There are a variety of styles and types of Qigong. Within our school at Tao Chi Flow, we teach a systematic method of Qigong in Bali. One of the most advanced and difficult methods of Qigong is training the tendons and ligaments with the 8 Stance Qigong Sets. It is a type of soft to hard Qigong. This Qigong requires deep-rooted stance work. We employ the 8 stances that and learn to move through each one. Moving through each stance requires contraction and expansion of the joints, tendons and ligaments in the legs, and hips. This change from Yin to Yang creates a Qi flow. Qi is generated by the changes from Yin to Yang and vice versa. The contraction and expansion of the joints, tendons and ligaments can aid in a strong Qi flow through them. The result is a strong, yet flexible and supple body.
The 8 Stances:
- Bow Stance
- Horse Stance
- Kneeling Horse Stance
- Cat Stance
- Rooster Stance
- Wild Goose Glides Down to the Beach Stance
- Twist Horse Stance
- Dragon Stance
5 Element Training for tendons and ligaments:
We have 5 Element tendon and ligament Qigong training. Where we move from:
- Stance 1
- Stance 6
- Stance 2
- Kou Bu
- Bai Bu
Kou bu is an opening of the hips, knees and ankles and then closes in to Bai Bu which closes the hips, knees and ankles.
Stance 1- Bow Stance
Once the student has the proper structure, we then add breath coordination. Once that block is firm, we then add the intention or visualization. Once you have these 3 components in place you are now doing Qigong. We have many sets of Qigong for training the tendons and ligaments. You can match various palms or each of the 8 Animals with the 8 stances to create a powerful set that works through the whole body. Some soreness is to be expected if you have not practiced this previously. This is natural and a good thing as your body will become stronger and stronger, as well as more and more flexible as it rebuilds itself. This deep Qi movement also enlivens your nervous system as blood and Qi flow more and more deeply, making the area more sensitive. Do not be discouraged by this, instead treat it as a challenge. Start with a few repetitions as your body is not used to moving in this way as well as using muscles that you don’t often use.
“One of the great emotional benefits of this Qigong is that it will calm down even the most fiery of people.”
One of the great emotional benefits of this Qigong is that it will calm down even the fieriest of people. Someone who is too “Pitta” or fiery in nature such as someone who cannot sit still for very long, very nervous or easily agitated this Qigong will calm them down really quick as it roots them into the earth and into their own body structure. Putting this pressure on the body forces one to learn to relax under stress and pressure. As the Taoists believe in the micro and macrocosm, they say that to learn to relax under stress and pressure in Qigong will help you relax under stress and pressure in your daily life. There is more information about Macrocosm and Microcosm in Meridian Qigong Teacher training
The longer you practice this Qigong, the easier it becomes to hold and move through stances; thus, your practices will become deeper and deeper.
If you would like to know more about training this style of Qigong, please email us or make an appointment for studying Qigong here in Bali.
