MOVEMENT MEDITATION
Chi Kung in Ponta Delgada, Azores

February 2024

Chi Kung (Qigong) Regular classes

These sessions develop the foundation for the practice and gradually learn various forms of Chi Kung, with an emphasis on Ba Duan Jin - the eight treasures, and specific exercises for each season of the year. These exercises of movements coordinated with the breath, in a meditative state, intensify the flow of energy and directly benefit the internal organs, immune system and tone the body.

Wednesdays (17:30 - 18:30)

Fridays (8:00 - 9:00)

Studio map: Azores YOGA - Prana Vinyasa

Pricing azoresyoga.com

Chi Kung & Tai Chi - Foundations

These sessions develop the fundamental foundations for the practice of Chi Kung (Qigong) and Tai Chi (TaiJi) . Which is an internal Chinese martial art, where certain forms are learned – a set of slow and sequential, rhythmic and precise movements. Its effectiveness lies in the control and use of Chi or Qi (energy).

Segundas (17:30 - 18:30)

Location map: Travessa do Passal nº 17, Ponta Delgada

+ Info [email protected] phone (+351) 96 8454 821

Zazen (Zen Meditation)

The practice of Zazen - concentration of mind and breath on the permanence of the sitting posture. These sessions rely on the Soto-Zen tradition and the teachings of the Masters who have guided us uninterruptedly, for over 2500 years since Shakyamuni Buddha.

Tuesdays (7:00 - 8:30) Fridays (7:00 - 7:45)

donations Studio map: Azores YOGA - Prana Vinyasa

+ Info [email protected] phone (+351) 96 8454 821

Qigong (reads: Chi Kung)

Is a term of Chinese origin that refers to Life Energy Cultivation. It is a holistic system (practiced for thousands of years) of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training.

The most popular form of Qigong in the West is the Ba Duan Jin - "eight pieces of brocade", sometimes translated "eight treasures".It is a form composed of 8 sets of movements coordinated with the breath, developing a meditative flow. These exercises, with correct alignment of the body, intensify the flow of energy along the meridians (energy channels), the internal organs, the immune system and the whole body.

Ba Duan Jin origin remote back to the Shaolin temple, 6th century AD, when the Indian monk (Bodhidharma) realised that the Chinese monks were weak and couldn’t cope with the very long meditation sessions. Bodhidharma decided to teach yoga to the monks in order to strengthen and develop the vitality necessary for his practice, that bacame known as Chan Buddhism (Zen). Within the next century, his yoga was then absorbed and integrated into the Chinese Qigong and eventually influenced General Yue Fei (13th century AD) that is accredited for creating the Ba duan Jin form we know today.

Qigong Ba Duan Jin

Ba Duan Jin (8 treasures) – Benefits

1.Palms raised to Heaven

(to regulate the Triple Burner)
Balances energy in all the internal organs (The Triple Burner refers to the Thoracic and Abdomino-Pelvic cavities). This first movement will help eliminate fatigue.

2. Drawing the Bow

(to to improve lungs and liver)
Realigns the back muscles and the spine. Strengthens the muscles of the arms, abdomen, back and legs. Improves lungs and liver and promotes overall good health and vitality.

3. Separate Heaven and Earth

(to adjust the Spleen & Stomach)
Invigorates the torso with energy and opens the chest for deeper breathing. This movement not only adjusts the spleen and the stomach, but also regulates the liver and gall bladder.

4. The Wise Owl Gazes Backward

(to Help Prevent Diseases and Injuries)
Exercises the neck and eyes muscles, releases tension. Nourishes the internal organs with vital energy and freshly oxygenated blood.

5. Shake the Head and Swing the Tail

(to Expel Fire from the Heart)
Expels Fire Energy from the system by drawing it out through the lungs and energy gates. The main goal is to balance the kidney and the heart.

6. Two Hands Hold the Feet

(to Strengthen the Kidneys and Waist)
Stretches and tones the entire spinal column. Promotes the circulation of freshly oxygenated blood to the brain. Balances energy flow between the front and back, upper and lower parts of the body.

7. Punching with Angry Eyes

(to Help Prevent Disease)
Angry and tense feelings are dispelled. Additional oxygen is supplied to the blood. Trains and benefits the liver and also the waist and kidneys, enhancing overall strength and Qi.

8. Bouncing on the Toes (7 times)

(para ajudar a prevenir doenças)
Generates waves of energy, stimulates the body’s central nervous system and improves blood flow to the internal organs, which helps detoxify them. Enhances the balance and coordination.

Ler em Português

Pedro Dinis

I met Qigong when I lived in London. I worked for long hours at the computer in Web design area and was too out of shape, I needed to do something. In the autumn of 2000, together with a co-worker, we searched for a place to practice Kung Fu and were told that the best of London was the Shaolin Temple UK... there, I discovered meditation and Qigong!

At first I could not breathe through my nose, but with two years of intensive Qigong and Kung Fu training I was fit and healthy. I was fascinated by this practice, and in 2003 I stopped with Kung Fu and dedicated to experiencing the numerous styles of Qigong that were in London, understanding their great diversity.

From 2004, after returning to Portugal, I practiced Tai Chi, Qigong and Zen Meditation with Carl Zimmerling, with whom I have maintained a close proximity of contact. My curiosity about Qigong is wide and I have always tried different styles and teachers. Once in a while I return to London and Shaolin Temple UK.

From the year 2009 I began to share my practice and in recent years I have held several Qigong - Ba Dua Jin - Workshops in the Algarve and in Spain.

Now living in the Azores, I have a great pleasure and desire to share the practice of Qigong in this special and wonderful island of S. Miguel.

Contact

[email protected]

(+351) 96 8454 821

facebook.com/chikung.taichi.azores

MOVEMENT MEDITATION Chi Kung in Ponta Delgada, Azores