together.” This saying connects us directly to our source-self, the home of divine love and light, which is our true self. We can also say, “I am you, you are me, we are one.” Unifying our body and spirit as one that is whole, complete and perfect.
Havesting the Qi
When practicing Qigong, your Qi Field expands and intensifies, especially in stillness. In this state, you are healing your body and your Qi Field, which is your aura.
Harvesting Qi retracts your Qi field, concentrating the Qi into the Daintains. This strengthens your inner healer and your vitality.
