Philosophy
Qigong roughly means “energy work”. It serves as a mindful movement practice thousands of years old that has been proven to have health-promoting effects. It alleviates symptoms such as sleep disorders, headaches and depression through targeted exercises. Stress-related illnesses are avoided through regular Qigong, as many treatments are based on meditation and breathing exercises.
In general, three types of Qigong practice exist:
Medical - emphasizes health centered movements, often paired with specific breathing and focused intention. The goal here is physical and mental health. Our teacher talks of the joint mobility exercises, Ji Ben Gong, being performed pre-operatively and post operatively in China. This type of Qigong constitutes the bulk of our training and teaching certification. It is what we will be teaching you.
Martial - Qigong may be thought of as the Grandparent of other internal martial arts which include Tai Chi, Bagua Zhan, and Xing Yi Quan. One may look at these 'internal martial arts' as a way to quell and transform individual demons within yourself. For more information: Home - Internal Arts International Internal Arts International
Spiritual - Historically, Qigong's development included influences from both Daoism and Buddhism. Some people engage in specific Qigong practices designed to reach a type of spiritual enlightenment. We wish them well on their journey.
Research on Qigong's Benefits
Each day, more information comes forth on the benefits of regular Qigong practice. If you are interested in specific studies, here are a few.
Qigong Rocks!
Qigong changed my life! Really! After many years serving in the public mental health field, I felt exhausted, in constant physical pain, overweight, and generally crappy! My name is Angela and I am the owner and primary teacher of Wind and Water Qigong.
When I started practicing Qigong with dedication and diligence, the miracle of a pain free, energetic, and happy life overcame me. Suddenly, I wanted to eat vegetables. I know.
It became clear that Qigong teacher training needed to be the next step in my path to wellness and community. After completing two levels of Qigong Teacher Training with Brian Isacks and Kathryn Lloyd of Yoga Farm International, I gleefully set out to share the joys of this gentle, yet profound practice with others.
In addition to my Qigong Teaching certification, I also hold licenses for Clinical Therapy, a Masters Degree in Social Work, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration. But what I really love is Buddhism, walks in the woods, and all things mystical.
Lineage
Qigong, classically, has been passed down from teacher to teacher in an honored linear fashion. We are grateful to the brave Chinese masters who carried this wisdom with them transmitting it to younger generations, including those of us living in the west.
Our teacher training lineage stems mostly from the Liang Zhen Pu (broad style) transmitted by Bryan Isacks. He taught us what we will be teaching. Depending on the particular Qigong set, Bryan's teachers include Tom Bisio, Aizhong Li, the Beijing Physical Institute, Lu Laoshi, Hangzhou, and Frank Butler.
If you love Qigong and want to further your knowledge, I highly recommend investing in the Yoga Farm International's Qigong Teacher Training programs. Their system includes active, synchronous teaching, cue rehearsals, written material, follow along videos, and all around general support. We also laughed, a lot! https://www.yogafarm.us/
