Course Overview

This 4-hour class will cover the foundations of Medical Qigong. Eight Pieces of Brocade will be used to apply these foundational principles. Eight Pieces of Brocade (8POB) is a form of medical qigong in that it is widely practiced for health. Each movement is relatively easy to learn which will allow plenty of time to focus on the principles in each move. Functional anatomy will be discussed for clarity on when to prescribe certain movements and how to modify them for patients with injuries. In addition to the material in class, students will have access to a comprehensive library of reference videos. Students new to qigong and functional movement systems should start with this class. In this class, you will learn: (1) Basic spinal wave to increase spinal mobility, mobilize each spinal segment, increase circulation at each back shu and huatuojiaji point, and enhance the movements in each of the 8 movements in 8POB. (2) Scapular mobilization and stabilization and its relationship to expansion of the ribcage and to shoulder and neck health. (3) Core activation and training and its relationship to stability and mobility of the spine. (4) Mobility of the zangfu. (5) A model of movement based on the channel sinews (jingjin), how related channel sinews guide functional movement patterns, and how these channels influence movement of the organs.

Course Objectives

• Students will be able to perform the eight movements in the Eight Pieces of Brocade sequence and will learn simple supplemental exercises.
• Students will understand how the spinal and pelvic movements enhance each movement in Eight Pieces of Brocade by linking with the movements of the chest and arms.
• Students will be introduced to functional anatomy of the shoulder girdle and will be able to explain how the movements of the shoulder girdle affect the chest and thoracic spine.
• Students will be able to describe the overall goals of each move, the channel sinews involved, functional movement principles, and the way the movements enhance circulation in the organs.
• Students will be able to take information from this class and teach these exercises to patients to supplement their acupuncture treatments.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 1 hrsIntroduction to the movement of the spine, pelvic, and shoulder girdle.

1 hrs - 3 hrsIntroduction of each movement including goals and channel sinews engaged.

3 hrs - 4 hrsPractice of the Eight Pieces of Brocade and discussion of working with patient.

Course Overview

Spinal health is fundamental to overall wellness and can play a key role in therapeutic outcome when recovering from injury or illness. Full movement of the spine exercises the nervous system, improves visceral health, and opens circulation in the channel system through the proper engagement of the channel sinews (jingjin). This class will highlight a foundational Qigong pattern to mobilize key regions of the spine, engage the core musculature, and improve circulation in the organs. The class will highlight the relevant channel sinews (jingjin) involvement and address applications to health and wellness. These Qigong exercises can be practiced for one’s own health but can also be used in a clinical setting when treating patients. We will look at key variations, modifications for injuries, common errors in practice, and progressions to properly advance with the exercises.

Course Objectives

• Learn how to systematically engage the channel sinews (jingjin) to expand and compress the spine to improve mobility and create a strong core
• Understand how to avoid common errors and how to modify the movement for injury or pain
• Understand when to use simpler progressions that can add insight to the full movement

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 minSeated Spinal Wave and Pelvic Movement

15 min - 30 minStanding Spinal Wave

30 min - 45 minPiston Squat (dūn yāo)

45 min - 1 hrsModifications and Common Errors