Orange County Qigong (Chi Kung)

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:55:00 +0000

Anti-Aging Benefits of Qigong

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:12:00 +0000

By A. Thomas Perhacs

Chinese scientists have begun to conduct a research on the medical benefits of Qigong since the early 80's. From then on, various studies have proven that it has hundreds of medical applications and this was recorded in Chinese literature. One interesting clinical report is associated with its anti aging benefits.

Scientists claim that Qigong can delay and undo various diseases related to aging. Moreover, the result of internal Qigong exercise can balance the energies of the organs and other body functions.

The Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV) is a procedure that can calculate the electrical conductance of the skin. Through EAV, which is done by using a low current, scientists were able to determine a person's acupuncture points and determine if there is organ degeneration.
Organ deterioration is diagnosed if there is an "indicator drop" as evidenced by a noticeable maximum value of conductance but suddenly it decreases before stabilizing. Qigong practitioners do not manifest indicator drops.

Anti-aging benefits of Qigong is further established by the clinical study of Xu Hefen, a Chinese physician who was able to prove that Qigong exercises can increase the activity of the anti-aging hormone Super Dismutase or SOD. This hormone destroys free radicals which causes aging.
In addition, the research also proved that Qigong exercises can increase the body's metabolism, promote good circulation and regulate the movement of Chi and blood which results to prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases as well as promoting longer life span.

Qigong can complement Western medicine in numerous ways to offer an improved healthcare for everyone. In fact, there are lots of condition that can greatly benefit from combining Qigong and Western treatment such as are hypertension, cardiovascular disease, neuromuscular problems, aging, asthma, allergies, and even cancer.

These various researches aimed to prove the ability of Qigong exercises to repair body injuries and restore normal body functions in individuals who have chronic debilitating diseases that can also speed up the aging process.

About the Author
A. Thomas Perhacs is an author, lecturer, martial artist and researcher who has studied the power of the mind and body since 1984. Mr. Perhacs is also the author of several best-selling books and courses. He has also collaborated with many courses for Scientific Premium Company-USA. For more great benefits of qigong information visit: http://instituteofqigong.

Qigong Changes Brain Chemistry

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:57:00 +0000

Qigong has been scientifically proven to change brain chemistry!

Researchers at the University of CA at Irvine (UCI) found that brain scans of subjects with attention deficit disorder (ADD) following qigong showed a higher perfusion of blood to specific brain regions compared to scans prior to qigong.

Qigong increases circulation to the brain, changing brain chemistry to reduce states of anxiety or challenges with attention.When blood circulation to the brain increases, focus and mental clarity occur, along with less atrophy of brain tissue.

Engaging in a regular practice of qigong can also positively impact your attention levels and protect the brain against premature aging.

Qigong also increases alpha brain waves. These waves are associated with deep states of relaxation and also with focused concentration as in the states of meditation. Qigong also activates the visual cortex and thalamus in a specific way that reduces anxiety levels.

The gentle flowing movements of qigong also helps the brain by challenging coordination between movements and breath work which nourishes the neurological system to reduce dementia in elderly people.

Thus, qigong is often used as therapies to prevent neurological atrophy and challenge the brain to stay vibrant and healthy throughout all phases of our lives.

Although Qigong has been around for thousands of years, its just becoming more popular in the western world.

© The Dragon Institute - Wing Chun Kung Fu | 34241 Pacific Coast Highway | Dana Point, CA 92673 | ockungfu.com

Qigong Classes!

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 06:23:00 +0000

We are now offering Qigong 4 times a week!

Tuesday and Thursday mornings
9 AM

Monday and Wednesday evenings
6:30 PM

Location:
The Dragon Institute
34241 Pacific Coast Hwy #105
Dana Point, CA 92629

Phone:
(949) 542-8470

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:11:00 +0000

Qigong (Chi Kung) Training & the Wing Chun Wooden Dummy

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:08:00 +0000

By Karl Godwin

In the modern pursuit of physical and mental well being, the art of Chi Gong (Qigong/Chi Kung) has emerged as a simple and effective method of attaining all around health popular with all age groups. As Chi gong styles are generally viewed as subsystems of a great variety of Chinese martial arts, the techniques performed can range from simple sitting exercises to extreme stretching postures considered more related to yoga. Chi gong always represents the relationship between the individual and the environment. Since the practitioner is in constant contact with the environment, sometimes tools can be used to direct and concentrate the energy of the chi for specific purposes. The Wing Chun Mook Yan Jong is such a tool to lead energy for self‐defense along a pathway to self‐development.

What is Chi (Qi)?
There is yet to be discovered a scientifically satisfactory, quantifiable definition of Chi (Qi). Common modern thought nebulously considers Chi to be a form of bioelectric energy. The problem is bioelectric energy can be measured while the causes of bioelectricity cannot be adequately defined.

In any material body, the state of its existence is determined by its temperature and the pressures placed upon it. The human body is no exception. Every system and mechanism of the body is considered healthy only if each system is operating within certain temperatures and pressures. Intracellular pressures, blood pressure, cerebrospinal fluid pressure and varying body temperatures in illness and health are all examples of varying temperature/pressure relationships. Chi leads the reactions of maintaining all of the temperature/pressure relationships in the body at their optimum measures.

This flow of energy rises from the ground through the legs and the body, through the arms, returning to the body and finally back down the legs to the ground. This cyclical flow has been determined to follow specific channels called “meridians”. Among complex structures, energy is transferred from one meridian system to another. The Earth is governed by pressure and temperature and therefore possesses meridians. Energy from earth is received by the human body and is released externally, either back to the ground, or into another system via the hands. When the cycle is impeded at some point in the transfer a physical or mental problem occurs. The purpose of Chi Gong exercises is to maintain and stabilize the flow while
all parts of the body are under correct pressures and temperatures.

The Martial Arts and Chi Gong
Chi Gong and Chi usage has always been associated with the martial arts, although the benefits for the health of the population should overshadow combat usage. The discovery and development of Chi from fighting is logical. Threats to general health can take many forms. Physical aggression is usually an overt conflict to be resolved. Injury and disease many times are covert conflicts against health. The movements of the martial arts are designed to protect the body against the harmful results of conflict. The subconscious recognizes this as beneficial to the individual’s overall well being, and internalizes the effect to counter the conflicts presented by disease and internal injury. Of course, as a fight is best resolved in it’s embryonic state, the internal effects of the movements counter disease best in it’s pre‐symptomatic phases. Patients, however, can use Chi Gong effectively at any stage of disease. The key to the internalization of combat movements to benefit internal health is the maintenance of “mindfulness” of each movement. The movements must be done slowly, with focus and slow breathing for the subconscious mind to translate the intent of the physical health promoting factors.

The Evolution of Human Chi
As humans stand upright, the connection (pressure) with the Earth is different from animals. Instead of grounding the body with four contacts, the human has two. This leaves the arms free to carry necessities. Early man’s survival depended upon two things:

His ability to carry as much food as possible within the span of his arms and
Maximizing his upright posture to see greater distances for perception of opportunity or danger.

For hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of years, the security of man depended upon these two factors. This action of rising upright and embracing materials to live, repeated for eons, is embedded in man as a survival mechanism. This posture has such an effect internally, it is used by most Chi Gong styles as the first exercise. By virtue of a type of postural‐emotional‐visceral reflex, it can enhance health. When assuming this posture, the mind senses the security of food, which triggers healthy internal functions along with an uplifted emotional state. This also creates a set of positive physiological changes to enhance overall health.

This standing posture is the initiation to all Chi Gong training, especially for martial art application. The Wing Chun style adopts this posture with a toe‐in bent knee stance to maximize the connection with the ground. Because of the angle of the legs, pinching exertion between the knees actually increases the root with the ground.

A second stance used for advancing, places nearly all of the weight on the rear leg. With the hips square, this posture provides the most single weighted connection with the ground. Although the weight is almost entirely on the rear leg, the front foot is pressed firmly against the ground with the knees pressing together. These two stances make up the physical foundation of Wing Chun as well as the support for Chi Gong development. From this established base, a productive chi posture can be built. This posture requires the spine to be stretched upward from the secure base as if a string were pulling the body up through the top of the head at the crown. This slightly stretches the upper curves of the spine. By tucking the sacrum under and bending the knees, the lumbar curve is stretched and reduced. Finally, the shoulders are relaxed and the elbows are dropped to their lowest position. This aids in lowering the body’s center of gravity. The resulting posture creates a unique condition of the Axial skeleton, that is, the spinal column, skull, pelvic girdle and shoulder girdle. The extreme tension of the proper horse stance commits most of the body’s muscular tension below the fifth lumbar vertebrae. The fifth lumbar vertebra is an important structure in Eastern wellness methods. Internally, the organs at this area and lower are organs of compression (the digestive organs). The organs above become more expansive, (the heart, the lungs, the brain broadcasting electrical energy.) Above this fifth lumbar vertebra, the upper body can maintain a relaxed yet flexible energy. Wing Chun instructors prefer to call, “rattan energy” like the bending and releasing of a rattan whip. In fast actions, the vibrational oscillations increase as it directed through the arms and finally through the fingers. Because the vibrations of the movement areimpossible to keep track of at this rate, in the practice of Chi Gong, the movements must be performed slowly, with speed reserved for the training of energy discharge, (chi application), not cultivation. These are the three keys for optimum chi development; an erect spine: a loose and flexible upper body and a solid, secure lower body foundation. Cheng Man Ching, a great Tai Chi practitioner of the Twentieth Century felt these principles contained everything for the development of chi.

Wing Chun Chi Gong
The Wing Chun style recognizes three aspects to complete Chi Gong training. The empty handed forms, Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu Jee, cultivate and circulate the energy from the ground and within the body independently. This is chi gong development from the self to the self. The Mook Yan Jong form teaches how to release the energy from the self into another organic object. Chi Sao, the sticking hands exercise of the art allows the student to receive energy from another in a harmonic fashion and use the incoming energy in a beneficial way. The two weapons of Wing Chun, the long pole and the butterfly swords, are also used to develop energy. As well, they provide an advanced method of extending the energetic field, the weapons provide via an organic tool with the long pole and an inorganic extension through the steel of the knives.

As important as solo practice is, it represents a limited circuit in the flow of chi. Meridian theory tells us the movement of chi changes direction at the toes and at the fingers. This change of direction should imply a change in the entity of the energy itself. Energy from the ground rises through the body... correcting impaired functions and collecting along the way offending energetic units. This is continued through the arm and discharged from the hand to the environment. From the environment, energy is picked up by the hands and returned back through the body to be discharged through the soles of the feet. From here the process begins again. There are three discharge and three entry points on each hand and foot. Among the receptors of pressure are structures called “pacinian corpuscles” found in the palms and the soles of the feet. They hold special significance to the Chi Gong student because they receive the information of the body’s physical connection with the ground and the environment. The feet provide locomotion and stability by accommodating the Earth’s energy, which is considered inorganic. The hands use tools and bring food to the mouth, which until a few centuries ago, involved the interactions of organic energies. Children’s play involves running and climbing trees. Beyond entertainment, this is developmental Chi Gong and plays a great role in adult well‐being, both in internal health and injury prevention agility. Many students of the internal arts make use of trees for different aspects of their training; to strike, to climb, even to walk around. For adult practitioners however, the need for tactile contact with wood is essential for a completely rounded Chi Gong regimen. The Wing Chun wooden man is the perfect device for such training.

There are no reliable historical references pertaining to the development of the wooden dummy. At the simplest level, effort spent on the wooden dummy is an extension of woodworking; the difference being instead of creating an object from the wood, you are creating a better self by working with the wood. The wooden man is a refinement of the tree. The first training apparatus for combat was undoubtedly a tree. With a branch trimmed, an excellent arm was made. Eventually a simple post was used for striking and kicking. Different styles of combat developed the posts in different ways. The traditional Wing Chun wooden dummy happened to use an arm and leg configuration designed to cultivate fighting skill and chi simultaneously.

The Mook Yan Jong possesses two upper arms, a middle arm and a leg connected to a solid trunk of about eight to ten inches in diameter. This configuration in no way describes an anatomical representation of the human body but rather, the body as an energetic entity. The trunk is where energy exchange takes place. Chi cultivation is the result of hand contact with the trunk.

NOTE: This article was originally published in Wing Chun Magazine as Qigong and the Wing Chun Wooden Dummy. The author is considered by many to be the foremost authority on the modern training methods Wing Chun.

Class Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:59:00 +0000

Chi Kung Class Location

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:57:00 +0000

The Dragon Institute
34241 Pacific Coast Hwy #105
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 542-8470

Orange County Qigong / Chi Kung - Qigong / Chi Kung in Orange County

Looking toward the wall of Mook Yan Jongs (Wooden Dummies)

Orange County Qigong / Chi Kung - Qigong / Chi Kung in Orange County

Another shot of the wall of Mook Jongs
Orange County Qigong / Chi Kung - Qigong / Chi Kung in Orange County

The wall of Mook Jongs (up close)

Orange County Qigong / Chi Kung - Qigong / Chi Kung in Orange County

Looking towards the sitting area
Orange County Qigong / Chi Kung - Qigong / Chi Kung in Orange County

Looking towards the changing room
Orange County Qigong / Chi Kung - Qigong / Chi Kung in Orange County

Qigong Classes

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:02:00 +0000

New beginner Qigong classes are now forming in Dana Point.

Our beginner Qigong classes are great low impact exercises that connect the mind and body. With practices you'll develop a greater awareness of yourself and your interaction with the world around you. You'll be able to be more mindful of what happens to your body and have greater control over it's functions.

Please contact us with questions or to sign up for classes.

Orange County Qigong

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Welcome to Orange County Qigong. We are dedicated to bringing the ancient Chinese practice to the local community of Orange County, California, USA.

We practice Yinergi Qigong - a type of soft, slow-moving qigong (chi kung) with its roots in Chinese internal martial arts.

Our practice is for people of all ages and fitness levels who want to benefit from the life-changing abilities of qigong.

Philosophy / Sayings / Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Become the principles and you can free yourself from them.

I believe in the fundamentals..being grounding, centered, staying calm & remaining sensitive.

Truth is in the feeling, not in the mind.

Authentic power lies in each individual that you help.

Finding truth is never about following another person. Truth is found within the walls you've built that hold you back from it.

Stay with what comes, follow as it retreats, thrust forward as the path is open.

Teachers open the door, but you must find truth for yourself.

Development has no end. There is only infinite passion for learning more.

Don't hold on to energy. Seek to understand it and flow with it.

Emptiness has full potential.

Relax, find your center and move forward.

Note: These are just a few of the sayings, philosophy and quotes from our sifu Adam Williss. Check back to see more as they are added.

Yinergi Qigong Clip

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:36:00 +0000

As demonstrated by Kate and Phil, Yinergi Qigong's approach to Siu Nim Tau (the little idea) is deliberately slow with its focus on maintaining structure and a mindful relaxing meditation.

Kate and Phil are about a month into beginning Yinergi Qigong when this clip was taken.

© 2009 Orange County Qigong (Chi Kung)

Personal & Private Qigong Training

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:25:00 +0000

-Cutting Edge Private Program with Transformational Results

-Personal Highly Individualized Yinergi Qigong Training

-Committed to Transforming Your Life

-Supportive, Professional Expert Instruction

-Innovative Training Approach - Don't Settle For Less!

This is exclusively for those who desire methodical private Qigong training in an individual setting. It is for those who want to benefit from Yinergi Qigong but aren't able or choose not to join a group class setting due to a demanding schedule, celebrity status or any number of reasons. Nevertheless, they want the best personalized training available and all the benefits that come with it. Only those who are truly serious about high level training and have the means may qualify. Your Wing Chun training will be directly with Yinergi Qigong founder, Sifu Adam Williss. He has trained numerous professionals, athletes, corporate executives, high-profile VIPs and has the insight to take you to a new level.

Learn either at your home, office or onsite in Dana Point, CA
Offered 7 days a week - by appointment
Sessions are $75/hour onsite (off-site locations may differ)
Private, semi-private & small group sessions available
For men, women, and kids - all ages - all experience levels

Make the Decision to Transform Your Life!

Orange County Qigong - San Clemente Classes

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:16:00 +0000

Monday
7:00am Qigong I

Tuesday
7:00am Qigong I
Evening
6:00pm Qigong I

Wednesday
7:00am Qigong I

Thursday
7:00am Qigong I
Evening
6:00pm Qigong I

Saturday
8:30am Qigong I

Can Qigong Help in Recovery from Addiction?

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:20:00 +0000

Recently, experts have come forward in support of Qigong as a valuable tool for treating addiction. These experts promoting Qigong as a method for treating addiction believe that this ancient Chinese practice provides addicts with an effective method for dismantling compulsive behaviors and triggers, regaining physical health, achieving self-confidence, and learning physical and mental self-control.

With their support, more rehabilitation centers are offering integrated programs into featuring Qigong postures, breathing, and moving meditation to aid recovery from many kinds of addiction, including drug, alcohol, food, gambling, and shopping addictions. As addicts suffer a great physical, psychological, and emotional toll because of their behaviors, Qigong makes it its goal to create a peaceful harmony between the mind, body and spirit. As more studies are being conducted on this topic, the favorable results are beginning to prove the use of Qigong as a treatment tool.

Qigong offers a gentle and peaceful way for recovering addicts to reconnect with their bodies. The positive physical effects of Qigong are both immediate and long-term. Qigong postures, meditative movements and deep breathing can bring an immediate sense of calm and focus. For addicts, who are often jumpy and unable to self-soothe, these simple techniques can provide immense relief from racing or impulsive thoughts, as well as tension, fear, anger, frustration, and anxiety. The ability to defuse thoughts and situations which trigger addictive behaviors represents a key to recovery. Longer-term effects of Qigong, such as increased bone and muscle strength, increased balance, improved circulation, and better coordination help recovering addicts regain physical health and develop a positive self-image. Learning reverence and respect for the body, as well as patience and tenacity through the practice of Qigong, may also help recovering addicts avoid relapses.

Expert proponents of Qigong for treating addiction seem to agree that Qigong is most successful when combined with other treatment methods. According to recent research, qigong was found to lower levels of cortisol, the damaging stress hormone, while simultaneously increasing immune system activity. In another study, qigong had fewer side effects than medical intervention in detoxifiying heroin addicts. In the same study, addicts who practiced qigong and received adjustments from an expert had less anxiety and a faster reduction in withdrawal symptoms.

Medical qigong treatment has been officially recognized as a standard medical technique in Chinese hospitals since 1989. The Chinese government lists qigong as part of their National Health Plan and it has been included in the curriculum of major universities in China.

Research on Qigong

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:35:00 +0000

According to recent research, Qigong was found to lower levels of cortisol, the damaging stress hormone, while simultaneously increasing immune system activity.

In another study, Qigong had fewer side effects than medical intervention in detoxifying heroin addicts and provided faster reduction in withdrawal symptoms with less anxiety.

Qigong was also found to reduce after-meal blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

References

Jones BM. Changes in cytokine production in healthy subjects practicing Guolin Qigong: a pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med 2001; 1(1):8.
Li M, et al. Use of qigong therapy in the detoxification of heroin addicts. Altern Ther Health Med 2002; 8(1):50-4, 56-9.
Iwao M, et al Effects of qigong walking on diabetic patients: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 1999; 5(4):353-8.
Ryu H, et al. Acute effect of qigong training on stress hormonal levels in man. Am J Chin Med 1996;24(2):193-8.

Qigong

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Qigong translates literally as "energy work". Most people refer to Qigong as Tai Chi, however this is technically incorrect. Tai Chi is a martial art with self-defense aspects for combat application. Qigong is an internal Chinese meditative practice which often uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of Qi within the human body, and enhance a practitioner's overall health.

With more than 10,000 styles of Qigong and 200 million people practicing, these methods. Qigong is both a physical and energetic exercise and mind-body centering. It involves the coordination of specific postures and motions that bring a stronger connection between the mind and body. It also focuses on developing and balancing Chi (Qi), the body's inherent energy also used in the Chinese acupuncture system.

Qigong unifies the traditional internal principles of body alignment with a philosophy that embodies the inherent connection between ourselves and the environment around us. It encompasses a vision of oneness in which each person is seen as part of a whole and directs a return to our natural and more innate sense of living.

Yinergi Qigong Brochure

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Enlarge the brochure by clicking the box at the top right of the Scribd bar