T H E A R T O F I N T E R N A L C U L T I V A T I O N
a n d Q i G o n g @ M a y f a i r
The Yellow Emperor of China, Huang Di discoursed on subjects like health, medicine, lifestyle, nutrition and cosmology with his ministers Qi Bo, Lei Gong and others. Huang Di reigned during the middle of the third millenium BCE.
Taken from the Neijing Suwen ( The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine)...’The accomplished ones of ancient times advised people to guard themselves against zei feng, disease causing factors. On the mental level, one should remain calm and avoid excessive desires and fantasies, recognizing and maintaining the natural purity and clarity of the mind. When internal energies are able to circulate smoothly and freely, and the energy of the mind is not scattered, but is focussed and concentrated, illness and disease can be avoided.’
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are both systems that support and assist the process of internal cultivation. In basic terms this is the pursuit of peace of mind, vital physical health and a balanced emotional state. As one progresses, the journey inwards becomes even more spiritual. The transformative process of internal cultivation, often likened to inner alchemy is achieved through quieting the mind and guiding the Qi with the intention. All internal systems are based on subtle balance. To keep the body/mind/spirit in harmony without either deficiency or excess.
Qi Gong, is translated as ‘energy cultivation’ or ‘working with the life energy’. The more we relax and live in the present moment, the less inner and outer conflict we have in our lives. The calmer we are, the easier it is to flow with life and circumstances.
Daily practice of an internal art, like Tai Chi, Qi Gong or Yoga are accumulative. If our focus is on stillness and we set our intention towards this goal and then practice...we are on the way to cultivation. Whatever we focus on, we become good at. There is an element of self discipline...one needs to practice, but without attachment to outcome. In today’s lifestyle, this is beneficial. We have become so busy striving, reaching and becoming what we would like to be that we sometimes lose the joy of just being, practicing, breathing, moving. The multi media focus is on losing weight, being healthy, eating in a certain way and this causes stress in itself when we push ourselves into systems that do not fit or benefit us. As we become still and clear, the messages our own bodies have for us will tell us what we need.
Qi Gong is subtle, but powerful. Postures are held, the movements are slow and practiced with a sense of vital relaxation. The awareness is held in the lower abdominal area, called the Dantien. The body, mind and emotions become strong and balanced, allowing the spirit to shine.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong both contain meditation techniques and principles. Meditation is taught both standing or seated. There is breath work. All the techniques taught are meant to be utilized naturally and without force. Alignment on a structural level is one of the basics, linking to the awareness, movement and breath. Ancient history dates Qi Gong to nearly 7 000 years ago, whilst the traditional Chinese medical community maintain the origins began with Huang Di and his Classic of Medicine (2696 - 2598 BCE)
This internal art is beneficial for anyone wanting to live mindfully, with a greater sense of self awareness and the understanding that comes with learning to manage one’s own energy wisely. Health practitioners who enjoy Qi Gong as a part of their daily routine find it of great help in understanding their own and their clients’ health.
