Qigong is the oldest of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, herbology, massage, dietary therapy, qigong). There are many styles of qigong, all of which consist of forms of gentle exercise intended to enhance the flow of “qi”, our life-force energy to promote health, well-being, and longevity.

“Dayan” means “wild goose” and the 64 graceful movements of this continuous motion form mimic the habits of wild geese. The benefits of practicing this beautiful form include enhanced vitality, greater flexibility, improved concentration, stress reduction, fewer aches and pains, and a stronger immune system. It can be practiced by people of all ages and physical abilities.

Dayan Qigong was developed 1700 years ago by a Taoist priest named Dao An and revised and perfected by the Abbot Wan Yi. For centuries, the practice was handed down from master to student in secret until Grandmaster Yang Mei Jun, the 27th generation heir, chose to make the teachings public. She died in 2002 at the age of 108. Dayan Qigong was brought to California by her student, Master Hui Liu of the Wen Wu School.

• Medical Qigong is the gathering of energy for
restoring and preserving health.

Medical Qigong consists of techniques that purge, tonify and balance the organs and meridians in the body. This is a self-therapy system combining breathing, movements, concentration and visualization to improve health and successfully work with imbalances.

Medical Qigong has three objectives:

• Work with the effects of internal pathogenic factors
(excessive emotions) and external pathogenic factors
(cold, dampness, heat, wind, dryness) in the body.

• Increase or decrease the person’s Qi to regulate the
deficiencies or excesses in the body.

• Regulate and balance the individual’s yin and yang
energies to restore harmony in the body.

Each Qigong exercises addresses one pair of meridians and the related organs in the body. All together we address six meridians and corresponding organs. The first session talks about the basics of Qigong, the correct Qigong posture, breathing, concentration and visualization. The last session covers three meditation techniques used for strengthening or internal Qi, building barrier to protect our internal Qi and regenerate the Qi flow when tired and overworked.

At the end of this series of seven sessions you will be able to successfully address your imbalances and help friends and family. You will have the hand outs to use during your practice at home.

The world outside is constantly changing and presents us with new or repetitive challenges. Having the tools to restore the balance is the key to our optimum health and our deep enjoyment of life.

Both qigong and tai chi are rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese medicine and focus on developing and directing the flow of qi in the body through the practice of flowing movements. Qigong is a healthcare practice, while tai chi is a martial art.