Chi Practice

Chi Practice

Chi practices are a set of slow meditative movements. They help to train and unify our body, mind and spirit as well help us to reconnect to the flow of cosmic energy that permeates the entire universe. When that energy becomes truly available to us, our vitality is boundless.

What is chi? We have all experienced chi in our life. Perhaps it was a surge of energy amidst a beautiful day, or the calm you felt as you focused on an important task. These experiences were a direct sensation of life energy, or “chi” (pronounced ‘chee’). Scientists have found that “chi, as measured from a person’s hands, consists of various frequencies of near infra-red radiation and electromagnetic fields. So whether you think of chi in scientific terms or subjectively, chi can be thought as life energy.” For more information refer to Dr. Mao’s article, What Is Chi, on the Chi Health Institute website, click more.

Why is chi so important? Chi is energy, our vital force. Our health and well-being are dependent on it. Our emotions and thoughts are forms of chi. The chi circulates continuously through the channels of our bodies the way water flows in a riverbed. But the chi in most people is weak, or pools and stagnates instead of powerfully flowing. We know when our energy is low when we feel tired and frustrated and often get sick. Our mind can influence the circulation of chi. The more we train our minds and our chi, the more responsive and powerful they become. This vital energy contributes to our daily health as well as to the enhanced quality and length of life.

When the mind and chi are in concert, we enjoy harmony and health. Reports on countless cases indicate that regular chi practice helps to heal many illnesses and alleviate pain. Recently some medical clinics throughout the country are beginning to use these practices alongside their more traditional methods for treating diseases from cancer to arthritis to high blood pressure (Qigong healing testimony). Chi practices may be one or two simple movements performed in sync with gentle breathing, such as in Self-Healing Qigong or, a set of continuous movements such as Harmony Style Tai Chi. Chi practice is about allowing the deep conscious energy to express itself through your body. You can then find the harmony that exists within.

Chi movement has been used for thousands of years to further spiritual cultivation. Many members of the Integral Way incorporate a chi practice into their daily routine to deepen their life experiences and feel more in tune with the Universal Way. Whether this is your path or whether you just want to improve your health, it is wise and helpful to balance sedentary hours of desk work, study, reading, television-watching and so on with the healthy, mindful movement of tai chi or qigong.

Most of the Integral Way chi practices are taught through the Chi Health Institute, a non-profit association dedicated to promoting health through the chi movement arts from the Ni family legacy. People can learn directly from a tape or DVD, or from a certified chi instructor. Our Chi Practices have several levels for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. The beginners’ level is easier to learn and takes less time to practice. It is designed for people who have limited time to learn a complete form yet is still very effective for healing and staying healthy.

Study Opportunities
Opportunities to learn and practice the chi movement arts are often found locally through certified instructors. Click here to see a list of instructors. You can also obtain DVD’s and books that guide interested students through the postures, breathing patterns and correct focus.

Career Pursuits
The chi healing arts, used to cultivate and refine personal energy, can also be used to assist others through energy healing practices. Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates a full program of qigong training as well as the comprehensive study of acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition. Many of these qi gong courses are available to the public, click here for community courses.

Teaching Facilities and Certified Teachers

Tai chi Qi Gong forms: Intros and video

Harmony Tai Chi

Eight Treasures Qigong

Self-healing Qigong

Dao-in or Chinese Yoga

Guidance on Chi Practice

Doing Gentle Movement is Spiritual Practice—poem by Hua-Ching Ni