Qigong Empowerment Contents

This volume of five books includes qigong practices from four of the major Chinese qigong societies — Medical, Daoist, Buddhist, and Wushu Qigong. Each book in this volume presents qigong practices with theoretical and philosophical discussions, and begins with the most basic to more advanced methods. Beginning through more experienced qigong practitioners, healthy or ill individuals, will find this volume to be a valuable reference and training guide for attaining a variety of goals; whether it be better health, healing, martial arts, or spiritual development. It is recommended that you read the first section of each book to have an over view of the different qigong methods, before you start practicing any of the methods.

Book 1 focuses on developing a strong foundation for qigong training. It consists of many Medical Qigong techniques for health, healing, and illness prevention. It is also a foundation for all other qigong training. Book 1 begins with an introduction to the energy concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It also includes relaxation techniques, Qi Permeating Technique, Health Maintenance Qigong, healing sounds, and suggested self-healing practices for specific illnesses.

Individuals that are new to qigong training should begin with Book 1 before engaging in other qigong training in this volume. People that have been training other qigong and have developed a strong foundation, may skip Book 1 and go on to the other training presented in this volume. Martial artists and other internal arts practitioners who are in good health and have a good energy foundation may also skip the training in Book 1 and go on to the Daoist, Buddhist,  Absorbing, Emitting and Healing, or Wushu Qigong directly. However, it is a good idea to read the basic concepts presented in Book 1 before engaging in any other qigong training. It is always a good idea to practice the qigong methods in Book 1 to establish an even stronger foundation. The stronger your foundation, the higher you can achieve in your other qigong training.

Book 2 focuses on Daoist (Taoist) Qigong methods to further strengthen the body and attain longevity. Book 2 begins with a description of Daoist philosophy and qigong training concepts for health, longevity, and spiritual development. Section 2.2 includes methods for Fostering Jing into Qi, including the fundamentals of qi circulation, and Microcosmic and Macrocosmic Circulation. It also includes a supplemental qigong technique to assist individuals that may have difficulty in completing the Microcosmic or Macrocosmic Circulation. Section 2.3. and Section 2.4. include Level Two and Level Three Daoist Qigong. Individuals interested in the higher spiritual aspects will find Daoist Qigong techniques valuable tools in furthering their spiritual pursuits.

Book 3 focuses on Buddhist Qigong methods for health and developing an extraordinary potential. More specifically, Book 3 focuses on the Tantric Buddhist Qigong methods. It begins with a description of Buddhist philosophy and cultivation concepts; and continues with the basics for sitting meditation; and the cultivation of the Three Esoterics: Body, Speech, and Mind. This book also includes specific Buddhist breathing qigong, methods for protecting oneself from negative energies, and practices to unlock the inner potentials of the mind.

Book 4 focuses on methods for absorbing qi from nature and emitting qi, and exercises to develop your healing potential. It begin with a discussion on the human ability to emit qi; and continues with practices that unify the human and the cosmos; followed by qigong exercises to build and emit qi; and methods for absorbing qi from nature. Beginning and advanced qigong practitioners, and healers, will find this book very valuable for absorbing, building, and emitting their healing energy. Healers will find that being able to absorb energy from nature will make them feel even more energized and will allow them to help more people. Also, included are techniques to ward off negative energies which are especially useful for individuals that work in environments which are surrounded by negativity.

Book 5 focuses on Wushu Qigong. Wushu is the official name for Chinese martial arts. It begins with a discussion on Chinese martial arts training, followed by Iron Shirt Qigong and other Hard Qigong training for martial arts applications. Even though this book contains qigong specifically designed for martial artists, it is also useful for other athletes to build up strength in their body for other physical pursuits.

At the end of this volume you will find a set of Appendixes, which you may wish to refer to for additional information throughout your reading and practice, to help you better understand the material in the main text. In Appendix A, complete Acupuncture Charts are presented for your reference. However, most of the acupuncture points that you will need to know for your practice will also be shown along with the description of the qigong method.

Appendix B contains a set of exercises that can help relieve energetic stagnation from the stress of work or improper practice. In only rare occasions will you need to refer to this appendix. As long as you follow the procedures, keep an open mind, and respond naturally to the different sensations in your practice, you will not need to use this appendix. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to be familiar with this appendix and know where to find the information easily. You can refer to Appendix C for a glossary of terms used in this volume. Also, in the beginning of the glossary is a brief explanation about how the Chinese terms are romanized.

Today, we are thankful for the medical advances that can treat many life threatening illnesses. However, these medical advances alone cannot keep us healthy nor do they give us permission to relinquish our responsibility for our own well-being. We can rely on doctors for checkups and to give us suggestions for staying healthy, but we can’t rely on them to keep us healthy. We are ultimately responsible for our own well-being. By taking an active role in acquiring better health, and with a consistent input of time and energy in your qigong practice, you will be able to gain the highest benefit from your qigong training.

Beside practicing qigong regularly, proper hygiene, diet, and maintaining a positive mental attitude, are all important to staying healthy. When we practice qigong, yet constantly abuse our body with unhealthy habits, we render the effectiveness of our qigong practice. The Daoist’s view on personal well-being effectively summarizes this point:

People who know about healthy living, but not the means to attain health; know about death, but don’t believe that there are ways to avoid death; know that proper diet can keep away illness, but still indulge excessively; and know that excessive sexual activity drains the vital essence, but still don’t regulate sexual activities; though they may speak of the attainability of longevity, they can’t achieve it.