Qigong / Chi Kung - Whole body physical therapy you can do by yourself

[swolf]

As I learn more about and get better at qigong (one of the pillars of Traditional Chinese medicine) it is becoming a central part of my self-care regimen. I'm not really interested in trying to convince anyone of its efficacy, you just have to commit to giving it a dedicated try to see if it will help you. It won't affect and shouldn't replace any other treatments you do.

An excellent start is via Ken Cohen's exercises here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huC11hQDKCw

There are thousands of different qigong styles. You can try out a few and pick one that resonates with you or helps with your particular ailments (besides the one we all have!) and bodily constitution. Perhaps the most basic and widely taught form is the Eight Pieces of Brocade. I don't off-hand know of a good online video to share (here you can see the movements: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jSrWdGQnKw, but that isn't an instructional video), but you might search for materials from Yang Jwing-Ming, whether online or his instructional DVDs. The Eight Pieces of Brocade (also known under other varying translations) is so ubiquitous you shouldn't have to spend money learning it if you don't want to, though in-person instruction is invaluable for learning good posture and technique, so if there is a qigong class in your area it is absolutely worth whatever small fee it costs. Practicing in the company of others is great but it's also something you are learning with the intention of using those skills by yourself every day, so it may cost something in the beginning but the knowledge will last. After you grasp the concepts and really have a feel for the practice then it gets easier to learn from videos. Another good one if Chunyi Lin's Spring Forest qigong.

You can spend 20 years telling yourself "I really should try to meditate" or do this or do that, or you can just do it. I think you'll be surprised at the benefits.

[swolf]

Here is a more in depth explanation featuring Yang Jwing Ming:

Understanding QiGong and Qi 1/3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPl8JNxSYIY
Understanding QiGong and Qi 2/3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhoVL96BjP8
Understanding QiGong and Qi 3/3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYdX5IP7lOE

[swolf]

Perhaps the most basic and widely taught form is the Eight Pieces of Brocade. I don't off-hand know of a good online video to share

Ok, I found some! These are by Yang Jwing Ming. I wanted to find a video that provides actual instruction and context instead of just simply showing the exercises. There's a lot more to it then just imitating the movements, you really need to be conscious of the concepts at play, and these videos are great for that.

Lecture on Standing 8 Pieces of Brocade (35:51): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxm9GGUDYCM
Demonstration of Standing 8 Pieces of Brocade (18:37, no instruction just demonstration): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sf9W2Qwn7Y
Analysis of Standing 8 Pieces of Brocade (23:50): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Plz9IXLZqM

from wikipedia:

The Baduanjin qigong is one of the most common forms of Chinese qigong used as exercise. Variously translated as Eight Pieces of Brocade, Eight Section Brocade, Eight Silken Movements and others, the name of the form generally refers to how the eight individual movements of the form characterize and impart a silken quality (like that of a piece of brocade) to the body and its energy. The Baduanjin is primarily designated as a form of medical qigong, meant to improve health. This is in contrast to religious or martial forms of qigong. However, this categorization does not preclude the form's use by martial artists as a supplementary exercise, and this practice is frequent.

[cbijk]

Thanks for these swolf! I have the Ken Cohen DVD which I highly recommend. It was my first introduction to Qigong and I found his explanations very clear and precise. Have also downloaded something called Wild Goose Qigong but have yet to give it a try.  

[swolf]

His may be my favorite video too but I practice Eight Pieces of Brocade with a group so I've also enjoyed Yang Jwing Ming's video related to that. Once you find a style you like and settle into it you realize how long it takes to truly get good at it and you realize how much tension the body really holds and how devastating that can be to health.