==== ==== Secrets of Chi Manipulation - The Insider Methods To The Worlds Most Extraordinary Qigong Techniques. Click on the link to learn more http://bit.ly/13mpqIL ==== ====
Tuesday morning Qigong class: here you are, standing on one leg, trying to regulate your breath while quieting your mind. Instead you feel wobbly, fuzzy and light-headed. You are not calm and collected-you are confused. And, let me tell you, even then you don't know the trouble you are in. Because, in addition to everything else, according to the Chinese government estimate there are over 1000 styles of Qigong. Some of them are ancient and some of them should stay on the counter next to the day old croissants. And that's just counting the "authentic" forms of Qigong. From China to Nebraska, teachers who barely understand Qigong principles are inventing their own forms, demonstrating a few parlor tricks and generally devaluing an up-till-now venerable study. So how do you maneuver around the pot holes and find a true and reliable source? And, even more importantly, why is this important? Second question first, and I'll keep it short since you'd probably like to put down that other leg and exhale. As with most body arts, the 'why' is at least as important as the 'how'. A legitimate teacher is comfortably familiar with the principles that make Qigong a human treasure. If you go to a singing teacher, for instance, you want to learn breath, modulation, voice...not karaoke. Shallow information may not harm you, but it will not enrich you either and, after all, isn't that what you are here for? Don't worry: here are some good and easy tools to find the right Qigong. If you understand these you understand a lot. Sometimes it helps to bring a knowledgeable friend with you when you go hunting for a teacher. Think of this article as just such a friend. In many decades of practice, even given the dozens of Qigong forms I've learned, there is one important concept that never varies: the "Three Pillars of Qigong". These are: Controlling the Body, Controlling the Mind and Controlling the Breath, in that order. Now just to start off right, I should tell you that the words Qi Gong or "Energy Exercise" are NOT the traditional name of the practice. This is important because when this new name was invented by the government in China in 1949 it only confused the issue. People assume from the name that the control, and concentration of Qi or vital energy (more about that later) is the goal of Qigong. Not precisely true. Let's go back to our three pillars and see why. The first pillar is Body, and by that we mean movement and posture. If you can't perform the movements right you are already setting out on the wrong foot. The proper moves with just the
right relaxation and "path" should be the first and most important goal of Qigong when you are beginning. Forget the stories about 'energy', even if you already subscribe to the idea. Even in Chinese culture, where Qi is not a startling idea, they start with body. So, first, concentrate on doing the movements as well as possible. Next comes mind. Though this phase can go very deep it starts simple. Make sure you concentrate on what you are doing and still stay aware of the movements. At this stage you will use your mental focus to gently begin to coordinate your physical movements with your vital energy. Mind and body, not mind vs body. This is a key concept, one that is commonly misunderstood. Finally, Breath or Qi. If everything is correct mentally and physically you may or may not feel Qi. As the ancient masters wrote, this doesn't really matter because you will still be moving energy while gaining all the benefits of correct practice; not the floppy "space dance" you see many people doing. This 'third pillar' is the leg that steadies the other two. This approach will create wonderful and amazing results just by keeping an eye on posture and your mind on your movements. Aligning the body, controlling the mind, calming the spirit. The third and seemingly mysterious results of feeling what is known as Qi will come as naturally as rain from gathered clouds. First control the Body, then control the Mind and finally control the Energy. It's the same for ALL forms of Qigong. This should be the order and the concentration of your practice. If, for instance, a teacher starts to go into the mysteries of Qi, but doesn't correct your posture, you might want to keep looking. Start simple, stay calm, be aware.
A last note: After years of teaching, I feel so strongly about the priority for practicing Qigong that I have created a half hour DVD to accompany ANY person thinking about or engaged in studying Qigong. These '10 Points' will emphasize that crucial first stage of Qi training. We call it Qigong Essentials #1: Controlling The Body. Mention the name of this article in the ordering notes and we'll send it free of shipping charges! http://www.blossomsinthespring.com/bitsproducts/bitsdvds/BITSdvds4.htm#19009
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ted_Mancuso
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Secrets of Chi Manipulation - The Insider Methods To The Worlds Most Extraordinary Qigong Techniques. Click on the link to learn more http://bit.ly/13mpqIL ==== ====