that he mastered in his youth during thirteen years of ongoing study with his Master Cheng, Gin-Gsao (曾金灶). He has transmitted the most comprehensive qi theory as it pertains to taijiquan and all martial arts, after decades of research and practice. One of Dr. Yang’s major accomplishments has been compiling, translating, and cross-referencing hundreds of documents in his ongoing creation of a unified theory of qigong.
Now nearing the age of seventy, Dr. Yang gives us Meridian Qigong Exercises, the book and companion video, his own personal daily qigong regimen, combining the most effective movements from multiple disciplines. This routine can be done on a chair or in bed, and it systematically improves the function of your entire physical and energetic body. I highly recommend this instant classic.
David Silver
Cape Cod Qigong Cape Cod, Massachusetts
In traditional Chinese medicine, the most important key to attaining health and healing is the free flow of qi in the body’s meridian system. Much like a river that needs to flow from a mountaintop to the ocean and cycle back again through evaporation and condensation, qi needs to flow smoothly and abundantly through a continuous cycle in our bodies. This cycle promotes the cleansing, detoxification, and nourishing of our internal organs and is crucial for maintaining good health. When the organ system becomes imbalanced, toxins can accumulate and block the qi flow. This blockage is what leads to various ailments, pains, and discomforts in our bodies.
Meridian qigong can play a major role in regulating our qi in accordance with the body’s natural rhythm. Simple exercises, such as wiggling your toes from the moment you wake up to pressing acupressure points on your hands and feet before you sleep, can help change the way you feel during the day and at night. These exercises can be easily integrated into your daily routines, such as while brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Over time, this practice builds awareness of the body’s meridians and how they relate to different signs and symptoms. With regular practice, you will naturally learn to recognize these connections and know how to remove irregularities in your own body’s energy.
I was first introduced to qigong by my father when I was eleven years old. Since then, the more I learned about qigong, the more I discovered how it could help me develop a stronger body, mind, and spirit. Also, the healing effects of qigong fascinated me. This interest eventually led me to pursue my degrees in clinical exercise physiology and traditional Chinese medicine. My studies gave me a systematic way to better understand the intricacies of qi, specifically how qi imbalances can lead to various illnesses. With this deeper understanding of how qi works in our bodies and in nature, I developed a strong belief that we can and should be very active in our own healing process.
Throughout the years, it has been a great joy of mine to observe the deep and significant impact my father has had on people’s lives all over the world. I have been moved by the stories people share with me of how he has helped them better manage their conditions, such as chronic back pain, knee problems, arthritis, asthma, and even cancer. He has made this ancient knowledge of qigong accessible to our modern-day lives. Never has he ceased to amaze me with his innovativeness, pursuit of knowledge, and sincerity to share. He has been, and remains to be, the source of my inspiration.
I invite you to discover the ways in which qigong has inspired and impacted my life, and I hope it can do the same for yours.
Kathy Yang
MSc in Chinese medicine and BSc in traditional Chinese medicine from Middlesex University, London, UK
Bachelor of medicine from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
BSc in clinical exercise physiology from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Over the last fifty years, I have been searching for and compiling information on the qigong and yoga (which is essentially Indian qigong) that can be effectively used to benefit today’s society. Our lifestyle today is very different from that of a hundred years ago. We are all busy and have less time. In addition, due to pollution in our air, water, and even the energy itself, this world has become the most difficult, contaminated, and harmful living environment ever existing in human history. In this situation, the body is constantly detoxing, and people commonly develop abnormal qi (energy) circulation patterns. For this reason, qigong and yoga practice have become more important than ever. Because of its emphasis on maintaining smooth qi and blood circulation, these internal arts have been commonly used to maintain body health and extend life span. With regular practice, a practitioner will be able to regulate the abnormal qi circulation and strengthen the body’s vital force.
These qigong exercises focus on opening the twelve primary qi channels (meridians) in the early morning right after you wake up. When you sleep, your body’s hormones are produced, and part of their function is to expedite the body’s metabolism. But when we metabolize unclean food, water, and air, the body begins to accumulate toxic material. Early morning exercises and drinking water immediately after waking up are the crucial keys to help remove the toxins built up during sleep.
In this book, I have compiled these qigong movements from my more than fifty years of practicing and teaching experience. These qigong exercises focus on cleansing the body’s twelve qi channels so the irregular qi circulation can be corrected. Practicing daily will help you regain your health and maintain your vital energy.
In addition, I also introduce some effective and easy self-massage routines, using tui na and cavity acupressure techniques that allow you to enhance the qi circulation in the channels. These cavities are selected from traditional Chinese medicine and commonly used in acupuncture.
Once you have practiced for a while with this book and companion DVD, you will be able to comprehend the theory behind it and may even create new movements that are more suitable for your lifestyle, body shape, and environment. These exercises only offer you some ideas and references to get started. You should keep your mind open and dare to experiment with new exercises, while listening to your body’s subtle feedback. I sincerely hope that Meridian Qigong Exercises is able to inspire you and make your life healthier.
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming
YMAA California Retreat CenterSeptember 15, 2013
Chapter 1: Meridian Qigong Exercises 1-1. Introduction
Before you begin practicing, there are a few points you should understand. These exercises are designed to be done in bed, and ideally, you’ll be able to memorize them so you can practice without the book or DVD. But at first, you’ll need the book or the video by your side. Before we start exercising, let me explain the benefits and the best time to practice.
To gain the most benefits from the meridian qigong exercises and acupressure, it is highly recommended that you practice all of the movements. These movements are designed in an order ideal to motivate the qi and blood circulation. However, if you feel the number of repetitions is too many or too few, you may adjust to fit what you need.
Benefits1. Increasing Health and Longevity
The benefits you can gain from these exercises are not only to maintain your general health but also to slow down your aging process. The key of reaching these goals is to keep practicing regularly so that the body is able to get rid of the waste, and you can regain your vital force.
2. Relaxing and Reconditioning Your Torso (Spine and Lower Back)
Many exercises