Qigong 3 - The Gourd and Cauldron: Chinese Medicine and Qigong
with Kate Summers
Chinese Medicine and Qigong enjoy a long history of relationship, mutually influencing each other in their approach to health and longevity. The Gourd is the symbol of Chinese medicine, and the cauldron is the symbol of the Taoist arts of health and longevity.
Your introduction to the Gourd and the Cauldron begins with Hua Tu Five Animals Qigong, one of the most well-known systems of health practices. Hua Tu was the founder of Chinese medicine, and his animal qigong forms are designed to enhance both physical and energetic health. In this qigong, the tiger trains tendon strength, the bear trains bone strength, the deer focuses on preserving generative energy, the monkey trains agility, and the bird sends energy from the base of the spine to the head.
As you continue to explore the Gourd and the Cauldron, you will enter the world of Immortals’ Guide to Self Massage and Breath Regulation and the Red Phoenix Calisthenics. Here, you will learn how to use techniques of breath regulation to work on specific health needs such as improving knee and hip mobility, introducing flexibility into tendons and ligaments, aligning the spine, stimulating bone marrow growth, and strengthening qi stored in the internal organs.
The highlight of Qigong 3 is an evening practice that is designed to strengthen bones and increase bone marrow density. Minimizing the risk of bone fracture and breakage is an important part of preventative medicine.
Our exploration of the world of the Gourd and the Cauldron ends with learning how to let qi that is circulated soak deep inside the body. After we have moved qi through the body, we rest in the relaxed stillness of four more standing qigong postures, allowing what we have practiced to have long lasting benefits.
Program Hours
Please note that this program occurs over two days (Saturday and Sunday). Saturday's schedule is from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with an additional evening session from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Sunday's schedule is 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Prerequisites
Qigong 1 and 2.
Instructor
Kate Summers had the good fortune to encounter both Eva Wong and Shambhala in 2008.
Since then she has been a student of Eva Wong, 19th generation carrier of the Xiantianwujimen Taoist lineage, and is one of her authorized qigong instructors. She also continues as a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and serves on the Shambhala Los Angeles Council. A licensed clinical social worker, she worked for many years in community mental health, and in more recent years as a Buddhist chaplain in the LA County jail. Kate is honored and delighted to present this introduction to Taoist Qigong.
