What is Qi Gong and Dao Yin?

'Qi' means 'breath', 'vital substance' or 'vital energy'; 'gong' means movement. Qi Gong is a term that describes a complex and diverse tradition of spiritual, martial and health exercises based on the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Originally, Qi Gong was described as breath exercises (Tuna) and exercise postures (Dao Yin or Tao Yin). Practices were combined into many series of exercises that were aimed at maintaining and enhancing a person's Qi levels and general health,

Qi Gong adopts harmony as its guiding principle, Chinese philosophy as its theoretical base and the use of personal willpower as the active force, with a combination of motion and stillness as its expression. The practice is done on both physical and mental levels. Qi Gong emphasizes the importance of the relationship between man and nature, incorporating concepts of imitation, balance, completeness and the harmony between the physical and the spiritual. Qi Gong can be applied as a means for personal development and cultivation, as well as a healing technique for self and others.

Dao Yin, or Tao Yin, is the oldest form of recorded Qi Gong. 'Dao' refers to the fact that physical movements are guided by the strength of the mind, and thus stimulate the internal flow of Qi in the body. 'Yin' means that with the aid of physical movements Qi can reach all the different parts of the body creating a complete cycle. There are many postures and movements in Dao Yin, the emphasis always being to achieve harmony between body and mind.

Qi Gong and Dao Yin both are beneficial for strengthening the body, grounding and circulating the Qi in the meridians (energy channels), calming the mind and developing concentration. In addition, these practices enhance awareness to the flow of Qi in and around the body and enable the practitioner not only to feel the Qi, but also to actively work with it.

Taking a course

Qi Gong and Dao Yin will be taught in the daily programs of Zen Shiatsu, Reiki and Knowing Touch courses, for 45-60 minutes as part of the morning practice. Courses are 5-10 days in length.

This part of the program is open to external students wishing to learn only Qi Gong, independent of the Reiki or Zen Shiatsu course.

An additional Qi Gong session in the afternoon can be set for those interested in more practice, creating a course of 5-10 days, with a morning and an afternoon session.

If you are interested in taking part in these classes please contact regarding availability of places and the schedule.

Payment for the course is based on a Sliding-Scale Donation