The Lohan Qigong

Several of our classes will be learning or refining the Lohan Qigong through terms 3 and 4. Qigong is an ancient art of breathing, combined with mindful exercise.
Qi means energy or life force, this force is present in everyone from birth to death. All Tai Chi forms must have the Qigong element within, otherwise it is just exercise.

When we are born we receive energy from our parents but this dissipates over time. Fortunately as we grow we receive energy from the food we eat and the air we breathe. In practising Qigong exercises we help improve our concentration, breathing, awareness and posture, while at the same time improving sleep and general well-being.

The origin of the Lohan Qigong dates back many hundreds of years. Legend tells us that the Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma settled at the original Shaolin Temple at Sung Shan around 520AD. He created three forms of exercise. Mind power meditation, the muscle and tendon strengthening exercise (Yi Jin Jing) and the marrow and blood purifying exercise. The Lohan, in its original form was said to cultivate the three treasures—Qi (vital energy) Jing (essence) and Shen (spirit or vitality). The traditional forms were characterised by strong but graceful movements and static postures. They provided the essence and base for many other ‘internal’ and ‘external’ martial arts.

With regular practise Qigong helps to strengthen the internal organs, improves the function of muscles and joints, and promotes postural awareness. The traditional Lohan has been adapted for our modern lifestyle by Grandmaster Gary Khor, who trained extensively at the Shaolin and it is this form that we teach.

The Lohan DVD and music can be purchased from the Australian Academy of Tai
Chi and Qigong. If several of you would like either I can order for you.