A few years ago, I came into contact with the teachings of Taoist master Jeffrey Yuen. It was at a seminar on healing the mind and the influence of psychological processes on physical illness from the perspective of Chinese medicine. Since then, I have been following his classes on Qigong, Chinese medicine, stone medicine, and shamanism. Currently, this is the greatest inspiration in my work as a Qigong teacher and therapist.
This idea—that all illness begins in the mind, and that all physical illnesses are connected to the mind—is a key principle in my work and in my own path of training and self-cultivation. For me, the release of old psychological pain goes hand in hand with the release of the Qi flow in the meridians and the recovery from physical illness.
While studying and practicing Alchemical Qigong, I experienced much of this connection. Opening the meridians in this way led me to deep healing of both body and mind. Alchemical because it brought me closer to my original talents, aptitudes, and being. Letting go of the effects of the environment, the consequences of trauma, and releasing karma and patterns carried over from past lives.
Alchemical Qigong / Tai Yu Shen Gong
Alchemical Qigong / Tai Yu Shen Gong is an ancient Taoist style of Qigong with Tai Chi elements. Alchemical is about transformation. Transformation toward greater relaxation, inner peace, health, and a stronger, more flexible body.
Alchemical Qigong consists of nine different exercises. The exercises can be practiced individually or as a sequence. The exercises work on both the main and the eight extra meridians. This allows Alchemical Qigong to release blockages on both a physical and psychological level.
Levels of practice
– At the Jing level: your constitution, that which you are born with. This is your grounding and connection to the earth.
– On the meridians that help you connect with the outside world. This is about feeling safe in the world, particularly in contact with others.
– The meridians that help you process information from the outside world inward. You can effectively discern what suits you and what does not.
– The meridians that store trauma and old pain. These release the stored information and blockages. You become free and closer to your “true self.”
– At the organ level. You bring the physical body into better balance. This improves your health and helps eliminate illness from the system.
– At the muscle level, to relax and move with stability and flexibility. For example, a nice, supple back, open shoulders, and neck.
Alchemical Qigong is also known as Tai Yu Shen Gong. In the classes, we follow the exercises as taught by Taoist master Jeffrey Yuen.
Exercises
Return Back to Spring
Taiji Qigong Circle
Yin Yang Gong
Frog
Turtle
Swimming Dragon
Crane
Entering into Meditation
Heaven-Earth Unification