The first time a Shaolin disciple steps into the temple, they begin their training with a run up the mountain and the kung fu exercises I teach in Novice Monk. The average age of a disciple is fourteen. Only when they’ve been training for a few years do they study Qigong. The first Qigong form they learn is The 8 Treasures (also called Ba Duan Jin or Longevity Qigong).
My main Qigong is Bone Marrow Cleansing Iron Shirt Qigong. My master insisted that I studied the 8 Treasures Qigong for about a year before I began my main Qigong. Because it’s a very simple form, I was in a hurry to move on but as I’ve got older I’ve come back to it and the more I practice, the more I appreciate how powerful it is.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- Kung Fu students who are older than twenty-one.
- Any adult interested in wellness and longevity (no age limit).
- Students wanting to learn Iron Shirt or body conditioning
How Often Do I Need To Practice?
If you practice four to five times a week, after two weeks of training you’ll see a difference in your energy levels. You eyes will be clearer and your skin will look healthy. This is a sign that your internal organs are working more harmoniously. The important thing is to practice frequently. The beauty of the form, is it can be broken down so if you only have five minutes then you can do one or two movements when you’re pushed for time. Practicing once a week will have limited benefit.
The massage at the end of the Qigong Workout increases the power of the Qigong and helps to remove any blockages from the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine we believe that we have energy channels that flow where the blood flows. A blockage of these energy channels creates illness. Click here for more info on the massage.
Qigong Prevents Illness
Yesterday I placed a quote on my Facebook page which created a heated discussion.
“Using medicine is a last resort. If you take care of yourself, eat well, do Shaolin Qigong, you will not become ill. Don't neglect your bodies basic health.”
I should have clarified that these are not my words but are an extract from a Shaolin book that we study at the temple. What was interesting is the Qigong students agreed with the statement, and the more scientific students didn't. Both were correct. Of course we don’t have 100% control over getting ill but with illnesses that are created by burn out and stress, Qigong has a powerful preventative effect.
Qigong has been practiced for thousands of years. If it was rubbish, it would be long forgotten. We still practice because we feel the benefits. Research here shows the many benefits of Qigong. Why does it have so many benefits? Because it realigns the body so the internal organs are working harmoniously. Hence the positive benefits on blood pressure and heart rate.
The research is a modern way of saying what the Shaolin Master wrote:
Your body is a treasured gift from heaven and earth. It's your job to take care of it and nourish it through the practice of Shaolin Qigong. If you make an effort you will definitely see effects: your body will become stronger, you will be free of disease, you will lengthen your lifespan, and enjoy your life
Click here to stream today.
Next weeks article is for martial artists who are not total beginners.