Lohan Qigong

Qigong

Lohan Qigong (pronounced Chi Kung) is an internal exercise that uses movement and breath control to manipulate the flow of Chi along the body's meridians. It is both a physical and mental exercise. Inwardly, it is taught to cultivate the "three treasures" of qi (vital energy), jing (essence), and shen (spirit). Outwardly, it is practiced to build a strong and healthy body.

The main purpose of Qigong is to develop ones Qi (Chi) or vital energy. It can help realize the bodies full physical potential, resist sickness, repair damages caused by disease and balance the bodies’ energy flow. The control of respiration plays a central role in the system. The use of the breath is a fundamental aspect of Qigong practice and is the key to energy control as well as the bridge between the body and the mind. Qigong can be practiced by the elderly for its specific therapeutic or rehabilitative properties. It can also be practiced by athletes and martial artists from other systems of martial arts to compliment their other training.

It has been established that Qigong stimulates the immune system and is favorable for the healing of inflamed and degenerated tissue. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and is therefore beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and depression. Also, for the student of martial arts it is a means of furthering one's study and improving one's skill.

For instance, martial arts and Tai Chi are known as an excellent exercise for improving mental faculties and the physical body, both for relaxation and the release of tension. What they do not realize is that Qigong is the basic and grounding concept behind it all. To achieve a higher level of success depends on how well developed one is in fundamental Qigong practice. It is the meditative components and internal energy cultivation which makes a difference to the more physical side of martial arts. Therefore if one practices Qigong, the skill of martial arts and Tai Chi will be accentuated.

The key to the techniques of Lohan qigong is that they can be practiced on their own for health and well-being. However, for the serious Choy Lee Fut stylist it holds the key to the secrets of the advanced techniques. In the primary level we tend to work mainly with the physical aspects of kung fu, stances, footwork, punches and kicks. Power comes mainly from the muscles and bones. It is external and superficial. To progress onto the higher levels we must work with the body, the mind and the spirit as an integral whole, in other words, the "internal" aspects of kung-fu. We achieve this by working with the qi, our intrinsic life force, for this is where lohan qigong really shines.

The practice of Qigong is like brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Since you wash your body everyday, why not wash your energy? Qigong washes, cleans and purifies your personal energy, just like taking a shower on the inside. The feeling of regeneration is evidence of a slowing down of the aging process. However, the real stakes are not just living to a totally ripe old age. It is to live as long as possible in the best conceivable physical shape, both inside and out, as well as in peak mental and emotional form. This is a challenge well worth everyone's time and trouble.

Lohan Qigong exercises include:

  1. Stick exercise
  2. Breathing exercise
  3. Unicorn Hands
  4. Standing postures
  5. Walking exercise
  6. Medical theories
  7. Bak Gwa Kung Fu

Lohan Qigong forms include:

  1. Sap Ba Lohan Kuen
  2. Siu Lohan Kuen
  3. Dai Lohan Kuen
  4. Tai Git (Tai Chi) Kuen
  5. Mo Git (Wu Chi) Kuen

Further study includes:

  1. Ng Wan Lok Hei Bak Gwa Kung
  2. Geo Kung Ngnoi Ga Kung
  3. Geo Kung JONG FA
  4. Stick Jong Kung