Benefits of Chi Gung

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Dorena

Chi (or Qi) is another name for “energy” and refers to the subtle energy that flows through and around us. It is also called prana or inner winds. Gung (or gong) simply means cultivation. Chi Gung is, therefore, the cultivation of our subtle energy.

There are many ways to “work” our subtle energy and smooth flowing energy characterizes states of peace, calm, vitality and health. Indeed, in traditional Chinese medicine disease, such as cancer, begins as a block in energy flow. What follows from stoppages in chi flow are alterations and blocks in fluid flow that then lead to dysfunction in the immune system. Finally, we have the gross manifestations of disease such as inflammation, pain and tumors.

The regulation of chi is a fundamental practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Health is maintained by using herbs that influence energy flow as well as stimulating points on the body where chi blockages can occur (as in the practice of acupuncture). Specific exercises are referred to as “chi gung” and these are part of the ancient longevity practices of Taoism. Dragon and Tiger Chi Gung is one such practice. As a powerful stimulator of chi, It is use in China to treat cancer.

I was taught that in order to maintain good health one should practice twenty minutes a day. If one was interested in developing internal power in order to compete in marital arts then one needed two hours of practice a day. For spiritual development eight hours was the minimum.

The health benefits of chi gung have been validated by many studies. A research review in the American Journal of Health Promotion informs us of the following scientifically validated benefits:

Reduces Stress
Reduces Anxiety
Reduces Depression
Enhances Immune Function
Enhances Cardiopulmonary Function
Increases Self Esteem
Enhances Quality of Life
Improves Bone Density
Reduces Blood Pressure
Increases Sleep Quality
Increases HDL – Decreases LDL
Decreases Total Cholesterol & Triglycerides
Improves Balance
Increases Ability to Handle Pain
Enhances Detoxification from Heroine

Reference
Am J Health Promotion 2010 Jul-Aug;24(6):e1-e25. doi: 10.4278/ajhp.081013-LIT-248. A comprehensive review of health benefits of qigong and tai chi. Jahnke R, Larkey L, Rogers C, Etnier J, Lin F.

A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Dorena

Sometimes good people do bad things. I am reminded of an incident where I was in a lane that was merging with the neighboring lane. Apparently the person next to me didn’t like something I did. They followed me, got in the lane next to me and threw a beverage at my vehicle. (Found later to be root beer on closer inspection.)

I was quite shocked and wondered if they would have done the same thing if I was standing in front of them on a sidewalk. Sometimes I experience the same flash of frustration demonstrated by that person. I used to not be able to control my actions, but now I have learned to “not throw root beer” at people’s cars. Still I notice negative emotions as they arise.

I can become angry, jealous, competitive, and fearful. On a scale of one to ten, most of my mental afflictions are in the one to three range these days and easily managed. The key to changing negative emotions is to change the thoughts behind them. Whenever we are having a negative emotion it is because we are focused on something that is not true. Sometimes there is a temptation to try to change the circumstances outside ourselves, but all true change and peace comes from within.

I had been contemplating a little bit of negativity in my life that seems to keep cropping up. I was wondering what to do about that. The I Ching suggested I focus on the energy of creation. This seemed sensible. If I put my energy into creating positivity then there won’t be any room left for anything negative.

The next day I went to church and heard a similar message. Some people accused Jesus of being Satan when he demonstrated power over casting out negativity (demons). He replied that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” (Matthew 12:25).

The implications of the statement are profound. Indeed, Abraham Lincoln used it in a famous speech before he became president to state that the Union could not stand half free and half slave and the division would naturally cease. For me it means that if I continue to devote myself to finding peace than everything that is not peace will fall away. Further, it supports the idea that everyone will become enlightened since the illusion of duality will eventually be exposed.

Summer Retreat

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Dorena

Very exciting! I am planning a six week silent summer retreat beginning on the New Moon in July (July 15th 2015). I have space for two or three other meditators. One room sports a twin size bed and the other a queen size bed. In addition to the bedrooms, there is a large living room available for yoga and internal arts movement practice. There is plenty of room in the kitchen and I have a chest freezer as well. The outside yard is filled with garden space, but since this is summer in Phoenix we may find the heat is very conducive to focused indoor meditation. More information about the facility (which really is a temple) and the rooms can be found by clicking on the respective links above. I am requesting $600 per room for lodging for the retreat. Please note one small dog lives at the facility.

I will be able to offer some guidance during the retreat, but participants are expected to be experienced meditators having completed at least one seven to ten day (or longer) retreat. Preretreat meetings will occur in May and June. During these meetings we will set our schedule (start and finish dates can be flexible), discuss our goals and practice, and plan provisioning. I look forward to hearing from you. Contact Dorena @ (623) 242-5310 or dorena@tesli.org for more information or if you have any questions.