LEARN THE SECRETS
Public television favorite Lee Holden believes that it takes
only seven minutes to make changes in the body and the mind that will have a
lasting effect throughout the day. more...
What Is Qi Gong?
Click here to view a brief video by Lee Holden describing Qi Gong:
Many people are regularly enjoying the benefits of relaxing, enjoyable exercises like yoga and tai chi, but fewer have heard of qi gong (pronounced "chee gong"). Literally, "qi" or "chi" means life force or vital energy of the body, and "gong" means accomplishment or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Thus, qi gong means "cultivating energy," and it involves working with energy to strengthen and cleanse the body. This ancient Chinese discipline is practiced by over 100 million people worldwide, mainly in China. In the United States, many health and fitness experts are calling qi gong the "new yoga." Qi Gong Master Lee Holden is currently introducing millions of Americans to simple and calming qi gong exercises via his program "Qi Gong For Beginners" airing on American Public Television and PBS affiliates throughout the country.
This ancient Chinese discipline teaches us to mirror the movements of nature, especially the fluidity of water, to help reduce tension and stress, assist in alleviating ailments, and cultivate more energy. Qi gong involves a series of physical postures, breathing techniques, mind-body techniques, and exercises to focus intention. Qi Gong delivers a complete workout for mind, body, and spirit, which, according to Chinese medical thought, helps prevent and alleviate a variety of ailments. Qi gong practitioners believe that qi gong is an excellent method to develop strength and flexibility, increase energy, boost the immune system, clear stress, and calm the mind.
Qi gong involves a series of exercises encompassing breathing, meditation, gentle movements, and visualization. In Lee Holden's Qi Gong Flow for Beginners title featured by American Public Television and your local PBS affiliates, Holden introduces viewers to some basic qi gong movements. For instance, Holden begins with a movement called "Knocking on the Door of Life." This exercise targets the pressure point in the lower back and invigorates the spine. Next, he shows "Spinal Chord Breathing," a movement that opens the spinal joints and brings more mobility to the back. Holden then demonstrates several more movements including "Standing Flow," "Fountain," "Tree Swing," "Cloudy Hands," "Holding the Golden Urn," "Pebble in a Pond," "Pulling Down the Heavens," and "Bamboo in the Wind." All of these exercises help practitioners achieve a dynamic tranquility where the body is in motion, but the mind is centered, focused, and relaxed.
Lee Holden's Introduction to Qi Gong
Lee Holden is an internationally known instructor in meditation, tai chi, and qigong, lecturing and teaching workshops in the United States, Europe, and Asia; he is also a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and writer. Holden hosts the qi gong program featured on American Public Television and the first five programs available at Exercise to Heal. Lee's education in holistic wellness combined with his experience working with tao master Mantak Chia and self-improvement leader Deepak Chopra have provided him with an in-depth knowledge of qi gong.
Lee Holden began the practice of qi gong to improve his performance as an athlete, and, later, to recover from an injury that almost ended his athletic varsity soccer career at Berkeley. Like many young boys fascinated by Kung Fu movies, Lee studied martial arts from a young age, and he credits high school athletic successes in track, football, and soccer to the practice of qi gong. Later, as a varsity soccer player at Berkeley, Lee injured his back and was told he would never play soccer again. Again, Lee turned to qi gong, this time for healing, and within a month he was back on the soccer field. Lee continues to participate actively in a variety of recreational sports, including rock climbing and beach volleyball.
Lee Holden's first-hand experience with qi gong's healing benefits led him to build a successful practice in the healing arts.
Lee Holden created Qi Gong for Beginners, along with three companion DVD titles and a CD (Meditation for Health and Healing) to introduce the powerful practice of qi gong to a wide audience. Qi Gong for Beginners was introduced to the American public via American Public Television in conjunction with your local PBS affiliates. Companion DVD titles addressing specific healing needs include Qi Gong for Upper Back and Neck Pain, Qi Gong for Low Back Pain, and Qi Gong for Stress, all available for purchase here.
Qi Gong (chee gung) is the art and science of gathering, circulating and storing Body/Mind energy which is available from within oneself, nature and the Universe. There are techniques that involve breathing patterns, movements and visualizations while standing, sitting and moving. Tai Chi Chuan (Supreme Ultimate fist), the slow moving dance like martial art, is an example of a moving Qi Kung. Qi Kung is "breath and energy" work.
In the early morning darkness, millions of people gather in parks throughout China to practice an ancient self-healing art called Qi Gong. As the first rays of sun lighten the sky, men and women of all ages begin moving in graceful patterns. Sometimes alone and sometimes in groups, they perform rhythmic, symmetrical motions, accompanied by deep controlled breathing, to center and balance their bodies, connect with their vital energy and direct that energy to achieve maximum health.