Qigong is an ancient, esoteric science and discipline that has always been about the science and practice of proper breathing. Qigong is a relatively new term. One of the earliest names for it was “Tu na”
- Tu – exhale
- na – inhale
Breaking the word Qigong into it’s component parts reveals “Qi” = life-force energy and “gong” = cultivating skill; we begin to see that the ancient Masters of the art of Qigong recognized the connection between breathing and health. They further saw that this connection could be consciously developed to increase health, well being and longevity.
The Chinese character for Qi, pictured below/right, is typically used to mean “life force energy”. The same character is also used for the word “breath”, linking the idea that breathing is a vital component of the energy of life; Qi, life-force and conscious breathing are the same thing.
The Chinese character for Qi is also used for the word “breath”.
Most people breathe up to 24,000 times a day. We all know breathing is good for us.
But did you know:
- Most people don’t breathe properly!
- When stressed, our breathing mechanics change – not necessarily for the better.
- The stress-related breathing becomes habitual and is at the root of most stress-related disorders.
Conscious Breathing Techniques
When we are out of balance and stressed, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) reaction, better known as “Fight or Flight” which is a physiological survival mode that co-opts our bodies’ natural tendency to be calm and centered. Neuroscience places the source of the SNS response in our reptilian, or more primitive, brain. As human beings, however, we, our brains and our bodies are capable of much, much more. J. Michael’s conscious breathing techniques allow you to establish control of your emotional and physical body with just a few mechanically correct breaths. This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) response – Rest, Digest, Heal – and inhibits the stress response from the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
Proper breathing is a crucial stepping stone toward good health and healing. The techniques JMichael uses at 5 Virtues Qigong are an amalgam of his training with The Hendricks Institute, The Optimal Breathing School, Daoist, Buddhist, and Medical Qigong training. With his techniques, you will learn proper breathing mechanics as a starting place to the emotional detoxing technique of “Open the door – Remove the thief.”
Combined with classical Medical Qigong treatment, conscious breathing is taught first so it becomes automatic, creating the foundation in the body for optimal health and well-being.
