We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
YMAA Publication Center

3 hours 28 mins.

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming teaches how to boost your immune system and discusses the theory of Four Seasons Qigong, with 25 exercises to improve your health. Qigong means "energy work" and is sometimes called "moving meditation". Using simple exercises to boost your Wei Qi (guardian energy) and stimulate the belt vessel, an energy meridian around the waist, you can increase your immunity and maintain your health.

Read more

3 hours 28 mins.

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming teaches how to boost your immune system and discusses the theory of Four Seasons Qigong, with 25 exercises to improve your health. Qigong means "energy work" and is sometimes called "moving meditation". Using simple exercises to boost your Wei Qi (guardian energy) and stimulate the belt vessel, an energy meridian around the waist, you can increase your immunity and maintain your health.

Renowned Qigong expert and author Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming discusses the theory of Four Seasons Qigong (Si Ji Gong). Four Seasons Qigong is a well-known traditional medical Qigong practice in which one learns how to regulate the body from one season to the next to avoid common illnesses. This Qigong specializes in training the five internal Yin organs; heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen, which correspond to the four seasons the year.

It is believed that when we get sick it is often due to slow adaptability and immune response, such as during the changes from one season to another. For example, when Fall arrives, it is easier to catch a cold, and when Summer comes, the heart can be too excited. By practicing Four Seasons Qigong, you are able to adjust your body’s Qi during the change of seasons so your health can be maintained.

Dr. Yang's systematic approach to teaching offers deep insight into the ancient art of Qigong with modern scientific data to support his theory from both an Eastern and Western perspective.

• Dr. Yang instructs 25 qigong exercises & explains the related healing sounds• Basic Five Elements TCM theory and its relationship to the organs• Learn Four Seasons acupressure (qigong massage) techniques• Understand how to use qigong to alleviate depression & stress• 14 Video Lessons / 210 minutes

Many more streaming videos available from YMAA website.

Titles in this series:

Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qigong? / Understanding the Qi Circulatory System

Understanding Qigong 2: Keypoints of Qigong / Qigong Breathing Theory

Understanding Qigong 3: Qigong Meditation - Embryonic Breathing

Understanding Qigong 4: Four Seasons Qigong

Understanding Qigong 5: Qigong Meditation - Small Circulation

Understanding Qigong 6: Martial Arts Qigong Breathing

These stand-alone programs can be used sequentially, or individually, based on your qigong practice goals.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Qigong to boost your immune system, reduce stress and relax deeply.
  • 25 qigong exercises for year-round immune boosting practice.
  • Understand how to sync your immune system with seasonal changes.
  • Understanding qigong course #4 of 6

Syllabus

Introduction

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming teaches how to boost your immune system and discusses the theory of Four Seasons Qigong, with 25 exercises to improve your health. Qigong means "energy work" and is sometimes called "moving meditation". Using simple exercises to boost your Wei Qi (guardian energy) and stimulate the belt vessel, an energy meridian around the waist, you can increase your immunity and maintain your health.

Renowned Qigong expert and author Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming discusses the theory of Four Seasons Qigong (Si Ji Gong). Four Seasons Qigong is a well-known traditional medical Qigong practice in which one learns how to regulate the body from one season to the next to avoid common illnesses. This Qigong specializes in training the five internal Yin organs; heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen, which correspond to the four seasons the year.

It is believed that when we get sick it is often due to slow adaptability and immune response, such as during the changes from one season to another. For example, when Fall arrives, it is easier to catch a cold, and when Summer comes, the heart can be too excited. By practicing Four Seasons Qigong, you are able to adjust your body’s Qi during the change of seasons so your health can be maintained.

Dr. Yang's systematic approach to teaching offers deep insight into the ancient art of Qigong with modern scientific data to support his theory from both an Eastern and Western perspective.

• Dr. Yang instructs 25 qigong exercises & explains the related healing sounds
• Basic Five Elements TCM theory and its relationship to the organs
• Learn Four Seasons acupressure (qigong massage) techniques
• Understand how to use qigong to alleviate depression & stress
• 14 Video Lessons / 210 minutes

Many more streaming videos available at YMAA.com.


Summer (Heart) - Environment: Extreme Yang


Hand Shaoyin Heart (手少陰心經) <---> Hand Taiyang S. Intestine (手太陽小腸經)


Result: Body Changes from weak Yang into extreme Yang. The heart becomes less Yin. Excess emotional excitement, including happiness, can turn the heart into a Yang state and become harmful. Guardian Qi is strongest in Summer and all pores are opened widely to release excess Qi in the internal organs. The main goal is to keep the heart in the proper Yin state. Deep inhalation can calm the mind and remove excess Qi from the heart into the lungs.


Mind

1. Emotion Excited and Stimulated

2. Deep Breathing and Peaceful Mind

3. Keep the Mind Away from the Heart


Breathing

Normal Breathing--Inhale Longer Than Exhale

Embryonic Breathing--Lead the Qi to the Skin and Bone Marrow


Sounds

Summer (Heart-Fire): He (Heart), Hen (Store Qi in Marrow) 呵、哼

Also: Fall, Winter, Spring, Main


---------------------

Fall (Lungs) - Environment: Yang Weakens and Yin Grows


Hand Taiyin Lung (手太陰肺經) <---> Hand Yangming Large Intestine (手陽明大腸經)


Result: Body Changes from extreme Yang into Yin. The Lungs are the first internal organs that interface with the external air which can make the lungs agitated and change the Qi state from Greater Yang in Lesser Yin. When this happens, you will cough. More water is needed to keep the lungs in Yin state. Exhalation should be longer than inhalation, to lead the Qi from internal organs to the skin surface and also enhance the Guardian Qi.


Mind

1. Emotions Depressed


Breathing

Reverse Breathing--Exhale Longer Than Inhale (Scholar Fire)

Embryonic Breathing--Store the Qi in the Lower Dan Tian and

Lead the Qi to the Skin to Strengthen the Guardian Qi


Sound

Fall (Lungs-Metal): Si , 泗

Also: Summer, Winter, Spring, Main


---------------------

Winter (Kidneys) - Environment: Extreme Yin


Foot Shaoyin Kidney (足少陰腎經) <---> Foot Taiyang Bladder (足太陽膀胱經)


Result: Qi Deficiency in Kidneys, Guardian Qi Shrinks to the Center, Body feels chilly, Urine Increases, Body shrinks/contracts, the Spirit is lower, and Depression increases.


Mind

1. Raising Up the Spirit

2. More Physical Movements


Breathing

Reverse Breathing--Exhale Longer Than Inhale (Expand and Strengthen the Guardian Qi)

Embryo Breathing--Massaging the Kidneys from Breathing


Sound

Winter (Kidneys-Water): Chui (Kidneys), Ha (Expand Guardian Qi) 吹、哈

Also: Summer, Fall, Spring, Main

---------------------

Spring (Liver) - Environment: Yang Grows and Yin Weakens


Foot Jueyin Liver (足厥陰肝經) <---> Foot Shaoyang Gall Bladder (足少陽膽經)


Result: Body Changes from Extreme Yin into more Yang. The Liver is in its Absolute Yin state and needs to change into Yang. Body's Guardian Qi starts to grow. Spirit is raised. When Liver's Qi grows too fast, the Liver will be too Yang. However, if Liver's Qi stays Yin, then Liver’s Qi becomes deficient.


Mind

1. Emotions start to be disturbed/stimulated

2. Deep Breathing and Peaceful Mind


Breathing

Reverse Breathing--Inhale Longer Than Exhale (Scholar Fire)

Embryo Breathing--Store the Qi in the Lower Dan Tian


Sound

Spring (Liver-Wood): Xu, 噓

Also: Summer, Fall, Winter, Main

---------------------


IMMUNE BOOST Four Seasons Qigong (Si Ji Gong, 四季功)


Medical Qigong for Prevention and Longevity (Yi Xue Qigong, 醫學氣功)

aka (Four Season Assimilating Life Gong)(Si Ji She Sheng Gong, 四季攝生功)

(Four Season Nourishing Life Gong)(Si Ji Yang Sheng Gong, 四季養生功)


General Theory Review

History

- Herbs and food

- Sounds

- Breathing

- Meditation

- Exercises


Related Chinese Documents

1. Song Dynasty (960-1280 A.D.) 宋朝

- 攝生月令(宋.姚稱撰)

- 混俗頤生錄(宋.劉詞撰)

- 養老奉親書(宋.陳直撰)

2. Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368 A.D.) 元朝

- 攝生消息論(元.邱處機撰)

3. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) 明朝

- 運化玄樞(明.朱權撰)

- 修齡要指(明.冷謙撰)

- 遵生八箋(明.高濂撰)

4. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 A.D.) 清朝

- 壽世青編(清.尤乘撰)

- 壽世傳真(清.徐文弼撰)

- 石室秘錄(清.陳士鐸撰)


Qi and Qigong

glucose + 6O2 ------> 6CO2 + 6H2O

∆Go’ = -686 Kcal

Upper body and lower body

12 Qi Channels

- 6 Yin Heart, Lungs, Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, PC

- 6 Yang SI LI GB B S TB

12 Qi channels circulation in the body

Six Yin organs with four seasons


Five Elements with five Yin organs

Kidneys (Winter)(water) ---> Liver (Spring)(wood) --->

Heart (Summer)(fire) ---> Spleen (Four Season)(earth) --->

Lungs (Fall)(metal)


All Four Seasons

Foot Taiyin Spleen (足太陰脾經) <---> Foot Yangming

Stomach (足陽明胃經)Hand Shaoyang Triple Burner (手少陽三焦經)

<---> Hand Jueyin Pericardium (手厥陰心包經)


Sounds

Four Seasons (Spleen-Earth): Fu 呼

Internal Fire (Triple Burners-Mutual Fire): Xi 嘻


Qigong Exercises

1. Both Hands to Hold Up Heaven (Shuang Shou Tuo Tian) 雙手托天

2. Large Dragon Loosens Its Neck (Da Long Shen Jing) 大龍伸頸

3. Buddha Explores the Sea (Na Zha Tan Hai) 哪吒探海

4. Circle the Waist Horizontally (Ping Yuan Niu Yao) 平圓扭腰

5. Regulate the Middle and Lower Burners (Tiao Zhong Xia Jiao) 調中下焦

6. Loosening the Upper Burner (Song Chi Shang Jiao) 鬆弛上焦

7. White Crane Loosens the Wings (Bai He Song Chi) 白鶴鬆翅

8. White Crane Shakes Its Wings (Bai He Dou Chi) 白鶴抖翅



Summer+Fall (Heart+Lungs) Qigong Exercises

1. Forward and Backward Swinging Arms (Qian Hou Shuai Bi) 前後甩臂

2. Left and Right Windlasses Turn (Zuo You Lu Lu) 左右轆轤

3. Feudal Lord Pulls the Bow (Ba Wang La Gong) 霸王拉弓

4. Immortal Pushes the Stone Tablet (Xian Ren Tui Bei) 仙人推碑

5. Large Roc Arcs Its Wings (Da Peng Gong Chi) 大鵬拱翅

6. Large Roc Spreads Its Wings (Da Peng Zhan Chi) 大鵬展翅

7. Shake the Head and Swing the Tail (Yao Tou Bai Wei) 搖頭擺尾

8. Baby Bird Receives the Food (You Niao Shou Shi) 幼鳥受食

9. Crane Shakes Its Wings (Bai He Dou Chi) 白鶴抖翅


Massage with Hands

Summer (Heart):

1. Massaging Heart

2. Massage Heart and Pericardium Channel


Fall (Lungs):

3. Massaging Lungs' Channel

4. Spread the Chest Area from Center Outward



Winter (Kidneys) Qigong Exercises

1. Two Hands Hold the Toes (Shuang Shou Pan Zu) 雙手攀足

2. Phoenix Spreads Its Wings (Feng Huang Zhan Chi) 鳳凰展翅

3. Turn the Head to See the Moon (Hui Tou Wang Yue) 回頭望月

4. Large Bear Softens the Waist (Da Xiong Ruan Yao) 大熊軟腰


Massage with Hands

Winter (Kidneys):

1. Massaging Ears

2. Massage Kidneys

3. Massage Sacrum

4. Massage Sanyinjiao

5. Massage Yongquan Cavity



Spring (Liver) Qigong Exercises

1. Left-Right Single Lifting (Zuo You Dan Ju) 左右單舉

2. White Ape Picks up the Peach (Bai Yuan Zhai Tao) 白猿摘桃

3. Lo Han Bows (Lo Han Da Gong) 羅漢打躬

4. Zhong Wan Up and Down (Zhong Wan Qi Fu) 中脕起伏


Massage with Hands

1. Massaging Liver

2. Massage Sanyinjiao


Only 10-15 minutes a day of qigong practice can greatly improve your health!



Read more

Understand a basic overview of your human energy anatomy. Meridians are rivers of energy, or ion channels, in the body. Vessels are larger, and act more like a reservoir. The eight vessels are called "Qi Jing Ba Mai." Qi means odd, strange, or mysterious. Jing means meridian or channels. Ba means eight and Mai means vessels. Qi Jing Ba Mai is then translated as "Odd Meridians and Eight Vessels" or "Extraordinary Meridians (EM)." "Odd" has a meaning of strange in Chinese. It is used simply because these eight vessels are not well understood yet. Many Chinese doctors explain that they are called "Odd" simply because there are four vessels that are not paired. Since these eight vessels also contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, some times they are called "Homeostatic Meridians." French acupuncturists call them "Miraculous Meridians" because they were able to create therapeutic effects when all other techniques had failed. In addition, because each of these channels exerts a strong effect upon psychic functioning and individuality, t he command points are among the most important psychological points in the body. For this reason, they are occasionally called "The Eight Psychic Channels."

These vessels are:

  1. Governing Vessel (Du Mai)

  2. Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)

  3. Thrusting Vessel (Chong Mai)

  4. Girdle Vessel (Dai Mai)

  5. Yang Heel Vessel (Yangqiao Mai)

  6. Yin Heel Vessel (Yinqiao Mai)

  7. Yang Linking Vessel (Yangwei Mai)

  8. Yin Linking Vessel (Yinwei Mai).

General Functions of the Eight Vessels

1. Serve as Qi Reservoirs:

Because the eight vessels are so different from each other, it is difficult to generalize their characteristics and functions. However, one of the most common characteristics of the eight vessels was specified by Bian Que in his "Nan Jing." He reported that:

The twelve organ-related Qi channels constitute rivers, and the eight extraordinary vessels constitute reservoirs.

These reservoirs, especially the Conception and Governing vessels, absorb excess Qi from the main channels, and then return it when they are deficient. You should understand however, that because of the limited number of traditional documents, as well as the lack of modern, scientific methods of Qi research, it is difficult to determine the precise behavior and characteristics of these eight vessels. They can be understood on a number of different levels, and they perform different functions and contain every kind of Qi such as Ying Qi, Wei Qi, Jing Qi, and even blood.

When the twelve primary channels are deficient in Qi, the eight vessels will supply it. This store of Qi can easily be tapped into with acupuncture needles through those cavities connecting the eight vessels to the twelve channels. The connection cavities behave like the gates of a reservoir, which can be used to adjust the strength of the Qi flow in the rivers and the level of Qi in the reservoir. Sometimes, when it is necessary, the reservoir will release Qi by itself. For example, when a person has had a shock, either physically or mentally, the Qi in some of the main channels will be deficient. This will cause particular organs to be stressed, and Qi will accumulate rapidly around these organs. When this happens, the reservoir must release Qi to increase the deficient circulation and prevent further damage.


2. Guard Specific Areas Against 'Evil Qi'

The Qi which protects the body from outside intruders is called "Wei Qi" (Guardian Qi). Among the eight vessels, the Thrusting vessel, the Governing vessel, and the Conception vessel play major roles in guarding the abdomen, thorax, and the back.


3. Regulate the Changes of Life Cycles

According to Chapter 1 of "Su Wen," the Thrusting vessel and the Conception vessel also regulate the changes of the life cycles which occur at 7 year intervals for women and 8 year intervals for men.


4. Circulate Jing Qi to the Entire Body, Particularly the Five 'Ancestral Organs'

One of the most important functions of the eight vessels is to deliver Jing Qi (Essence Qi, which has been converted from Original Essence and sexual essence) to the entire body, including the skin and hair. They must also deliver Jing Qi to the five ancestral organs: the brain and spinal cord, the liver and gall bladder, the bone marrow, the uterus, and the blood system.

More streaming videos available direct from YMAA website.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the theory of Four Seasons Qigong, a traditional medical practice focused on regulating the body's Qi to adapt to seasonal changes and prevent common illnesses
Presents 25 Qigong exercises, offering a practical approach to boosting the immune system and maintaining health through simple, accessible movements
Teaches acupressure techniques and Qigong exercises that may help alleviate depression and stress, offering a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being
Belongs to a series of courses, which may allow learners to build a comprehensive understanding of Qigong theory and practice
Requires learners to understand the Qi circulatory system, which may require them to take other courses in the series first

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Four seasons qigong with dr. yang

According to students, this course offers a deep dive into the theory and practice of Four Seasons Qigong with renowned instructor Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Learners particularly appreciate the clear explanation of traditional Chinese medicine principles and the connection between the Five Elements, organs, and seasons. The course provides 25 specific exercises and acupressure techniques aimed at boosting the immune system and promoting health throughout the year. Reviewers consistently highlight Dr. Yang's ability to blend ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding, making the material both accessible and profound. While the focus is primarily on practice and understanding the underlying theory, the exercises are described as effective for improving health and energy.
Covers specific exercises and techniques.
"The course includes 25 exercises specifically for the four seasons."
"Learning the acupressure techniques associated with each season is a valuable addition."
"The inclusion of healing sounds and breathing techniques is very helpful."
"Provides a structured approach to seasonal health maintenance through Qigong."
Concepts explained simply and clearly.
"He is brilliant at making complex information simple and easy to follow while at the same time maintaining its essence."
"Dr. Yang provides very detailed and clear explanations of the Qigong theory and exercises."
"The instructions for each exercise are easy to understand and follow."
"I appreciate how clearly the connections between the elements, organs, and seasons are laid out."
Good balance of theory and practical exercises.
"I find Dr. Yang's explanation of the theory for the Qigong practice to be very helpful and profound."
"His lectures on the theory for each season, relating the Five Elements to the body's organs and emotional state, were very useful."
"This course has helped me understand the connection between the seasons and organs in the body."
"The blend of theory with practical exercises enhances understanding and application."
Effective for improving health and energy.
"I can feel the benefits of this Qigong flow."
"I believe the Four Seasons Qigong is an important course for improving health and energy."
"Practicing along with Dr. Yang helps me feel more energized and balanced."
"This practice seems very beneficial for seasonal health adjustments."
Dr. Yang's expertise and teaching praised.
"Dr Yang is a fantastic teacher. He clearly explains the theory and practice and relates it to western medical terms to make it accessible."
"Dr Yang Jwing Ming always provides such profound insight and understanding into the theory and practice of Qi gong."
"Dr. Yang is a great teacher! His ability to put Qigong into Eastern and Western contexts make it much easier to grasp the concepts."
"He is brilliant at making complex information simple and easy to follow while at the same time maintaining its essence."

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 4: Four Seasons Qigong with Dr. Yang with these activities:
Review Basic Five Elements Theory
Solidify your understanding of the foundational Five Elements theory, which is crucial for grasping the seasonal organ relationships in Qigong.
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos explaining the Five Elements.
  • Create a diagram illustrating the relationships between the elements.
  • Relate each element to a season and corresponding organ.
Review 'The Web That Has No Weaver' by Ted Kaptchuk
Gain a deeper understanding of the TCM principles that inform Four Seasons Qigong by studying a foundational text.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to the Five Elements and organ systems.
  • Take notes on key concepts and their relevance to Qigong.
  • Reflect on how TCM principles inform the exercises and theory presented in the course.
Practice the Four Seasons Qigong Breathing Techniques
Improve your ability to regulate Qi flow by practicing the specific breathing techniques associated with each season.
Show steps
  • Review the breathing techniques for each season from the course materials.
  • Practice each technique for 5-10 minutes daily, focusing on proper form and intention.
  • Pay attention to how each breathing technique affects your body and mind.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Seasonal Qigong Practice Journal
Enhance your awareness of the seasonal effects on your body and Qi by documenting your practice and observations.
Show steps
  • Create a journal with sections for each season.
  • Record the date, time, and exercises performed each day.
  • Note any physical or emotional sensations experienced during or after practice.
  • Reflect on how the season affects your energy levels and overall well-being.
Review 'Qigong for Health and Vitality' by Michael Tse
Supplement your understanding of Qigong exercises with a practical guide that provides detailed instructions and illustrations.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on exercises that align with the Four Seasons Qigong principles.
  • Compare the instructions and illustrations with the techniques taught in the course.
  • Incorporate new insights into your practice to improve your form and understanding.
Practice Qigong with a Partner
Refine your Qigong practice and gain new perspectives by practicing with a partner and providing each other with feedback.
Show steps
  • Find a partner who is also interested in Qigong.
  • Schedule regular practice sessions together.
  • Take turns leading the practice and providing feedback on each other's form.
  • Discuss your experiences and insights to deepen your understanding.
Design a Personalized Four Seasons Qigong Routine
Apply your knowledge of Four Seasons Qigong to create a personalized routine that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Show steps
  • Assess your current health and energy levels.
  • Identify any imbalances or areas that need improvement.
  • Select exercises from the course that are appropriate for each season and your specific needs.
  • Create a schedule for practicing your routine throughout the year.
  • Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Qigong 4: Four Seasons Qigong with Dr. Yang will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Qigong Instructor
A Qigong instructor guides individuals and groups in the practice of Qigong to improve their health and well-being. This Understanding Qigong course serves as a strong foundation for aspiring instructors. It provides direct instruction in 25 Qigong exercises, including the Four Seasons Qigong, which are designed to boost the immune system and regulate the body with seasonal variations. An instructor can use this course to learn the theory behind these exercises, including the relationship between the five internal Yin organs and the seasons. This detailed knowledge enables a Qigong instructor to confidently teach Qigong and adapt its practice to different times of the year to improve the health of their students.
Holistic Health Practitioner
A holistic health practitioner focuses on treating the whole person, addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This Understanding Qigong course can enhance a holistic health practitioner's understanding of energy work and its impact on health. By learning the 25 Qigong exercises taught by Dr. Yang, a practitioner can incorporate these techniques into their practice to help clients boost their immune system and reduce stress. The course's emphasis on syncing the immune system with seasonal changes gives the holistic health practitioner tools to help others maintain health throughout the year, reflecting a holistic approach to wellness. The exploration of acupressure techniques also increases the practitioner's understanding of meridians and energy flow to treat the root causes of ailments.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach helps clients achieve optimal health and well-being through personalized guidance and support. This Understanding Qigong course may be especially beneficial, as it introduces techniques for synchronizing the immune system with seasonal changes, drawing from the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The course's exploration of Four Seasons Qigong, including its focus on regulating the body to avoid common illnesses, gives a wellness coach practical and theoretical knowledge. A wellness coach who understands these principles can offer clients a more holistic and seasonally attuned approach to wellness. Understanding the acupressure techniques and the relationship between the five internal Yin organs and the seasons can further enhance a wellness coach's toolkit.
Alternative Medicine Therapist
An alternative medicine therapist uses non-conventional methods to promote healing and wellness. This Understanding Qigong course will be valuable to this role, as it provides insights into the ancient art of Qigong, with modern scientific data supporting its theory from both an Eastern and Western perspective. This course explains the theory of Four Seasons Qigong (Si Ji Gong) a well-known traditional medical Qigong practice, in which one learns how to regulate the body from one season to the next to avoid common illnesses. A therapist can also use this course to learn acupressure techniques and the relationship between specific organs and the seasons. Incorporating these practices into your work as an alternative medicine therapist can help bring a new perspective on wellness.
Mindfulness Practitioner
A mindfulness practitioner guides others in cultivating present moment awareness and reducing stress through mindfulness techniques. This Understanding Qigong course introduces Qigong as a form of "moving meditation," offering practical techniques that can be integrated into your approach. This course includes 25 exercises that boosts Wei Qi (guardian energy) and stimulates the belt vessel, an energy meridian around the waist, to increase immunity and maintain health. In addition, the emphasis on breathing techniques and syncing with seasonal changes complements mindfulness practices by promoting relaxation and a deeper connection with the body.
Acupuncturist
An acupuncturist diagnoses and treats health conditions by stimulating specific points on the body, often using needles. While formal training is required, this Understanding Qigong course may be beneficial as it covers the theory of Four Seasons Qigong, which is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This includes basic Five Elements TCM theory and its relationship to the organs. This course can help an acupuncturist understand the flow of Qi through the meridians and how it relates to the seasons. Understanding the specific acupressure massage techniques taught in this course can further inform an acupuncturist's practice and augment their knowledge of energy pathways.
Integrative Medicine Physician
An integrative medicine physician combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies to treat the whole person. While this role typically requires a medical degree, this Understanding Qigong course may provide valuable knowledge about Qigong practices that can be integrated into a treatment plan. The course delves into the theory of Four Seasons Qigong, which aligns the body with the changing seasons to prevent illness, and the acupressure techniques. An integrative medicine physician can draw from this course to gain a deeper understanding of how Qigong can support overall health and well-being. Learning specific exercises, such as those for balancing the internal organs and improving Qi circulation, can enhance a physician's ability to offer comprehensive and holistic care.
Meditation Teacher
A meditation teacher guides individuals and groups in meditation practices to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance self-awareness. This Understanding Qigong course may be valuable, as it introduces Qigong as a form of "moving meditation." It provides a practical approach that can be integrated into a meditation teacher's repertoire. This course's focus on breathing techniques and syncing with seasonal changes may complement traditional meditation practices, promoting relaxation and a deeper connection with the body.
Rehabilitation Therapist
A rehabilitation therapist helps patients recover from injuries or illnesses through exercise and other therapeutic interventions. This Understanding Qigong course introduces techniques that can be incorporated into rehabilitation programs to promote healing and improve physical function. The course teaches 25 Qigong exercises, including the Four Seasons Qigong, which is designed to boost the immune system and regulate the body with seasonal variations. By understanding how to sync the body with seasonal changes, a rehabilitation therapist can design programs that support patients' overall well-being and resilience during the recovery process. The gentle, mindful movements of Qigong can be particularly beneficial for patients with limited mobility or chronic pain.
Massage Therapist
A massage therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. This Understanding Qigong course will be useful as it explores Four Seasons acupressure techniques, which can be integrated into massage therapy practice. Learning how to stimulate specific acupoints to balance the body's energy can enhance the effectiveness of massage treatments and promote deeper healing. In addition, understanding the relationship between the five internal Yin organs and the seasons can inform a massage therapist's approach to addressing specific health concerns throughout the year.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist plans, directs, and coordinates recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Learning the 25 Qigong exercises taught by Dr. Yang, a recreational therapist may incorporate these techniques into their practice to help clients boost their immune system and reduce stress. Understanding the acupressure techniques and the relationship between the five internal Yin organs and the seasons can be used to design programs that support patients' overall well-being and resilience during the recovery process.
Yoga Instructor
A yoga instructor leads individuals and groups in the practice of yoga, promoting physical and mental well-being. This Understanding Qigong course may be helpful to a yoga instructor. The course introduces Qigong techniques that can complement yoga practice, enhancing its benefits. Understanding how to sync the body with seasonal changes can inform a yoga instructor's approach to sequencing classes and promoting overall well-being. Learning the acupressure techniques and the relationship between specific organs and the seasons, can further enhance their teaching.
Lifestyle Coach
A lifestyle coach helps clients make positive changes to improve their overall well-being. The insights from the Understanding Qigong course may give a lifestyle coach additional skills to serve their clients. For example, the exploration of techniques for syncing the immune system with seasonal changes may provide a lifestyle coach a unique perspective on lifestyle decisions to improve health. Learning the relationship between the five internal Yin organs and the seasons can further enhance a lifestyle coach's toolkit.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer designs and implements exercise programs to help clients achieve their fitness goals. This Understanding Qigong course may be a beneficial addition to a personal trainer's toolkit, as it introduces Qigong exercises designed to improve health and well-being. While a personal trainer focuses on physical fitness, incorporating elements of Qigong can address immune function, stress reduction, and balance. This course's 25 Qigong exercises, including those for boosting the immune system and stimulating energy meridians, can provide clients with a well-rounded fitness experience.
Dance/Movement Therapist
A dance/movement therapist uses movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual. This Understanding Qigong course may enhance a dance/movement therapist's understanding of how movement can be used to address health and well-being. The course introduces 25 Qigong exercises which can be thought of as a series of mindful movements. By incorporating some Qiqong principles and practices, a dance/movement therapist can offer treatments that supports a patient's overall well-being and resilience.

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 4: Four Seasons Qigong with Dr. Yang.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. It is helpful for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of Four Seasons Qigong. It explains concepts like Qi, meridians, and the relationship between organs and seasons. This book is valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the course material.
Offers a practical guide to various Qigong exercises and their health benefits. It provides detailed instructions and illustrations for performing the movements correctly. It is useful for supplementing the exercises taught in the course. This book is valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the practice.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser