Course Overview

This six video course begins with a core practice to develop body, breath and mind skill. It then moves on to five practices designed to strengthen and regulate the Five Zang (Kidney, Lung, Stomach/Spleen, Liver and Heart) and to open their related channels. The movements are drawn from the Baduanjin (eight silken movements) and five animal traditions. It is designed for those with at least a basic knowledge of the functions of the five principal organs of Chinese medicine (the Five Zang) and the acupuncture channels. However, the theory and practice are clearly explained and illustrations of the channels are included, so the course is more widely accessible.

Course Objectives

• Cultivation of the body: aligned, integrated movement, elastic strength, the ability to open and lengthen the channels and fascia, balance and stability, physical resilience.
• Cultivation of breath: deep, lower abdominal/diaphragmatic, slow, integrated with movement, deeply nourishing.
• Cultivation of the mind: absorbed in the body and breath, calm (lowering agitated Heart fire into the cooling embrace of Kidney wate)r, grounded but open, resilient, intuitive.
• Cultivation of health and wellbeing.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minIntroductory neigong: a 3-part practice to develop equal cultivation of body, breath and mind and help move us into the 'qigong state'.

30 min - 1 hrsThe Kidneys: drawn from the baduanjin (eight silken movements) form, this beautiful and nourishing practice strengthens the lower back and legs, stimulates and regulates the Kidney zang, and activates the Kidney and Bladder channels.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsThe Lung: drawn from the five animal crane form, this light and elegant movement opens the Lung zang (especially in the upper back) and lengthens through the Lung channel in the arms.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsStomach/Spleen: this movement (Separate Heaven and Earth) from the baduanjin form harmonises the rising and descending functions of the Spleen and Stomach while activating their respective channels through the legs and trunk.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsLiver: This practice draws on the five animal tiger practice and the baduanjin to activate the Liver and Gall Bladder channels and develop 'warrior spirit'.

2.5 hrs - 3 hrsHeart: drawing on the five animal monkey form, we calm and open the Heart, activate the Heart channel and zang and extend warm-heartedness into the world.