Week 1: Stand Like a Tree, Move Like the Wind
This week, learn proper alignment with Zhan Zhuang, standing meditation. Using the tree as a metaphor, Zhan Zhuang is a standing practice where one stands still and upright like a tree. With the feet grounding down like roots, legs and torso forming the trunk and the head and arms the branches, you will learn how to take stress off the joints, enhance energy, mental clarity and internal strength.
Week 2: The Five Animal Frolics: Crane, Bear, Monkey, Deer, Tiger
The Five Animal Frolics were created by the second century doctor of Chinese Medicine, Hua Tuo. Based on his observations of nature, these exercises imitate the movements, characteristics and spirit of the crane, bear, monkey, deer and tiger–awakening a primordial part of ourselves and tapping into the spirit of these animals within us. Considered among the oldest healing exercises in the world and the standard against which other qigong methods are measured, the Five Animal Frolics help to balance the flow of qi in the body, strengthen the internal organs and heal the body.
Week 3: Qigong Healing Imagery: Nourishing Body, Mind and Spirit
According to the theory of the Five Elements every individual is a unique combination of the five elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. Like a master blueprint that shows how nature interacts with the body, the relationship between these elements and the qi that flows through the body need to be in balance for a person to enjoy good health. When the elements become imbalanced, health conditions arise, creating disharmony in the body.
Each element is associated with different body organs, colors, flavors, senses, emotions and weather–highlighting the interconnectedness between our bodies and the greater universe. Learn healing movements to recharge the liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys with the energies of the five elements.
