Qi Gong for Beginners : Practical Beginners Guide To Qi Gong

2019, February

On my way with Qigong... for the past 3 decades now.

Originated in the mountains of ancient China, Qigong means 'Cultivating Vital Energy'. Postures are associated to slow, gentle and deep movements that liberate, strengthen and connect the body and the mind. 

It all started with a little book that litterally fell off the bookstore shelf just as I was passing by... lol... and in which  Qi Self-Massage and some Breathing exercises were presented in a very simple way to the beginner.

What I read there, felt true and made a lot of sense to me so I started experimenting and practising. I was not aware yet that the Qigong practice  included many different styles and forms of movements and postures. Let alone that it also was an healing « technique ».

At the time I was recently discovering Hatha-Yoga, which actually introduced me to anything involving « energy ». Alternatives to the  western science and culture's perspective about Life became a major focus of interest for me. So, over the years, I trained, studied and worked in the field of Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu, Yoga and Qigong.

So, what is Qigong ? And more precisely what is it to me ? 

Dealing with Qi is dealing with Life Intelligence itself. So Cultivating the Vital Energy, supposes as one could expect, lots of practice, repetition and dedication over the years before mastering anything.

This endless journey offered me and still does countless discoveries, inner realisations and possibilities.

It nourishes and supports my thirst for learning, understanding, and knowingness.

It gradually allows me to fulfil my deep yearning for peace and balance.

Working for the  institution or the system after completing a Science curriculum at University, didn't appeal to  me in no way. But visiting the world and meeting people of different cultures did ! So off  I was. And since the late 80's Qigong has been present and fulfilling  first on a strictly personal level - recovering a better physical condition, some kind of an  emotional calm, enrich my vision of Life. Later on, I became even more  envolved with it while I was working as a Shiatsu therapist.

During all these years, Qigong turned out to be essential, especially in times of major life changes or transition. For example :

- right from the beginning, when priority n°1 was about « moving towards a more healthy way of living »

- much later, going through the menopause years

- and more recently, taking in the incidence of the global systemic crisis that sets our lives into the "transition"

Right now, I find myself often reflecting over the ever increasing possibility of the upcoming Collapse of Life on Earth. But still, I believe that even in such drastic a situation, it will always be better with love and awareness. So... on with the practice...

Anyway, early 2018, I received a  Reconnection Session here in Algarve. Reconnection is about « reconnecting ourself to the Quantum Life field and to the Quantum nature of our true Being ». Cf. Eric Pearl.

Qigong practice? Yes again, to step into this new chapter of the journey. 

In the late 2018, I started to study Reconnective Healing, which in turns is renewing my Qigong experience. I have even dared to give it a name:  Reconnective Qigong !

Welcome to all of you who feel inspired and willing to explore with me.

Various teachers and styles of Qigong that inspire my daily practice:

- Master Lam Kam Chuen: 8 Pieces of Brocades Qi Gong & Zhan Zhuang Qigong

- Master Zhang Guang De: 5 Seasons Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong & General Health DaoYin BaoJianGong

- Master Liu Ya Fei:  Qi Gong for Women & Yi Nian DaoYin Fa Gong for neck and cervicals

- Master Ke Wen: 20 essential movements & some warming-up exercises of the NeiYangGongChuJi DongGong

I also studied the following styles during 1 or 2 years but didn't stick to them:

- Zhineng Qi Gong

- 5 Animals Qi Gong

- Hui Chun Gong –  Longevity Qi Gong

- I Jin Jing – Qi Gong  for Muscles and Sinews Health

The 2 books that started it all were:

- Qi Self-Massage, Taoist Way of Rejuvenation – Mantak Chia

- Hatha Yoga for Women – unfortunately I forgot the author’s name. 

What about Meditation ?

It's part of my daily life, according to my feelings, needs and condition.

Great teachers introduced me to different Meditation styles

- while I Was studying Hatha-Yoga, Zen-Shiatsu, Acupuncture and Qigong

- or during a few Bouddhist 1 week retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh's french community, at Plum Village. 

On the basis of their teaching, I now like to follow my own rhythm. According to my experience, Practice is the master. 

I mainly stick to some few Qi Gong or Taoïsts Meditations that allow me to renew and deepen the inner exploration without ever getting into any kind of sleepy routine.