We’ve all seen the epic martial arts movies that discuss Chi and you always see the underdog have a spiritually enlightening moment right before displaying amazing maneuvers and overcoming their obstacle. It’s really not that complicated… you don’t have to get a personal guru to tap into the power of your chi. You can do it at home, or with a group (find a look meetup; they’re everywhere!), or in a classroom setting… whatever is most comfortable for you!
The theory and interpretation of Chi began in ancient China and has since moved throughout the world. In various Asian countries you might hear a different variation of “Chi” but essentially they all interpret the same. Chi translates into life force; it is the energy that moves through all living things like humans, animals, flora, and so on. Chinese traditional medicine is prescribed to patients based on the fundamental belief in the vital force, Qi, Chi, or sometimes referred to as Gi. The literal translation of Chi is “breath” or “air”.
Ancient Chinese writings discuss Chi at length and it’s very much associated with Taoism and Daoism. Hinduism refers to it as “prana” and it’s interpreted the same; life force.
The ideals of chi include that it is what connects and creates all things in the universe. Chi provides energy to all things; if the flow of Chi is out of balance or not in sync you will see disease or negative ailments as a response. When a persons Chi is in order there is order in all forms of their being. For plants they thrive and produce seed, for animals they are virile and in good working order, and for humans there is balance in their physical, mental, and spiritual self.
When you are connected to your true self you can feel your chi moving through your body; some have described it as a soothing and soft vibration, others like slowly floating steam, and for some there is a general all-over floating sensation.
In order to keep your chi in order you have to maintain a balanced lifestyle which promotes psychological health, physical wellness, and spiritual connectedness. It can be achieved by eating wholesome food close to their raw form (meaning food that is NOT processed, over saturated with salt, and full of dye), practicing a physical routine that you enjoy (running, yoga, tai chi, martial arts, walking, hiking, and so on… its up to you!), and keeping a spiritually balanced mind which means actually following the principles that are important and correct to you. If you’re Christian, that is probably obeying the advice of Jesus, spending some time each day in prayer, and obeying the Ten Commandments. If you’re Buddhist than you should practice living according to the advice of Buddha, the dharma teachings, practicing mindfulness and meditation. If you’re Pagan or Wiccan you might celebrate celestial events, solstices, full moons, and meditate. It’s really up to your religious preference and belief system. If you’re interested in following the ancient Chinese path you should research Taoism, Confucianism, or Daoism.
You can be absolutely any religion (or no religion at all) to practice Tai’-Chi or Qi Gong. You can also be any age or in any physical shape to practice it. It’s a series of slow and controlled motions based on the philosophy of Chi as an energy based life force. It’s believed that Tai’-Chi can alleviate negative psychological conditions, improve flexibility, balance, and improve your immune system so you can better fight off diseases or pain.
Other practices that utilize the belief in Chi include acupuncture, acupressure, Qi Gong, Chinese Herbal Medicine, physiotherapy, some forms of hypnotherapy, yoga, and meditation.
Here are some items that will be helpful to you on your journey with your Chi. There are affiliate links included; any profits made, if any, are used to maintain and upkeep Wanderlust & Smoke and keep providing accurate, positive, and wellness minded articles. Overall wellness is the goal!
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01 The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing
Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. The Chinese have long treasured qigong for its effectiveness both in healing and in preventing disease, and more recently they have used it in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. Click here for more information!
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02 Qi Gong for Beginners: Eight Easy Movements for Vibrant Health
An exercise program that can actually release blocks to healing and get you centered…in six minutes a day? The simple, no impact, but very powerful movements of Qi Gong can do that and more, from increasing longevity to boosting the immune system. And this beautifully illustrated guide, written especially for beginners, introduces this amazing ancient art that balances and strengthens the life force. Those who try it can look forward to extraordinary health benefits! Click here for more information!
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03 The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment
The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets for Health, Longevity, and Enlightenment is the absolutely best book for revealing the what, the why, and the how of qigong.
When you know what qigong is, this will help you make the right decision; “is qigong going to be a good choice for me?” Click here for more information!
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04 Dragon and Tiger Medical Qigong, Volume 1: Develop Health and Energy in 7 Simple Movements
Practiced by millions in China to release stress and maintain robust health, Dragon and Tiger qigong is also used to help prevent and heal cancer and to mitigate the effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Frantzis chose Dragon and Tiger from among several hundred sets he researched because its seven simple movements are easy to learn and offer about 80 percent of the health benefits found in the more complex sets of 50–100 movements. Click here for more information!
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05 Qigong: Foundation Practices: Twelve Health Exercises From The Wah Family System
For thousands of years the Chinese have had a secret. A secret that has allowed them to treat illness in its earliest stages, a secret that allows athletes to perform amazing, seemingly superhuman, feats of strength and agility, a secret that promises a long and healthy life to those who understand and apply it. That secret is Qigong. In this book you will learn: Introductory meditation techniques Exercises to develop your breath capacity Principles of posture for qigong Exercises to become aware of your own energy Qigong concepts from Chinese medicine The location of the twelve major meridians Exercises for each of the twelve major meridians. Click here for more information!
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06 Meridian Qigong Exercises: Combining Qigong, Yoga, & Acupressure
Each morning before getting out of bed, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming practices a series of movements he has combined based on decades of experience. In Meridian Qigong Exercises, Dr. Yang teaches you his special daily exercise routine.
Follow along and learn how a unique combination of simple yoga stretches, qigong movements, and acupressure techniques can relieve energy stagnation and rejuvenate your entire body. Click here for more information!
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07 Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity
For the past 1500 years, the Qigong workout for longevity has been secretly passed from generation to generation at the Shaolin Temple of Zen in Henan Province, China. Now, for the first time, a 34th-generation fighting disciple from the temple shows how to optimize energy, alleviate stress, boost the immune system, and achieve optimum health. The complete workout is shown with easy-to-follow instructions and images, covering everything from stretches and stances to the Instant Health self-massage. This comprehensive guide provides detailed advice on adapting Shaolin Qigong to suit any life stage, and includes training tips, Zen wisdom, and a personalized mind-body workout created especially for the busy Western lifestyle. Click here for more information!
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08 Trevida Organic Zafu Buckwheat Meditation Cushion
Yoga Prop and Accessory – Handcrafted with Certified Organic Premium Cotton and High Quality Zipper – Refillable and Adjustable – Built-in Handle
NO BREAK-IN PERIOD – Natural buckwheat hulls shift and conform to your body to easily support the lower back and spine for proper alignment every time. Will never compact and become hard like cotton filling.
EFFORTLESS BACK SUPPORT – Stay focused with less pain by adjusting the buckwheat filling for your height and comfort level. 13 INCH DIAMETER is great for all sizes and meditation levels. LARGE PLEATS help with comfort and durability.
MAXIMIZE YOUR MEDITATION AND YOGA – Trevida meditation pillows are hand crafted to ensure proper posture and spinal alignment for deeper and longer breathing. Use as a yoga bolster for tough warrior positions or elevation while relaxing.
BUILT TO LAST & EASY TO CLEAN – Certified premium soft heavyweight ORGANIC cotton, durability tested zippers and high quality stitching, 6-7 stitches per inch. Built-in strap for easy carrying. Easy to clean with removable outer cover.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – This cushion can help in so many ways, you are going to love it! 5 year warranty. If you are not 100% satisfied we will be happy to return your money with no questions asked! Click here for more information!
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09 Boading Balls
Chinese Health Exercise Stress Balls Helu Jade
IMPROVE DEXTERITY: Intended to improve finger dexterity, relax the hand, or aid in the recovery of muscle strength and motor skills after surgery. Develops wrist and forearm muscles and improves grip.
REDUCE STRESS: Baoding balls work similarly to Western stress balls. Improve brain function and reduces stress when used as alternative medicine to stimulate the acupuncture points on the hand.
PERFECT SIZE FOR BEGINNERS: An average user should be able to start with a these 45mm (1.5 in) balls and move up to 60mm (2.4 in) as their muscles get accustomed to the exercise.
NATURAL STONE: Highly polished helu jade weighing approximately 3 ounces each. These balls have a very natural feeling, resulting in an added state of comfort and tranquility.
DECORATIVE STORAGE BOX: Each set of boading balls comes with a beautiful wooden presentation box. Click here for more information.
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10 The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & QiGong
Illustrated, Fourth Edition
Nearly 150 web videos support this new fourth edition of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & QiGong’s richly detailed 300 illustrations, giving it a highly effective how-to focus. Tai Chi is a gentle extremely low-impact movement and meditation program that slows the aging process and enhances the body’s natural healing powers. It is proven to lessen anxiety and depression, while burning calories, and building muscle and bone mass. Medical research is proving Tai Chi can help with a host of physical ailments. Click here for more information.
Wanderlust & Smoke 
a friend – who now lives in Ecuador – is a Qigong Master. he is awesome.
i miss his being here in this portion of our World. 🙂
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That’s so awesome! And I would miss that too. I empathize. Thank you for your comment! Love & Light to you and yours.
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