Tian Gan Qigong is translated as “Heavenly Stem Qigong”. The Heavenly Stem is central axis of the body that runs from Hui Yin or Ren 1 or Du 1 (Chiang Qiang) at the perineum through the spinal cord to the top of the head at Du 20. This central axis of the Ren and Du meridians is the center of our meridian system. When the circulation of Qi is open and free in this Tian Kan central axis and the Qi flows evenly and freely then all of other meridian’s flow evenly and freely as well. Sometimes this Tian Gan axis is called the micro cosmic orbit. If tension and restrictions impede the function and natural balance of the spine then the balance of Qi in the Tian Gan will be disrupted, and the other meridians will also be affected because of the disturbance in the central axis.
Tian Gan Qigong includes 13 exercises and all of them are designed to facilitate the opening of restrictions around the spine, balancing and strengthening the core of the body, reducing tension, and relieving pain. These exercises are easy to learn and do not take much space to perform. They are fabulous for helping you learn how to bring the energy and warmth of your Qi to your hands and fingertips. All these exercises use the legs to generate the movement of the hips, waist, core and spine that power the hand and arm movements. This means they assist you in developing the physical coordination and strength to perform a great Tui Na Massage.
These exercises are also used by Xingyiquan practitioners to develop the coordination and internal power that makes their art so incredibly powerful. The Tian Gan are one of the main training methods that are used at higher levels of Xingyiquan training to highly refine one’s body method, strengthen their Qi, coordinate their breath and movement, balance their bodies and heal themselves.
The Tian Gan were a more advanced level of training that would follow more basic strength and flexibility training and other Qigong exercises. Part of the reason that they were considered advanced or perhaps even secret or not for the public was because they have the potential to dramatically increase the power of your martial arts techniques and make you a dangerous person. For this reason, they were reserved for people of proven good character and loyalty.
The Tian Gan exercises are of great benefit to almost anyone studying martial arts of any style because they are very essential in nature. They are perfect for practitioners of Baguazhang and Tai Chi Chuan. If they are done with a low wide stance or shifting Bow and Arrow Stances they are perfect for Northern Shaolin, Lohan, Lan Shou Quan, San Huang Pao Chui and many other Long Fist Styles. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn this advanced and rare Qigong method in our Qigong Mastery Healing Course!
