Traditional Chinese Qigong Levels III, IV & V

Prerequisites: Traditional Chinese Qigong: Levels I & II

Cultivate strength of body and calmness of mind through the healing Taoist practice of qigong. Take this rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique lineages, The Pre-celestial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School, neither of which have previously been fully transmitted to students in the West. Xiantianwujimen was founded in the Song dynasty (circa 10th to 12th centuries) by Taoist sage Chen Xiyi, who is recognized as “the father of qigong.” This lineage specializes in using qigong techniques to build the foundation for sitting meditation. The Yiquan School was founded by Wang Xiangzhai in the early 20th century. Yiquan is most well-known for its standing qigong postures called Zhangzhuan, which are designed to still the mind while simultaneously gathering and circulating internal energy.

In Levels III, IV and V, we will receive training in several rare practices.

Hua Tu’s Five Animal Forms: Tiger, for tendon strengthening; bear, bone strengthening; deer, preserving generative energy; monkey, enhancing agility; and bird, improving sense of balance.

Immortals’ Guide to Self-Massage & Breath Regulation and Red Phoenix Calistenics: Practices for removing blockages in the meridians; aligning the spinal column for optimal circulation of qi; and strengthening tendons, bones and muscles.

Wudang Shan’s Five Internal Animals Training: Tiger, for building bone strength; dragon, facilitating the union of spirit and body; leopard, training tendon flexibility and strength; snake, creating flexibility in the spinal column to facilitate the circulation of qi; and crane, enhancing the body’s ability to conserve and store generative energy.

Required Readings: Holding Yin, Embracing Yang: Three Taoist Classics on Meditation, Breath Regulation by Eva Wong

Note: Students are not authorized to teach these Xiantianwujimen and Yiquan School forms without instructor permission.