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YMAA Publication Center

4 hours 24 minutes

Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qigong? / Understanding the Qi Circulatory System.  Dr. Yang presents a clear and fascinating scientific explanation of his Qigong theory, and offers simple Qigong exercises for you to begin experiencing your Qi (energy).

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4 hours 24 minutes

Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qigong? / Understanding the Qi Circulatory System.  Dr. Yang presents a clear and fascinating scientific explanation of his Qigong theory, and offers simple Qigong exercises for you to begin experiencing your Qi (energy).

As millions of people worldwide are turning to Chinese medicine and healing practices such as Qigong and Tai Chi, it is important to understand what Qigong is and how it works. In this video course, renowned Qigong expert and author Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming explains the concepts of Qigong and the human energetic circulatory system. Dr. Yang's systematic approach to teaching offers deep insight into the subject of Qigong with modern scientific data to support his theory from both an Eastern and Western perspective.

The Chinese word Qigong (sounds like "chee - gong") means Energy Work. The ancient Chinese art of Qigong involves using your mind to naturally develop the body's Qi (energy) for improved health and longevity. Some Qigong is practiced sitting or standing still, while other Qigong can be a kind of moving meditation.

Drawing on his years of training in Qigong and his Western scientific background in Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Yang presents a clear and fascinating explanation of his Qigong theory, and offers a simple Qigong exercise for students to begin experiencing their Qi. This program is a must for Qigong practitioners, acupuncturists, energy healers, and anyone interested in understanding exactly how and why Qigong works.

People from around the world have attended this Qigong seminar series at Dr. Yang's schools since the 1980s, with lively discussions between doctors, scientists, and healers, gradually developing into a pioneering global qigong community. If you’ve never attended a Qigong seminar with Dr. Yang, this video lesson is a fun opportunity to experience part one in a six-course series, which has been used as the basis for his YMAA Qigong Instructor certification.

• Learn the physiological basis for your energy, or bioelectricity, and understand its healing potential

• Develop skills to feel, increase, and ultimately control your energy and revitalize your mind, body and spirit

• Understand the epistemology of the word qi, dating back to ancient times, and its true meaning

• Learn about the human qi network of energy meridians (rivers) and vessels (reservoirs)

• Includes rare insights into deep qigong theory not often discussed with the general public

• Understand the bioelectric potential of bodily tissues: bone, tendon, muscle, fascia

• 15 Video Lessons / 165 Minutes / 4 hours 24 minutes

Titles in this series on UDEMY:Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qigong? / Understanding the Qi Circulatory System Understanding Qigong 2: Keypoints of Qigong / Qigong Breathing TheoryUnderstanding Qigong 3: Qigong Meditation - Embryonic BreathingUnderstanding Qigong 4: Four Seasons QigongUnderstanding Qigong 5: Qigong Meditation - Small CirculationUnderstanding Qigong 6: Martial Arts Qigong Breathing

Y.M.A.A. is Yang's Martial Arts Association. This traditional Kung Fu school began in Dr. Yang's home in Boston, and expanded over 50 years to 50 schools in 18 countries. YMAA Publication Center is a pioneer since 1984 of mind/body healing books and videos.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the physiological basis for your energy, or bioelectricity, and understand its healing potential
  • Develop skills to feel, increase, and ultimately control your energy and revitalize your mind, body and spirit
  • Understand the true meaning of the word qi, energy, and its history dating back to ancient times.
  • Learn to improve your health and energize your immune system with correct qigong practice
  • Includes rare insights into deep qigong theory not often discussed with the general public, based on dr. yangs qigong instructor certification
  • Course #1 of 6

Syllabus

Introduction

Understanding Qigong  Course 1

The Scientific Foundation of Qigong (Qigong Zhi Ke Xue Gen Ji)


What is Qigong? (He Wei Qi? He Wei Qigong?)

1. Qigong History (Qigong Jian Shi)

Medical Qigong - Healing

Scholar Qigong - Tranquility and Maintaining Health

Religious Qigong - Enlightenment or Buddhahood

Martial Qigong - Self Defense or Fighting


Ancient Meaning of Qi = No Fire

Yin and Yang of the Body


2. What is Qi? (He Wei Qi?)

Qi - Universal Energy

Three Powers (San Cai)

- Heaven Qi (Tian Qi)

- Earth Q (Di Qi)

- Human Qi (Ren Qi)


Other Examples:

- Air (Space Qi)

- Heat (Re Qi)

- Warm Qi (Nuan Qi)

- Cold Air (Leng Qi)
- Alive Qi (Huo Qi)

- Dead Qi (Si Qi)


Qi in human body = bioelectricity

Qi = air + rice

Metabolic formula

Upper Level Qi (Shang Ceng Qi)

Lower Level Qi (Xia Ceng Qi)


3. What is Qigong? (He Wei Qigong?)

Understanding the Scope of Qigong Practice

Electric Potential Difference or EMF

(Electromotive Force)(∆V)

- Mind (or Spiritual Energy)

- Exercises

- Food + Air + Herbs

- Natural Energy (Sun, Moon, Earth MF, Cosmic, Clouds, Trees, etc.)

- Original Essence (Hormones)

- External Methods (Acupuncture, Acupressure, Massage, Manmade Electromagnetic Field, etc.)


Cell replacement


4. Feeling is a Language


5. External Elixir (Wai Dan) and Internal Elixir (Nei Dan)


6. Yin - Yang, Kan - Li


7. Three Treasures (San Bao)

Three Origins (San Yuan)

Three Foundations (San Ben)

- Essence (Jing), Energy (Qi), and Spirit (Shen)


Three Flowers Reach the Top (San Hua Ju Ding)


8. Five Energies (Qis) Toward Their Origins

(Wu Qi Chao Yuan)

No Fire of Five Yin Organs : Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys


9. Feeling Your Qi (Qi Gan, Æ�∑P) – Qigong Practice

Taijiquan Arcing Arms Practice (Gong Shou)


Solo and Partner Qigong Exercises



The Human Qi Network (Ren Ti Qi Wang)


1. Understanding Human Essence: Jing, Luo, Mai, Dan Tian

Division of Upper Body and Lower Body

Upper Level Qi (Shang Ceng Qi)

Lower Level Qi (Xia Ceng Qi)


2. How Chinese Define the Organs

Yin and Yang Organs


3. 12 Primary Qi Channels (Meridians) = Rivers (Shi Er Jing)

12 Channels Qi Flowing Chart (Tui Na Massage)

5 Elements and 5 Yin Organs

Secondary Qi Channels = Streams (Luo)


4. Qi Cavities


5. 8 Extraordinary or Strange Vessels = Qi Reservoirs (Ba Mai)


6. Three Dan Tians (San Tian)

     1. Upper Dan Tian (Shang Dan Tian)


     2. Middle Dan Tian (Zhong Dan Tian)

     Post-Heaven Qi (Hou Tian Qi) - Fire Qi (Huo Qi)


     3. Lower Dan Tian (Xia Dan Tian)

     Pre-Heaven Qi (Xian Tian Qi) - Water Qi (Shui Qi)

     Real Lower Dan Tian (Zhen Xia Dan Tian) – Biobattery

     Energy Structure of the Human Body


Analogue with Electric Network:

Channels = Wires

Vessels = Capacitors

Solenoid; Resistor = Organs

Battery = Lower Dan Tian and Real Dan Tian


7. The Seven Corresponding Gates (Dui Xue)


8. Yin and Yang of the Human Body (Ren Ti Zhi Yin Yang)

- The Yin and Yang of Sperm

- Male and Female

- The Two Polarities (Ren Shen Liang Yi)

What is Taiji? (He Wei Taiji?)


The Yin and Yang of Bone, Muscle, & Tendons

- Bone

- Marrow

- Tendons (Yin)

- Muscle (Yang)

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Qigong theory with both Eastern and Western perspectives, which may appeal to those seeking a holistic understanding of energy work
Offers insights into deep Qigong theory not often discussed with the general public, potentially enriching the knowledge of experienced practitioners
Serves as the first course in a six-part series that forms the basis for a Qigong instructor certification, providing a structured learning path
Presents a clear and fascinating explanation of Qigong theory, offering a simple exercise for students to begin experiencing their Qi
Explains the physiological basis for energy, or bioelectricity, and its healing potential, which may appeal to those seeking scientific validation
Explores the human Qi network of energy meridians and vessels, which is a core concept in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture

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Reviews summary

Foundation of qigong theory and science

According to students, this course offers a deep dive into the theoretical and scientific underpinnings of Qigong and Qi energy. Learners praise Dr. Yang's immense knowledge and clear explanations, finding the content to be a comprehensive foundation, especially for those with a technical or scientific background. While primarily focused on theory, the course is seen as an essential starting point for understanding the 'why' behind Qigong practice.
Emphasis is on theory, not extensive practice.
"Be aware this course is heavily theoretical; it's not a follow-along exercise class."
"While it explains the concepts well, don't expect many practical Qigong routines here."
"It provides the understanding you need for practice, but the practice itself isn't the main focus."
Complex ideas explained clearly.
"Dr. Yang presents potentially confusing topics in a clear and organized manner."
"Despite the depth, the explanations were surprisingly easy to follow."
"I found the analogies and step-by-step breakdown very helpful for understanding."
Successfully bridges science and traditional theory.
"Appreciated the attempt to explain traditional concepts using modern scientific analogies (like electricity)."
"This blend makes the material more accessible to a Western scientific mindset."
"The connection between bioelectricity and Qi was particularly enlightening."
Provides a solid, detailed theoretical base.
"This course lays out the theoretical foundation of Qi and Qigong in a very structured way."
"I finally understand the concepts like meridians, vessels, and Dan Tians from a theoretical perspective."
"It's excellent for understanding the principles before diving deeply into physical practice."
Dr. Yang's deep knowledge is highly valued.
"Dr. Yang is a master with an incredible depth of knowledge in Qigong and its scientific basis."
"His explanations blend Eastern and Western understanding seamlessly, which is a unique strength."
"The instructor's command of the subject matter is evident throughout the lectures."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang with these activities:
Review Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Reviewing basic anatomy and physiology will provide a solid foundation for understanding the flow of Qi and its relationship to the body's systems.
Browse courses on Human Anatomy
Show steps
  • Review anatomical diagrams of major organs and systems.
  • Summarize the functions of key organs and their relationship to energy flow.
Read 'The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing'
Reading this book will provide a broader understanding of Qigong principles and practices, complementing the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and practices.
  • Reflect on how the book's content relates to the course lessons.
Practice Basic Qigong Exercises
Practicing basic Qigong exercises will help you develop a felt sense of Qi and improve your ability to direct and control it.
Show steps
  • Perform the Taijiquan Arcing Arms Practice (Gong Shou) as demonstrated in the course.
  • Practice making a Qi ball, focusing on feeling the energy between your hands.
  • Repeat these exercises daily for at least 15 minutes.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Journaling about Qi Experiences
Journaling about your experiences with Qi will help you become more aware of its subtle manifestations and deepen your understanding of its effects.
Show steps
  • After each Qigong practice, write down any sensations, thoughts, or emotions that arise.
  • Reflect on how these experiences relate to the concepts discussed in the course.
Practice Qigong with a Partner
Practicing Qigong with a partner can enhance your understanding of energy flow and improve your ability to sense and interact with Qi.
Show steps
  • Find a partner who is also interested in Qigong.
  • Practice the partner Qigong exercises demonstrated in the course.
  • Share your experiences and insights with your partner.
Explore 'Qigong for Health and Healing: A Practical Guide'
This book, written by Dr. Yang, provides a deeper dive into the practical applications of Qigong for health and healing, reinforcing the course's teachings.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the exercises and techniques that resonate with you.
  • Incorporate these exercises into your daily Qigong practice.
Share Qigong Knowledge with Others
Sharing your Qigong knowledge with others will solidify your understanding of the material and help you develop your teaching skills.
Show steps
  • Explain the basic principles of Qigong to a friend or family member.
  • Lead them through a simple Qigong exercise.
  • Answer their questions and address any concerns they may have.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Energy Healer
Energy healers use various techniques to balance and restore the flow of energy in a client's body, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang is a great course that gives students the basics for this career. The course provides a scientific explanation of Qigong theory and offers simple exercises to experience Qi. It also covers the energetic circulatory system, which is vital for energy healers to understand. The course may provide benefits if you are seeking a deeper understanding of how energy affects health and how to manipulate it for healing purposes.
Reiki Practitioner
Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a 'universal energy' is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. The course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, will be useful given that it will help students understand the concept of Qi, also known as universal energy. The ancient meaning of Qi as no fire may be explored, along with the importance of the Yin and Yang of the body. This should improve one's understanding of Reiki practice.
Acupuncturist
An acupuncturist inserts thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. The course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, may be helpful as it delves into the fundamental principles of Qi (energy) and the energetic circulatory system. This course explores the concept of meridians, which are key to understanding how acupuncture works. For anyone pursuing a career as an acupuncturist, the insights into the human Qi network offered in the course may be valuable. You could potentially better learn to identify and address energy imbalances by grasping the relationship between Qi and health. Furthermore, the course examines the history of Qigong, which is important to understanding the context of acupuncture. Understanding the bioelectric potential may also be helpful. Acupuncturists typically require a master's degree.
Tai Chi Instructor
A Tai Chi instructor teaches students the movements and principles of Tai Chi, a gentle form of exercise that promotes balance, coordination, and mental focus. The insights regarding Qigong in Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, may be useful to a Tai Chi instructor. Tai Chi and Qigong are closely related disciplines. This course explores the history, theory, and practice of Qigong, which can provide instructors with a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of Tai Chi. Learning about the Three Treasures can give insights into the practice of Tai Chi. The discussion on bio electricity may also be useful.
Alternative Medicine Practitioner
Alternative medicine practitioners offer a range of therapies outside of conventional medicine, such as herbal medicine, naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine. The course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, may be useful, since it delves into the principles of Qigong, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine. Anyone in this role can benefit from the course's exploration of the human Qi network and the concept of energy balance. The insights into deep qigong theory can be useful.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists manipulate the body's soft tissues to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. The course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, will be useful because massage aims to improve circulation and energy flow. This course introduces students to the concept of Qi and its role in the body's overall health. By studying the meridian system and energy reservoirs, massage therapists may gain a deeper understanding of how their techniques affect the body's energy flow. Gaining insight into the Three Dan Tians may also inform your massage. The course will be useful for those in therapeutic massage.
Meditation Teacher
Meditation teachers guide individuals and groups in various meditation techniques to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and inner peace. The course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, speaks to the ancient techniques that are useful to meditation teachers. It explores the concepts of Qi, the energetic circulatory system, and the mind-body connection, which the teacher may then explore further with their students. Understanding the history of Qigong can also be helpful to explain it to students. Gaining a stronger connection to the true meaning of Qi would be helpful.
Integrative Medicine Physician
Integrative medicine physicians combine conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies to address the whole person. Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, may be useful. It explores the principles of Qigong and the energetic circulatory system. The course enhances the ability to understand Qigong and makes one a more well rounded doctor. You may also appreciate the discussion of the Three Dan Tians. Integrative medicine physicians typically require a medical degree (MD or DO).
Holistic Health Practitioner
Holistic health practitioners take a comprehensive approach to health, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their clients. The course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, may be useful in this role because it explores the concept of Qi and its role in overall well-being. Holistic practitioners may improve their understanding of how energy imbalances contribute to illness. A holistic health practitioner may appreciate the discussion of human Qi networks. The course may allow one to develop skills to feel, increase, and ultimately control energy.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga instructors lead individuals and groups in yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques to promote physical and mental well-being. This course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, will be useful as it discusses the concept of Qi and the energetic circulatory system. The knowledge of Qi may provide a deeper understanding of the subtle energy flows within the body. Yoga Instructors may also find the discussion helpful regarding the Yin and Yang of Bone, Muscle, and Tendons.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach guides clients in adopting healthy habits and lifestyles to improve their overall well-being. This course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, may be helpful, since the course goes over the concept of Qi and its role in maintaining health. Wellness coaches can integrate the principles of Qigong into their practice to help clients manage stress, increase energy levels, and improve their mind-body connection. Learning to feel, increase, and eventually control Qi could have an impact on your abilities as a wellness coach.
Stress Reduction Consultant
Stress reduction consultants help individuals and organizations develop strategies to manage stress and improve well-being. Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, provides a framework for understanding the mind-body connection and the role of energy in managing stress. The program's exercises help revitalize mind, body, and spirit. This has the potential to be informative for both you and your clients. Learning about the history of Qigong can also be helpful to explain it to your clients.
Health Educator
Health educators promote wellness by developing and implementing health programs, teaching people about health topics, and advocating for policies that support health. The course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, may be a great place to start, as it explores the principles of Qigong and its potential health benefits. This knowledge may be helpful in designing and delivering effective health programs. Furthermore, learning more about the true meaning of vital energy will make you a more well rounded educator.
Biofeedback Therapist
Biofeedback therapists use electronic monitoring devices to help patients become aware of and gain control over physiological functions such as heart rate, muscle tension, and brainwaves. Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang may be valuable, as it explores the concept of bioelectricity and its connection to overall health. The exploration of the body's energy systems may be complementary to biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback Therapists may find the exploration of bodily tissues especially useful. The course's teachings on controlling energy may be useful for self-regulation.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise, manual therapy, and other rehabilitation techniques. The course, Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang, may be useful, as it explores the body's energy systems. Although not traditionally emphasized, an understanding of Qi and its flow in the body can be helpful for physical therapists. This course may help you further connect with patients. A physical therapist may find the course useful, especially in regards to the bioelectric potential of bodily tissues such as bone, tendon, muscle, and fascia.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang.
Authored by the same instructor as this course, this book provides a more in-depth exploration of Qigong techniques and their applications for health and healing. It expands on the concepts introduced in the course and offers practical guidance for developing your Qigong practice. serves as an excellent companion to the course, providing additional exercises and insights.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Qigong, covering its history, philosophy, and practical applications. It delves into the theoretical underpinnings of Qi and its circulation within the body. It valuable resource for understanding the broader context of Qigong practice and its potential benefits. This book is often used as a reference for those seeking a deeper understanding of Qigong.

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