Immortal Playing Dao'ist Qigong
A Daoist Neigong System from Golden Rooster School


The benefits of the ‘Immortal’ Qigong
The 'Immortal playing' is a Daoist Qigong set, which may be practiced either as a discipline in its own right, or as a perfect complement to your Tai Chi training to develop both '‘Silk reeling energy’ and ‘Whole body power’, essential components of good tai ch from any system
. You do not need to be very fit or have previous experience of Qigong or Tai Chi to benefit from this set as it is progressive and allows you to grow at your own pace.
 
Qi Gong (pronounced, and frequently spelt Chi Kung) is a powerful prophylactic practice, which has been known for centuries and is practiced in various forms by millions of Chinese people. Qigong usually consists of repetitions of very precise sets of movements, specifically designed to benefit health on many different levels.
 
Understand the purpose
The purpose of the “immortal’ Qigong set is to instil in the practitioner ‘Total body force’.  and 'Silk reeling energy' To be precise: the remarkable combination of biomechanical correctness and efficiency, focussed intention, and breath power, that typifies the effortless power of the tai chi master. 
Often encompassed by the term Qi (Chi). 
Qi is a widely used and abused term that crosses the boundaries of martial art, medicine, spirituality, and magic, so some definition is required.
In the practice of a martial art, and in many cases the prophylactic arts, the term Qi describes a set of common kinaesthetic experiences. These can chiefly be attributed to increased circulation, improved respiration, enhanced concentration, heightened awareness and a unified muscular effort uninhibited by excessive or unnecessary tension of body or mind.  
 
Eventually the method of practice should be daily repetition of the entire sequence, with intention, control, and purpose, with all of the elements of body, mind and breath combined. This should be repeated until the movements occur correctly, freely, appropriately and spontaneously in freestyle pushing hands practice.

Benefits in brief

  • For any style of tai chi
  • Practice on its own, or to compliment tai chi
  • Develops 'Silk Reeling Skill'
  • Develops 'Total Body Power
  • Promotes relaxation of mind and body 
  • Develops focussed concentration
  • No previous experience needed
  • Start with a low fitness level
  • Develop at your own pace
  • Improve circulation
  • Increase respiration range and control
  • Develop core stability, stamina and strength
  • Improves hand and weapon forms, tui shuo and applications
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Practice methods in brief

Names of the techniques                Description of movement

  1. Pursue the sun.                         Vertical Rotation
  2. Following the moon    .            Horizontal Rotation
  3. Merging with the tides.            Push and Pull
  4. Catch a shooting star.              Rising and Falling
  5. Replacing a fallen star.            Fu yang
  6. Swirling the constellations    .Whirling
  7. Hands stir the stars    .              Turning hands
  8. Dwell in the centre                   Standing  Pole  variations


The Qigong Mind – Learning a Daoist attitude

​Qigong is physical activity, actively and intensely monitored and directed by the mind and coordinated with the breath. Qigong contains at least three components.
  1. Regulate (*2) the mind - by relaxation and concentration
  2. Regulate the body - through posture, or activity
  3. Regulate the breath – unforced, deep, natural breath

To regulate the mind, direct the intention, focus on the activity, particularly posture and movement. Don’t compete with others, or your self, be patient. Aim for excellence, and still ‘Go with the flow’. Pay attention to correct alignment, breath and movement. Lengthen the spine, Free the diaphragm, Control the hips, Develop separation of the waist, Coordinate everything smoothly.
“Qigong moves stuff around, you can feel it” Most people get caught up in the what, where, how or why,; that gets in the way. If you concentrate on the experience of Qigong, it can vary from pleasant, barely noticeable sensations through to pain. Most sensible people tend to shy away from pain, but it is simply an extreme sensation, all part of the process. So… sensible people with the right guidance, reduce the intensity of their practice to reduce the sensations to an appropriate, manageable level. This type of mindful exercise has been shown to provide a source of relaxation and mental quiescence. Scientific evidence has shown that medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, depression and more.