Qigong is considered one of the five branches of Chinese Medicine, a foundational basis for martial arts, and a long-standing spiritual practice revered in Daoist and Zen traditions.
Qigong is considered one of the five branches of Chinese Medicine, a foundational basis for martial arts, and a long-standing spiritual practice revered in Daoist and Zen traditions. In this video, your qigong teacher, Mimi Kuo-Deemer, introduces you to the etymology of qigong and the history of the 8 Silk Brocades you will practice in this course.
5 minutes
Qigong cultivates your vitality and well-being and helps balance your body's organs and meridians, supporting optimal health. In this video, Mimi guides you into the first Silk Brocade - Two Hands Support the Heavens for the Triple Heater - with modification options and technique tips, while you discover the physical and emotional benefits of this brocade.
7 minutes
Learn how to do the second Silk Brocade - Open the Bow Left and Right to Let the Arrow Fly - with modification options and technique tips, while you discover the physical and emotional benefits of this brocade.
3 minutes
Use the first minutes of this qigong practice to set down what feels heavy and gather what feels spacious. Then work with the forms of the first two Silk Brocades to bring in Wood energy, which helps with liver health.
14 minutes
When should you practice - and where? What should you eat or wear? What if you have an injury or health concern? In this video, Mimi reviews the general guidelines for practicing qigong.
6 minutes
Learn how to do the third Silk Brocade - Raise the Hands to Condition the Stomach and Spleen - and learn through a personal share from Mimi why qigong is such a giving and forgiving practice.
7 minutes
Learn how to do the fourth Silk Brocade - Looking Backward to Eliminate the Five Fatigues and Seven Illnesses - with modification options and technique tips.
3 minutes
Let any burdens you carry drop away while you move through this gentle, intentional qigong practice.
13 minutes
The ancient Chinese believed we are each a microcosm of the macrocosm. As part of nature, we are comprised of vital energy, or qi, that is also found in the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
8 minutes
Learn how to do the fifth Silk Brocade - Swing the Head and Tail to Calm Heart Fire - while also discovering the specific benefits of this brocade.
5 minutes
You will continue to deepen your knowledge and experience of qigong by learning how to do the sixth Silk Brocade - Two Hands Climb the Legs to Strengthen the Kidneys - while you discover the specific benefits of this brocade.
4 minutes
This practice begins by tending to both the Yin and Yang meridians in your body. You'll start with a soothing self-massage, which is beneficial to the health of your vagus nerve, especially if you experience overwhelm or often feel depleted. Allow yourself to feel calm and bright as you practice the fifth and sixth Silk Brocades.
14 minutes
Yi - your intention - guides the qi, your lifeforce energy. Where attention goes, energy flows. When you bring intention into your movement practice, you give the qi in your body a road map to follow.
4 minutes
Learn how to constructively work with the Wood element of anger as you learn the seventh Silk Brocade - Punching with an Angry Gaze to Increase Strength - and how it can help you discharge unhelpful anger, irritation, or frustration.
4 minutes
Learn how to do the eighth and final Silk Brocade - Shake the Back Seven Times to Eliminate the 100 Illnesses - with key technique tips.
3 minutes
Bring a clear intention to your practice today, looking inward to ask: How would I like to take a stand in the world? Qigong offers a safe, supportive way to place your attention on the intention of being lit by the light of the sun. That is, moving in the world with clear direction, lightness, and heart-led purpose.
12 minutes
Think of a garden. When there's the right balance of sunlight, water, and good soil, plants not only grow, they thrive. When there is a lack or excess of sunlight, water, or good soil, plants struggle. We are the same. To thrive, we need balance.
4 minutes
This practice is a culmination and celebration of all you've learned in this class, allowing you the opportunity to practice all eight Silk Brocades and experience the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of qigong.
30 minutes
