14 Medicine and Philosophy Lectures in the Qigong Healing and Tui Na Massage
In our upcoming Qigong Healing Mastery Course and Tui Na Massage Course, there will be 14 different lectures on Traditional Chinese Philosophy and Medicine Theory topics. These lectures will be addressed in relevance to the course content. Because Qigong is an ancient practice that evolved in a non-modern and non-Western environment, its practitioners thought about their world and their practices from a different cultural and intellectual context than we currently have. Learning to understand and appreciate the ideas that would have been common and normal when these exercises were created helps to understand the essence of each exercise and how to derive the maximum benefit from each one. We will not be attempting to cover all the theories of Chinese medicine that would be taught in Acupuncture school. However, learning a little of these theories makes a huge difference in your understanding of Qigong, Tui Na, Xingyi Quan, and other styles of Kung Fu.
Diving deep into the important main ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Philosophy is one of the specialties of this course and a central part of the Three Treasures of Healing Courses. I hope you will be able to join us either in person or online and share the pleasure of learning with us. Registration details coming soon!
- Three Essences: Jing, Qi, Shen – Essence, Energy, and Spirit are three fundamental essences that all humans possess. In this lesson, we will dive deep into what these terms mean and how they are related and transform. Learning about these will help you understand the entire process of personal growth in Qigong, Kung Fu, Tui Na, and life.
- Pre-Birth and Post-Birth Qi – There are many ways to classify and discuss Qi. In your body, one major division is between Pre-Birth and Post-Birth Qi. Understanding the nature of Pre-Birth and Post-Birth Qi will help you cultivate your Post-Birth Qi and avoid dissipating or exhausting your Pre-Birth Qi, thereby extending your lifespan.
- Relationship between Qi and Blood – The relationship between Qi and Blood is deep and fundamental to understanding the function of all exercises in Qigong, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu, as well as Tui Na. The goal of harmonizing the Blood and Qi is the focus of every treatment in Tui Na and every Qigong session. This lecture will help you understand how Qigong works and the physical link between energetic practices and the physical changes within your body.
- The 2 Types of Pain and their Treatment – Learning about the causes and symptoms of Stagnant Blood and Blocked Qi, and how to relieve these conditions, expands your ability to help others who are in pain and to prevent these conditions from arising in your own body. Understanding the two types of pain also helps improve the healing and pain-relieving results of your Qigong, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu practice.
- Yin and Yang Theory – The Yin Yang symbol is familiar to everyone, but few people know anything about it. In this class, we will dive deep into the heart of traditional Chinese philosophy and discuss the concepts of Yin and Yang from many different points of view. This will help you to understand all aspects of Chinese culture and especially your Qigong and Tai Chi.
- Locating the Yin and Yang Meridians – An in-depth study of the meridian system that your Qi flows through is a yearlong course of study at most acupuncture schools. In this course, we look at the meridians in broad strokes and get a basic understanding of the meridian system.
- Five Elements Theory – The theory of the Five Elements is, like Yin and Yang Theory, fundamental to Chinese philosophy and medicine. In fact, the Five Elements Theory is applied in many ways throughout traditional Chinese culture. The Five Elements Theory is also a foundation of the art of Xingyi Quan, one of our Three Healing Treasures. Because the art of Xingyi Quan is closely related to Five-Element theory, the entire martial art has a deep and real connection to Chinese medicine, which enhances its healing and therapeutic qualities.
- 10 Organs in Five Element Pairs – In this lesson, you will learn about each of the ten main organs from the view of traditional Chinese medicine and examine their functional interrelationships based on the Five Element Theory. This discussion will take your understanding of the organs and how to benefit them with exercise and Qigong to another level.
- Five Elements Theory and Practicing with the Seasons in Chinese Medicine – In this lecture, we will look at the intersection between the Five Elements Theory and the 4 seasons. Learning how to adapt your training to each of the seasons and how to transition from one season to another will increase the benefit of a year’s training, help you avoid burnout from over-training, and increase your longevity.
- Understanding the Effects of Wind – Wind is considered to be a pernicious or negative influence and is called “The bearer of 10,000 Diseases.” Getting blasted by cold wind is called “Getting shot with an invisible arrow.” Learn how to avoid and reverse the negative effects of wind.
- Body Clock – The body clock is a way of tracking and understanding the changing flow of Qi throughout a 24-hour period. As your Qi flows through all 12 of your meridians, it crests or peaks like a tide in the ocean in each meridian for a 2-hour period. Learn the timing of each peak organ Qi period and how to use them for your practice and for general healthy living in harmony.
- Production of Qi by the Body – In this lesson, you will learn how Post-Birth Qi is produced within your body daily. Study the production of Post-Birth Qi and the function of various organs in detail.
- Developing Concentration, Willpower, Intention – Learning to improve your concentration and develop deeper levels of focus improves the results of your Qigong practice. In this lesson, you will learn more about developing the mental tools and strength you need to take your Qigong practice to a new level.
- 4 Extremities for Diagnosis and Cultivation – The Four Extremities are a simple but effective tool for self-diagnosis and understanding your own health. Understanding the principle behind the four extremities helps you to improve your ability to perform all of your Qigong.