ER 26
The Key to the Ancient Chinese Art of Qigong
By Pedro Cepero Yee
The art and practice of Chinese Qigong as we know it, has been around for more than 4,000 years. Actually the earliest
records allude to a start approximately 7,000 years ago, strongly rooted in the Shamanic tradition of the “Wu” women, and later being formalized and becoming the root of which Traditional Chinese Medicine was founded.
The practice of Qigong through its specialized breathing meth-
ods and nonimpactmovements, regulate the autonomic nervous sys- tem (the system responsible for the control of bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat/rate and the digestive processes amongst oth- ers). The highly specialized movements activate the Channels (the highways in which the energy travels) maximizing the body to its fullest potential, enhancing life at all levels be it physical, emotion- al or spiritual. The goal of Qigong is to attain a state of oneness where mas-
tering the “ThreeAdjustments” is of paramount
importance.As with any practice or skill we may at first practice the different compo- nents in order to understand themand do themcorrectly and through diligent practice, integrate them as one. Lets take a closer look at these three necessary fundamental aspects Adjusting the Body is a simple concept of placing the body in
correct alignment to maximize the flow of Qi (Energy). For exam- ple, a hose that is bent does not allow water to flow freely through it. When unfurled Water moves unimpeded. This is the goal of adjusting the Body. Adjusting the Breath allows you to get to know and become
best friends with your breath. This intrinsic knowledge allows you to utilize breath to control responses in the body that are related to neg- ative change and outside stimulus. An interesting exercise to help you understand, is to pay attention to how long your inhale is, how long your exhale is and if it is difficult, labored, easy or smooth. Pay close attention andmake amental
note.NowHold your breath;make a note of the body’s response to this non-action. Now: Experience and become familiar with what a normal breath should be. Qigong Breathing Techniques used inMeditation There are many different types of Qigong breathing tech-
niques, and each has a different indication and effect. The larger goals of Qigong breathing exercises are to help concentrate the mind, eliminate distracting thoughts, and facilitate a transition into a state of peace and Inner Quiet. Below we will look at two of the methods Longer Exhalations -This breathing method involves length-
ening the exhalation as compared to the inhalation. For example measure your inhalation by a count of “one-two”, thenmeasure your exhalation by a count of “one-two-three-four”.We should also pay greater attention to each exhalation. Longer exhalations, or focusing themind on exhaling, is considered a ReducingMethod. It therefore can be used therapeutically to treat what we refer to as excess such as hypertension, and headache. Lengthening and focusing on each exhalation can also help quiet the mind when it is too excited, and can help relax an accelerated heartbeat. Lastly, longer exhalations help settle an upset Stomach and Intestines. Longer Inhalations -This breathing method involves length-
ening the inhalation as compared to the exhalation. In contrast to the previously mentioned technique, now inhale for a count of “one-two-three-four” while exhaling to a count of “one-two”. While inhaling focus your mind on this thought: “Inhale longer. Quiet.” When exhaling, produce no specific thoughts. Longer Inhalations, or focusing the mind on inhaling, is a Reinforcing or tonifying type of Qigong breathing. Themethod will give you ener- gy when you are tired. Adjusting the Mind: Understanding that the Mind is a
Precision Instrument Qigong (Breath work / EnergyWork) influences and regulates the physiological functions of the body, and changes pathological
processes mainly through the use of the Mind. When the mind is peaceful and the Heart is pure, health follows. The process of quiet- ing the mind and influencing the body is of paramount importance in Qigong practice, and is accomplished through meditation. Certainly we can understand that the mind and its emotions,
thoughts, and feelings affect our health. Relaxing, happy, positive, thoughts produce positive and beneficial changes in the body. Tension, depression, and anxiety, as well as unhappiness, anger, and negative thought patterns all are unhealthy influences that create harmful changes in the body. Regulating the Heart and mind during Qigongmeditation involves ridding oneself of negative thought pat- terns in order to develop a sense of ‘Inner Quiet’. This is known as a “functional state of Qigong” whose outcome is health and happi- ness, peace and wisdom. Simple Qigong Meditation as a first step Qigong Meditation
allows you to calm the heart, spirit and mind. It relaxes the body allowing blood and Qi (the body’s natural energy) to circulate. Simple meditation is your first step. Learning how to do this allows you to have immediate benefit fromthe practice in a simple and effi- cient manner. The “3 -5 – 10” Qigong Meditation is a simple medi- tation with a powerful effect. This can be taught to anyone and I have used it especially on patientswith high blood pressure and anx- iety producing immediate change to a state of peace and normal blood pressure range. This method utilizes 3 individual Inhalations and exhalations from the belly to the head, 5 individual Inhalations and exhalations from the belly to the chest and 10 individual Inhalations and exhalations just in the lower belly. After you finish this, breathe normally for 2 minutes. Children and Qigong Starting a Qigong or Qigong mediation program for children
early in life can avoid stress related disorders and diseases and can change many of the problems that exist today. It is no secret that stress is the cause of many later diseases in adolescents as well as adults. The incidence of unprecedented prescription use by adoles- cent’s and adults is at epidemic proportions. It seems that in the not so distant past, children had a better hold on life and had the ability to dealwith stress in amore organicway. Today’s children aremore isolated and it seems that they are not equipped with the skills nec- essary to offset the pressures of relationships, school, bullies and home life. Learning the simple methods of qigong can introduce what I term as the “the Breathing Mind Perspective® ”. This state of mind allows the practitioner to by pass the normal emotional response and move straight to a place of understanding, which is key to resolving unpleasant trauma and experiences. By having the tools to control the response, based in natural breathing patterns and energetic control, produces an ever-present clarity, which emerges and brings on a state of peace.
Sifu Pedro Cepero Yee (余彼祖)
Pedro Cepero Yee is a Practitioner and Teacher of Chinese Martial Arts with more than 46 years of experience. He is also a Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM), Registered Instructor (AOBTA), Certified Qi Healer & Medical Qigong Therapist (CHAC) as well as a Licensed Massage Therapist (NJ). He teaches workshops in Kung Fu, Qigong, Tuina Therapy as well as medical Qigong globally on his meth- ods to manage stress, release trapped emotions, heal injuries and guide people to a balanced state of health and mind. Locally he can be found at his Clifton, NJ Clinic that has been in operation for the past 28 years.
www.yeeshungga.com •
www.tuinatherapy.com www.pedroyee.com
Inner Realm ~ 2018 ~
www.innerrealmmagazine.com
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