Dragon & Tiger Chi Gung (Qigong) In China, thousands of exercises have been developed to promote what we call "life energy" and what the Chinese call "chi", which is pronounced "chee" and often is spelled as "qi". Today these exercises collectively are referred to as "chi gung" practices. Chi gung often is spelled "qigong" or "chi kung". "Chi" means life energy, and "gung" means development or cultivation or "skill gained over time". The chi gung system that we teach in the Moving Tiger Method is known in China by the name of Dragon and Tiger chi gung. For over a thousand years the system was practiced by Buddhist monks in the Shaolin Monastery. In recent years it has been taught widely in China as a health and healing practice. The system consists of seven exercises with names like Tiger Pounces and Dragon Soars. Each exercise is made up of rhythmical, flowing movements. Ideally, you'll do the exercises in sets of twenty, following a specific order. It takes fifteen to twenty minutes to do all seven exercises in sets of twenty. With fewer repetitions less time is required. We strive to teach you these exercises in the same form that top practitioners in China have done them for hundreds of years. Our goal is to preserve this wonderful art in as pure a form as possible. You can choose to do the movements gently and focus on exploring the nature of your energy. You'll gain vitality, and relax, stretch, and tone your body. Or you can practice the exercises powerfully. This way you'll deeply stretch your muscles, challenge your agility, and boost your life energy. |
