Traditional Chinese Qigong Retreat • Level 3, 4 & 5
Cultivate strength of body and calmness of mind through the practice of qigong as presented by two distinct Taoist schools. This is a special opportunity to sign up for the three levels and get a special reduced price.
The Qigong of Xiantianwujimen Taoism
Xiantianwujimen is a Taoist lineage founded by Chen Xiyi in 10th century China. “Xiantian” means primordial, “wuji” means limitless, and “men” means gate. The translated name of the lineage is Primordial Limitless Gate.
This lineage specializes in using qigong to simultaneously cultivate and transform body and mind. A hermit and household tradition, Xiantianwujimen has been transmitted uninterrupted for over a thousand years. Qigong techniques favored by this lineage include self-massage, tendon-changing, calisthenics, marrow-washing, and breath regulation.
Instruction of Xiantianwjimen qigong is offered by Eva Wong, a 19th generation carrier of the lineage, and by instructors authorized by the lineage.
For more information of the teachings and programs offered by Xiantianwujimen Taoism please go to limitlessgate.com.
Level 3 – The Gourd and Cauldron: Chinese Medicine and Qigong
Requirement: Qigong 1 and 2
Chinese Medicine and Qigong enjoy a long history of relationship, mutually influencing each other in their approach to health and longevity. The Gourd is the symbol of Chinese medicine, and the cauldron is the symbol of the Taoist arts of health and longevity.
Your introduction to the Gourd and the Cauldron begins with Hua Tu Five Animals Qigong, one of the most well-known systems of health practices. Hua Tu was the founder of Chinese medicine, and his animal qigong forms are designed to enhance both physical and energetic health. In this qigong, the tiger trains tendon strength, the bear trains bone strength, the deer focuses on preserving generative energy, the monkey trains agility, and the bird sends energy from the base of the spine to the head.
As you continue to explore the Gourd and the Cauldron, you will enter the world of Immortals’ Guide to Self Massage and Breath Regulation and the Red Phoenix Calisthenics. Here, you will learn how to use techniques of breath regulation to work on specific health needs such as improving knee and hip mobility, introducing flexibility into tendons and ligaments, aligning the spine, stimulating bone marrow growth, and strengthening qi stored in the internal organs.
The highlight of Qigong 3 is an evening practice that is designed to strengthen bones and increase bone marrow density. Minimizing the risk of bone fracture and breakage is an important part of preventative medicine.
Our exploration of the world of the Gourd and the Cauldron ends with learning how to let qi that is circulated soak deep inside the body. After we have moved qi through the body, we rest in the relaxed stillness of four more standing qigong postures, allowing what we have practiced to have long lasting benefits.
Qigong 4 – Iron and Silk: Strengthening the Body, Cleansing the Internal Organs
Requirement: Qigong level 3
Iron has the quality of hardness, but tempered by fire, will become soft and flexible, ready to form limitless shapes. Silk has the quality of softness, but when the fibers are woven together, they form the strongest bonds.
Qigong 4 is the balance and integration of Iron and Silk. Enter the world of Wudangshan qigong to build the Iron of external strength. Continue your exploration of breath regulation to weave the Silk of internal strength.
Your introduction to Iron begins with the Tiger and Dragon forms of the Wudangshan Five Animals. Wudang means martial-art dominant, and its qigong is used to build the strength and flexibility required for martial arts training. The Tiger builds bone strength and the Dragon trains flexibility in the spine. When you practice these forms, the Iron of your muscles, tendons, and bones will become strong yet soft and pliable.
Your experience of Silk is through the qigong of Immortals’ Guide and Red Phoenix, when you use breath to move qi through the muscles, tendons, and bones. Through breath regulation, the Silk of your muscular-skeletal system will become soft yet strong and firm.
The highlight of Qigong 4 is a special evening of practice devoted to Organ Cleansing. Toxins enter our organs daily, introducing impurities into qi that is stored in them. Learn how to strengthen your organs, cleanse them, and make them suitable vessels for holding qi.
This level ends with the final two postures of Standing Qigong, the culmination of stabilizing the benefits of your Iron and Silk training.
Qigong 5 – Limitless Qi, Limitless Consciousness
Requirement: Qigong level 4
Qigong 5 is an important landmark in your journey into the Taoist arts of health and longevity. At the end of this level, you will have completed the 6 Basics forms of qigong, the Nine Self Massage Techniques, the Twelve Devas, Hua Tu Animals, the Immortals Guide to Self Massage and Breath Regulation, the Red Phoenix, The Wudangshan Five Animals, and the 8 postures of Standing Qigong.
Your training in Wudangshan Animal Qigong will be complete after learning the leopard, snake, and crane forms. The leopard trains speed and explosive power in tendon reaction, the snake trains finesse and elusive movement in the spine, and the crane channels energy from the base of the spine to the top of the head.
The completion of Immortals Guide and Red Phoenix Calisthenics culminates with forms that enhance memory and bring clarity to thinking by moving qi to the head.
The highlight of Qigong 5 is an evening practice that unites the limitless qi of the body with the limitless nature of our consciousness. In this union of breath, qi, and spirit, you will once again be open to the primordial life force of the Tao.
With the completion of Qigong 5, advanced methods of the Taoist Arts of Health and Longevity will be available to you. To learn more about them, visit www.limitlessgate.com and click on “Qigong Path”.
Practical
Programme starts Monday April 24th, 8:30am and ends Saturday 29th April, 6pm.
If you want to arrive one day before to get settled please contact our office at [email protected]
Attendance during the whole sessions is important to apply for the next level.
This programme is taught in English. Free translation into French or other languages needs to be confirmed. Important: translation services are possible only if you register your request at least two months in advance of the programme.
The special reduced price for this programme is not available in combination with other reductions!
