In June 2025 teacher Ning introduced the why and how of the program and exercises he will share during the September 2025 workshop/retreat in the Netherlands. This is not only of interest for those who consider joining the workshop. Teacher Ning already teaches a lot on what we should or could address in order to become happier and healthier. The transcript below is adapted in such a way that it is better readable. Enjoy!
Basic Qigong techniques to improve your energy levels
For the basic Qigong techniques there are three methods.
Technique #1: Massage Navel
Massage Navel is a very basic Qigong technique that a lot of people ignore because it’s so simple. In my experience it is a very effective one. When you practice Zhineng Qigong, you practice external Qi. External Qi from nature for example, is what we use when we are creating a Qi field. We think of the blue sky / the universe and bring that energy into our Qi field. Once we know how to apply external Qi, we should bring it in navel inside. Between navel and the mingmen area (between the kidneys) is the centre for the physical body Qi. We call it the lower dantien. Navel inside is also connected to the small intestine and large intestine Qi as well as to the stomach and pancreas/spleen Qi. The Chinese characters for ‘disease’ actually is more related to the small intestines. This shows that a lot of disease is caused by the small intestine Qi that cannot flow upward well. This is one meaning of Massage Navel.
Improve your energy levels
Another meaning is that in traditional Qigong training in the beginning they don’t teach about body movements with arms and legs moving. They require you to just lay down and do navel massage. From there, only gradually you move the massage to other areas until the membranes of your whole body become one. Then you get very strong. Only then you proceed to do Qi or Body movement. That’s a very traditional way. It’s different from the new Qigong forms that developed in the 80s and 90s of the last century. The new Qigong is more focused on external Qi. Or, to start with body movement without first building a very good inner foundation. This is the difference.
Improve your immune system
Massage navel can improve your energy and also can help with many physical conditions. For instance, when you get a cold, just do massage navel to help you to release out the cold. With any condition in the body you can do this simple technique. About 10 years after I left the Huaxia Center, I met one friend from the Centre who I hadn’t seen in 10 years. I could see he was very strong. He was a funny guy. He had given up his job when he got very ill and then went to the Huaxia Center. He joined a two-year program and practiced a lot, but didn’t get much improvement. He was a bit disappointed and after two years he went home. He then reflected on it and started to only do Massage navel. He gave up all the other methods and only did navel massage for about another two years. Then he healed himself from almost 10 chronic conditions. This is why when I met him again, I saw he had a healthy weight again, he looked very strong and was very joyful. So I invited him to give a lecture during a conference to share his story and he inspired a lot of people. That’s why a lot of Qigong practitioners turn to work on Massage navel for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Some of them even do for two hours a day.
For many Qigong masters this would be the one method to choose for daily practice. It is a simple one and improves your inner Qi very well.
2: Standing Meditation – learn to focus & release pressure from the sacral joints
The second basic method is standing meditation. When I came to this island (Hainan) I stopped doing standing meditation because it is quite hot here. Last winter I picked it up again and I experienced the benefits from standing meditation. One is that you release pressure or tension from the sacral joints. When the sacral joints get a little bit more open and your tailbone can go downward, this is very good. Another benefit is when you are doing standing meditation, the Qi goes to your bones. When you don’t do this, the Qi stays in the muscles.
Strengthening the bones
Standing meditation is nourishing the bones. When I picked up this practice of standing meditation, I could feel my bones energy getting stronger. I will teach standing meditation a bit different from the way it is presented in Zhineng Qigong. In the traditional way your feet are parallel. When you turn your feet inward (as in Zhineng Qigong), the three meridians on the inner legs do not stretch, while it actually is good to give them a little bit of a stretch.
I visited the Taiji/Kungfu brother of the founder of Zhineng Qigong in 2008. I went to his home twice to discuss about this. When this Qigong brother teaches Zhineng Qigong around China, he repairs this requirement to the students. When he’s giving a lecture he tells them to keep the feet parallel and not turn inwardly. He really knows about Zhineng Qigong since he has been a bodyguard for dr Pang Ming for many years. He’s the number two person in the circle. So these are some secret stories. So we make use of the traditional way so you will get more benefit. When I see people doing standing meditation with the feet turned inward, I feel a little bit sad about that. I’m not saying it is wrong, it is just a little not so perfect part of Zhineng Qigong.
3: Tiger Steps to improve Liver Qi and Kidney Qi & strengthen the legs
The third method originally is from Emei Qigong. It is another branch of traditional Qigong. It emphasize to improve your Liver Qi and the Kidney Qi and the legs. When we get a little bit older, the Qi flows upward more and does not stay in the legs enough. This is why you see older people walking with less balance, or when you look at their physical body you see their upper body become more fat than the legs, the ankles getting thinner. When you check the young people like teenagers, their Qi stays in their body and in their legs and feet. Tiger Foot Walk helps to rebalance your energy and bring your energy to the legs. This way you improve your legs.
How to avoid breaking your bones when getting older
This is very important for older people, also when they are afraid to fall. When they fall they easily break their bones and that’s a very big trouble. So we have to improve ourself to escape or to avoid that. It is best when you prepare in the early age and understand this, so that when you get older you are okay. Even when you go for a hospital check and your body is in a good condition, there’s a potential risk. If your legs are not strong enough there’s a potential risk for the future life.
So these three basic Qigong techniques are the most fundamental. If you don’t want to go deeper and search no more, this is probably enough for everybody. For example, when you only do Massage Navel for 30 minutes every day, standing meditation 30 minutes and Tiger Steps for another 15 minutes a day, that is a very good combination. I don’t know how many of you practice Qigong every day for one hour or two hours. so if you don’t have too much time, these three are probably enough for you.
Practice to restore the root Qi in the body
On Friday, I will be teaching methods to support the spleen and stomach, they are key organs in Chinese medicine. It’s important to understand that in this tradition, the “spleen” actually refers to the pancreas, and the spleen is associated with the left liver. So, what we’ll be focusing on is how to improve the Qi of your pancreas and stomach. These are known as “root Qi” or “postnatal Qi,” which is the foundation for the Qi of the other internal organs. These two Qi flows dominate and regulate the energy of all other organs.
The central role of stomach and pancreas in the body’s energy system according to TCM
In Chinese medicine, every organ’s Qi needs to flow in a specific direction. For example, the lungs’ Qi should descend, and if it ascends, that creates an imbalance. The stomach and pancreas Qi serve as gatekeepers for these ascending and descending flows in the body. This is why we will be practicing techniques like chanting and body movements to help these Qi flows. However, sometimes when someone has stomach or pancreas issues, these typical methods might not seem effective. If you don’t feel much improvement, it’s likely because the issue is deeper. For instance, if the liver Qi is weak, it can affect the pancreas and stomach Qi. In that case, we need to address the liver Qi first to help the pancreas and stomach work properly. This process involves two steps:
1. Step One: Start with methods aimed directly at the stomach and pancreas. 2. Step Two: If the methods don’t provide relief, we work on improving liver Qi to help restore balance.
This layered approach is crucial for tackling issues at their root. We’ll explore this more during the workshop.
The Role of Emotions and Energy in Healing
A key concept we’ll discuss is how emotional patterns, such as blame and resentment, affect our physical health. Many people, especially in family dynamics, hold on to negative emotions like blaming others—whether it’s a partner or child. This emotional buildup can lead to a stagnation of Qi, particularly in the stomach and pancreas, which are linked to the Earth element in Chinese medicine. When we carry resentment or blame, it creates toxic energy that harms our bodies, even if we don’t express it outwardly. This internalized negativity poisons the system. The process of transformation involves shifting this energy, which we call “transforming the Yin Earth nature into Yang Earth nature.” This transformation helps you break free from negative emotional cycles and restores balance in your body. Mastering this process is challenging, but it is essential for healing. A powerful example comes from a Buddhist practitioner who once shared how, when he was arrested and beaten, he didn’t feel any anger or resentment, because he had already come to terms with past actions. He realized that his own past behaviour had created the conditions for his present experience—what we call karma. When we accept and understand this, we stop the cycle of resentment and begin to heal.
Heart and Kidney Connection
On Saturday, we’ll focus on the connection between the heart and kidneys. In Chinese medicine, the heart and kidneys are supposed to work in harmony. If they are disconnected, the energy flow between them becomes imbalanced. This imbalance can lead to various issues, especially as people age, like during menopause or andropause when hormonal energy starts to decline. We will practice methods to reconnect the heart and kidneys and harmonize their Qi. By doing so, we can prevent heart issues and support kidney health. This is particularly important for anyone experiencing these issues, whether physical or emotional.
Lungs and Liver Method
On Sunday, we’ll address the relationship between the lungs and liver. These organs have a unique dynamic because the lung Qi and liver Qi actually control each other—meaning they regulate and restrict one another. If one becomes too strong or too weak, it can lead to disease. For example, if liver Qi stagnates, the lungs might struggle, and if lung Qi becomes excessive, the liver may be overwhelmed. We’ll explore methods to harmonize the lung and liver Qi and release these restrictions. This is essential for addressing conditions like skin problems, respiratory issues, and hormonal imbalances. For women, liver imbalances are often linked to reproductive issues like menstrual problems, breast health, and ovarian health. For men, prostate health can be impacted by liver Qi stagnation.
Workshop Schedule and Benefits
The workshop is a four-day journey into understanding and harmonizing your Qi. It’s designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Whether you’re dealing with physical conditions or emotional blockages, this workshop will help you understand the root causes and offer practical techniques for healing. If you’re interested, you can join just one day, or sign up for the full four-day retreat. Each day focuses on different aspects of healing, from the stomach and pancreas, to the heart and kidneys, to the lungs and liver. Whether you’re looking to improve your own health or help others, this retreat will provide valuable tools and insights.
Closing Thoughts
This retreat is about transforming your energy and understanding the deeper connections between body, mind, and spirit. Through this process, you can resolve imbalances and move toward greater health and harmony. I hope to see you in September, and I look forward to sharing this journey
https://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Ning-juni-20-3a.jpg7251123WBhttps://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpgWB2025-06-23 10:56:212026-09-14 09:18:28How to approach the root causes of illness
be comfortable with yourself and feel free to be and show yourself;
experience self-love and accept what lives within you, without it having to be different;
you can feel the feeling of you
And when you then turn your attention even further inward:
you enter a calm openness from which you see, feel, and experience what is happening within and around you;
this calm openness is unconditional. It’s like the blue sky. All sensory perceptions, feelings and emotions, thoughts, and experiencing your body are like friendly clouds appearing in the blue sky. Then you calmly observe what ‘is’. You don’t have to judge what is good or bad or what should or shouldn’t be.
You are in contact with your Higher Self, which leads you to wisdom through intuition and inner knowing. Your heart indicates what is good for you, what makes you happy, and what is best to do in situations. You better sense situations and people, and you ‘know’ what you want to connect with or what you should stay away from. Your creativity and luminous ideas unfold!
… In your heart resides Love and your consciousness.
The age of Aquarius: the age of the Heart
Astrologically, we have completed an Earth Age (200 years) and have now arrived in the Age of Aquarius. This is also called the era of the Heart. It is an era where technological developments follow each other at a rapid pace. Spiritually, it gives us an opportunity to develop a broader consciousness. From a Qigong perspective, we say that we may transform the Yang-nature of our Heart into the Yin-nature of our heart.
Yin-nature of our heart leads to quarrels and disagreements
When the Yin aspects of our heart flare up, it manifests, among other things, in conflicts in the world, between countries and peoples, and in our own lives. You tend to reject others for their opinions or want to convince them of your viewpoint. If the Yin-nature of our heart takes the lead, there is continuous judgment and thinking in terms of good and bad, right and wrong. We are less tolerant and cannot accept others as they are or think. We often do this even without knowing the other person’s story at all. In this period, it is extra important to transform the Yin qualities of the heart within ourselves.
The qualities of a ‘Yang’ heart: softness and acceptance
When you develop the Yang qualities of your heart, you look without judgment. In softness, you perceive what is and accept what is. From that acceptance, you can discover ways and find solutions in which everyone feels involved recognized. Then it gains broader support and naturally gains strength. Moreover, when you live from your ‘Yang’ heart, you know that you are guided by the universe. You can see the universe as the Source from which you and everything originate. At the same time, the universe is also the people and the world around you. That makes it very practical and concrete. You can trust that you will receive help and support from the universe by asking for it. Then be open to good ideas and the people who cross your path, because the solution may just be offered there.
How Qigong can help to live from your heart
Qigong helps you transform the Yin-nature of the heart into the Yang-qualities of the heart. You could say that all emotions together are like background music to your well-being. When we are emotionally out of balance or when you experience situations that throw you out of balance (for a longer period), this can lead to reduced energy, ailments, or illness. In Teacher Ning’s Self-Healing Qigong, we pay a lot of attention to developing emotional stability. This creates more harmonious background music that naturally improves your well-being.
The connection of Heart and Kidneys according to TCM
Teacher Ning’s Self-Healing Qigong has its foundations in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this philosophy, the heart is considered ‘the emperor’. In ancient times, the emperor was the sovereign who, by his presence, ensured peace in the land. While all executive tasks were handled by other officials, the emperor was seen as the one who radiated profound wisdom and inner peace as a foundation for the entire society. Although all organs play an important role in this empire, TCM sees a special connection between the Kidneys and the Heart. “A harmonious connection between Kidneys and Heart is crucial for our health and well-being”.
Do you want to learn more?
In September 2025 teacher Ning will teach about harmonizing the Heart and Kidneys connection during the workshop he will give in The Hague. You are most welcome to join the full program, or just for the weekend.
https://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240501_091229-scaled.jpg9152560Mathilde Roordahttps://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpgMathilde Roorda2025-06-02 13:31:202025-06-02 16:14:08Coming home to your heart for inner harmony
When you practise Qigong and delve into the background, you discover that it is closely linked to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Perhaps you’ve visited an acupuncturist, or a herbalist. Qigong is based on the same principles and is a method you can do yourself. Hence, Qigong is also called a ‘self-healthcare’ method, giving you more control over your own well-being. But how do the two actually relate to each other?
What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches us that health comes from a free flow of energy in the body. Disease, on the other hand, arises from imbalances, blockages or leaks in that energy flow. TCM takes a holistic view in which everything is interconnected. Energy is an expression of who you are as a person, including your physical, mental and emotional states. From the insights of TCM, various treatment methods have been developed, including acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese herbal therapy, but also Qigong.
Teacher Ning: a bridge between TCM and Qigong
There are hundreds of different forms of Qigong, several dozen of which are known in the West. The extent to which they express the principles of TCM varies. Someone who really bridged the gap between TCM and Qigong is teacher Ning. In his development as a Qigong healer, he has increasingly focused on translating the principles of TCM into practical Qigong exercises for a variety of ailments and diseases in the body. He makes the ancient wisdom of TCM accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Besides the healing effects of the exercises, they also aim to maintain and promote well-being.
https://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/qigong-tcm2.jpg8001920Mathilde Roordahttps://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpgMathilde Roorda2025-02-14 10:41:102025-02-14 11:00:09Qigong and TCM: your key to health and well-being
After setting up the Qifield teacher Ning talks about the upcoming weekend webinars in February, March and April. We will have six classes in total and each webinar will focus on one of the main organs – heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas – and also the Triple warmer organ.
If someone has issues with their heart they can choose to join that class. But we do not only focus on the heart. We will combine it with the stomach and the method for the legs. With practicing the legs method we pull the energy down and we open the energy gate. After that we do practice for the stomach to open this energy gate even more. After that we do practice for the heart. That is the order we will follow. We will also do self healing. Practicing Tiger Foot Walk, stomach and heart is about transforming your inner Qi, your entirety Qi.
Self healing can be very effective, also for beginners
When we do self healing we focus on the location were the conditions are. Self healing is also very important. You do not have to worry about being a beginner for this or maybe you think you are not good at this. Self healing is something that everybody can do, no problem. Many years ago a lady asked me to do a healing to her for a problem she had in her big toe. But I had no time available for her at that time. So in the car I said to her: you can use the sword mudra and point it at your big toe, and concentrate your mind on your big toe and draw circles to transform the Qi of the big toe. The bone was enlarged. She did so later and it worked very well! It was successful: the enlarged big toe shrunk almost to normal. She was a beginner, not a master.
I remember another case in 1996. One of my students had a decayed hip joint. Usually they replace a hip like this. During the class I also mentioned that everybody should exercise self healing. Every time she had free time she was drawing energy to her hip joint for three months. In the end she did not need to replace her hip joint because she recovered!
So in the upcoming webinars on the one hand we will do practice to improve your entirety and on the other hand we will practice self healing on the location. I believe this a good combination for everybody.
Triple Warmer ‘organ’ and the digestion of water
We have classes on the five main organs and one Fu organ: the triple warmer. Triple warmer organ is the largest Fu organ of the body. The triple warmer organ dominates transforming the water we consume. Food is much easier to transform, to digest. But water is much more difficult to digest. That is why we will do practice for the triple warmer, so we improve transforming the water for the whole body. The human beings body consists of 70% water. Therefore this is something very important. Some people have problems like swollen legs or the inner situation in the body has too much humidity or they feel tired easily or they have trouble doing exercise and workout. All this is related to the triple warmer.
Practice Self Healing
Now we can try a little bit about self healing. I think most of you know Qigong methods like Lift Qi up, pour Qi down, body and mind form or you have followed my teachings but maybe you did not practice self healing. So lets try a self healing to the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ but it is also important. If the gallbladder is removed it is not a problem because the Qi field of the gallbladder is still there.
(19.30) practice self healing for the gallbladder
Kidneys related to eyes, ears, bladder, bones and brain
The class on the kidneys is for trouble in your eyes or ears, or the bladder, or the bones, or the brain. We will do practice for the pancreas and the arm method to help the Qi rising in the body. And then we will do practice for the pancreas which helps the kidneys Qi rising and then we do practice for the kidneys. After that we do self healing and focus on certain conditions. For example, if your condition is in the bladder you focus on the bladder while doing self healing. If your condition is in the bones, for example your cervical vertebras, then you work there.
Group healing & the Qi field
Group healing is one kind of Qigong healing. Qigong healing includes self healing, or healing others or group healing. In all the webinars we will have group healing. The main thing is to relax yourself and bring yourself in a state of emptiness because next to a physical body we have a Qi field that is covering you and we are connected with universal energy. So actually we are quite big. Your information fills the universe.
That is why when you practice three centres merge, and you are in a deep state, you can see another you from a far away place walking to you. That is because your information is full of this earth, this planet. So when you are really relaxed, you can feel yourself, the information of the other side comes to you. But when you are in this situation you can not touch the other you. If you touch it you might get sick. This example is about actually we are much bigger than the body. Our information is full of the planet.
If you think you are only the size of your body it will make your Qi shrink. If you know your information is full of the universe, you can read information of the others.. And you understand remote healing much better.
(41:50) Group healing: no transcript, just relax and follow teacher Ning
https://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpg00WBhttps://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpgWB2025-01-12 18:43:092025-01-12 18:48:27Teacher Ning on Self Healing & providing group healing
In the upcoming weekend webinars we have some themes and will talk about several health issues. Fatigue and lack of energy, sleep problems, eye and ears conditions et cetera. Actually when we do Qigong practice, all different physical conditions are related with original Qi. We have to improve the original Qi first. Once we have original Qi again, all physical conditions can more easily be solved.
Then we have inner Qi again. When we do not have enough inner Qi and we only rely on the mind, or make use of external Qi, it works, but it cannot help us enough. This is why it is most important to restore the original Qi.
For people who already followed my earlier years, this is something new. I even believe it is something new for most Qigong practitioners.
How to generate original Qi?
The original Qi originally comes from the pericardium. The lungs collect this kind of energy and forces it to descent and to pass through the gallbladder to arrive in the kidneys. The kidneys are related to the element of Water. The element of the Pericardium is the element of Fire. So, after the kidneys receive the energy from the pericardium, the kidneys generate some original Qi. This kind of energy goes upward to support the middle Qi, which is the stomach and pancreas Qi. This middle Qi supports the whole physical body!
This is because in the energy circulation, the most important station is the kidneys. From the kidneys to the liver, the heart, the lungs et cetera. So we have to support the kidneys have the original Qi. Most of us have consumed a lot of original Qi. This is why many people experience a lack of energy and once we get sick, it is not so easy to heal again because we lack this kind of Qi, these energy resources.
Self healthcare & healing webinars
In the Self healthcare & healing webinars, in each of them, we will focus on how to generate this original Qi. From there we work to several physical conditions.
https://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpg00WBhttps://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpgWB2024-09-04 15:02:252026-09-14 09:18:03The secret to improve your energy and health levels
https://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpg00WBhttps://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpgWB2024-09-03 15:16:442026-05-30 04:46:06The meaning of open – close (La Qi) by teacher Ning
In Qigong, we make use of the Qi field. It is a technique developed by Dr Pang Ming and works very effectively. It is basically about preparing the energy for a good result. You can use it in everyday situations, for projects, interactions with family and friends, your home and for healing.
“In essence, I already learned to work with the Qi field from my grandmother at a very young age. My grandmother was very religious. She taught me that when I or somebody else lost something, I could ask Saint Anthony. To this day, I always do so: ‘Holy Antony, dear friend, make sure I/she/it find(s) this or that.’ This is the phrase she taught me. In Dutch there is a nice rhyme to it, but alas. I must say that in 98% of cases, this intention or invitation works! Now that I know the about the Qi field, I apply more principles to it (I’ll tell you about that below) and always smile when the lost object is found again and give thanks to the Qi field.”
The Qi Field is a very practical tool to work with. In my daily life, I often invite the Qi field to support me in my tasks, in my relationships or in my state of mind. In this way, I prepare and invite the energy to realize a beautiful result and to manifest my intention – what I like to experience in my reality.
“I relax, feel my body and the space around me and set my intention”
Last week, I used the principles for driving back home from France. Before the drive, I very consciously I sink into my being by relaxing and becoming aware of my body and the immediate space around me. I visualise the result of my journey; how it went smooth and how I arrived home safely and relaxed. I step into the result I have in mind and feel that it has already been achieved. The visualisation of the intended result, together with the feeling of being fulfilled, are the guiding factors.
“I see the intended result in my mind, along with the feeling of being fulfilled”
Throughout the day, I do this very often for myself. Also when I meet with people, in order for the contact to be harmonious, sincere and we are in alignment with ourselves. The same at this very moment: I am with Wabke right now, my Qi Friends partner, and beforehand I step into the energy of an effective meeting where we arrive at our agreements and plans in harmony and with joy.
It also comes in handy in more challenging situations with other people. Instead of going into the feeling of worrying, I use this contrast by inviting myself to be in harmony in that situation allowing for mutual acceptance and respect. Another example is that of writing this blog. I am silent beforehand and tune into inspiration, giving free and structured words to the topic I want to write about.
Sometimes I am in a situation that causes stress. Also then I invite the Qi field to dissolve the stress in me so that I can relax again, to show me possibilities in those kinds of situations how I can get on with what is stressing me. Or to leave it for a while, in case there just is no solution for that moment.
“I am expecting a positive outcome and am open to unforeseen possibilities”
In addition to the elements of relaxation, visualisation and feeling the intended result, I also feel the expectation that a positive result is coming. I really open myself for possibilities that I cannot immediately foresee. In doing so, it helps me to relax and have an open mind and already feel fulfilled. From that relaxation, I am much better able to see possibilities that are offered, in whatever way. It is, as it were, an open communication with the universe and in this I give direction to my intention.
Want to learn more on how to effectively make use of the Qi field?
You now understand why I wish everyone to become aware of this possibility to work with the Qi Field. It brings so much joy, gratitude, good results, harmony in relationships and more. With so much positive experience, I look forward to learn more about it in the weekend webinar ‘How to effectively make use of the Qi field’ with teacher Ning. It would be great to share it with you!
https://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_20240823_114718-scaled.jpg19202560Mathilde Roordahttps://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpgMathilde Roorda2024-08-28 05:33:112024-09-03 15:47:27Qi Field: preparing the energy for a good result
The last couple of months, I meet more and more people who suffer from (chronic) fatigue. Often it is related to a severe health condition and/or intense medical treatment. As I told one of my clients at a certain moment ‘It is as if your cells have forgotten how to store the energy’. From a TCM perspective that is exactly what is going on. Let’s explore how this perspective can help restore your energy.
Fatigue from being too busy
A bit more than I year ago I was suffering from fatigue myself. Since I am a Qigong teacher, I was able to restore my energy levels quite quickly time and time again, but in essence my battery was low. Even though in the act of doing all day-to-day activities there wasn’t any problem, I felt exhausted as soon as I had a break. It was clear that I had taken too much upon myself. With a combination of taking more rest, skipping some activities and the practice of Qigong, I was able to restore my energy levels quite soon.
This kind of fatigue and the feeling of exhaustion probably happens to everyone from time to time. As long as you do not wait too long to address it and take action to restore your energy levels from the inside out, it is ok.
What happens when fatigue changes to chronic fatigue?
If you do not address it on time, your energy systems get so exhausted that their upload and storage function becomes distorted. This can also happen as a side effect of chemo, other intense medical treatments or lungCovid. It is as if the cells of the body have forgotten how to store the energy. In order to understand what happens here, the TCM / Qigong perspective can help.
#1 The Yang can no longer protect the Yin
In the Traditional Chinese medicine, great emphasis lies on the healthy functioning of the organ’s Qi. Each organ not only refers to the physical organ, but actually complies a whole set of functions and structures in the body and mind. Basically we distinguish five sets of one Yin and one Yang organ, with each of these sets relating to one of the five elements:
Yin
Heart
Lungs
Spleen & Pancreas
Liver
Kidneys
Yang
Small intestine
Large intestine
Stomach
Gallbladder
Bladder
Element
Fire
Metal
Earth
Wood
Water
When we would put this in a picture on how they relate to each other, it would look like:
As you can see in this picture, the Yin organs are on the inside and the Yang organs are on the outside. TCM states:
the Yang organs protect the Yin organs.
When we live under stress and with fatigue too long, or through sickness and intensive medical treatments, this Yin/Yang balance in the organs is lost. Not only the Yang (active, outgoing) energy is low, but also the Yin energy is depleted. In other words, the Yang functions can no longer protect and keep the energy in the Yin organs.
In this case be loving, careful and above all patient with yourself! Qigong can certainly help, but do take your time to heal.
#2: The kidneys are the battery of the body
In the Traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys have a special place. It is said that the kidneys store the life energy that we received from our parents in conception and birth. When we grow older, this initial energy decreases. Since the kidneys are regarded as the battery of our body, it is extremely important to keep your battery charged. If we do not recharge the kidneys in time, the pre-natal energy decreases faster. That is not per se a problem, but it does require some attention.
How to restore your energy levels and solve fatigue?
There’s probably not one answer that fits for everyone. At the same time, we do have some suggestions:
# Rou Fu / Massage navel
This is a basic exercise to gradually increase and strengthen your inner Qi. One of my students who suffered from energy loss due to concussion for already one year, started to do this on a daily basis and after a few weeks reported that finally she felt her energy levels were back again!
When the Yin/Yang balance is disturbed, this can best be combined with Rou Fu or any other exercise that helps restore the inner Qi levels.
# Exercises to restore your kidneys energy
Depending on your energy level and your personal preference, you can make use of Qigong sound healing techniques, or some exercises in which Mingmen is involved.
https://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240903_174202-scaled.jpg14402560WBhttps://qifriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/qf-logo-11-2.jpgWB2024-08-26 19:25:382026-09-14 09:17:53Chronic fatigue – a different perspective
At Qi Friends, we look wider than just Qigong. We each have our own preferences in that, but sometimes things come our way that excite us both. This was the case with fasting and intermittent fasting. Mathilde shared an interview with Dr Mindy Pelz and we each started fasting in our own way. We are not experts in this and cannot give advice on it, but would still like to share this with you.
The idea of intermittent fasting is that you regularly put in a period of fasting, a time when you don’t eat. This can be on a daily basis – for example, not eating for 16 hours and then eating two meals during the period of the other 8 hours of the day – but it can also be one day a week, or…there are various forms.
Let’s start with the interview that inspired us, then you can see for yourself:
Why did this appeal to us?
“What especially appeals to me is that you give the body a break. Not putting all kinds of new things in it for a while, but rather letting it work on its own.”
“I find the idea that the body repairs itself intriguing and inspiring. That if you fast a little longer, your cells will automatically start to get rid of the waste that may have been stored for years. And that it can do so much good for numerous complaints.”
In our experience, it does help to know a little bit on what benefits occur depending on how long you fast. This way, when the fast feels a bit uneasy, the mind can tell us that it is okay and the body is getting healthier and stronger. Dr Mindy Pelz has given a short and good overview in this blog >>
Fasting and Qigong
Fasting and Qigong make an excellent combination and in recent years ‘qi-fasting retreats’ have been organized more and more often. The idea here is that when you manage your energy (Qi) well, that energy nourishes you. This makes fasting lighter and easier to sustain.
Someone who has gained a lot of experience with Qi Fasting in recent years is master Jianshe. He has been keeping us informed about this for a long time and after he had sent us some experiences of people, we became very enthusiastic.
We would like to invite you to the online Qi Fasting retreat with master Jianshe in the beginning of January 2024! (By the way, you can also join without fasting.)
Summer time has started and with the weather changing in many places all over the world, we experience different temperatures. Some love it and at the same time many experience it as ‘too hot’ and suffer from it. Teacher Ning shares how to keep an optimal energy level during summer. What should we be aware of to avoid, and what can we do to have optimal energy levels.
First teacher Ning has set up the Qi field. After that…
So now it is getting hot because it is summertime. According to traditional Chinese medicine and Medical Qigong, during the summertime, the heart reacts to the weather. It’s getting hot outside and on the inside of the body the heart reacts to the heat. They have this connection. So during the summer the heart works more than during other seasons.
What happens outside, reflects in the inner organs
What happens outside, the inner organ will react. So, in the winter, the kidneys react more. In the spring season the liver reacts more. In the autumn, the lungs react more. In summertime the heart works harder than other seasons. This is why for people with a heart condition, it can be more difficult to go through the summertime.
Pay more attention to the heart
As Qigong practitioners, we need to pay more attention to the heart. Whatever Qigong practice you do, you can do some healing for the heart, or bring the heart energy go downward intentionally and let it better connect to the kidneys. You can also work more on the lungs and kidneys. The lungs are more contracting and can make balance with the heart. Because if the heart’s energy goes out too much and works too hard – the lungs can close it in more, contracting energy more and let the energy flow downward.
Avoid practicing the liver during summertime. The liver is a sprouting energy. It is too hot right now for that. If you practice the liver, it will generate more heat and then you don’t feel good.
Option 1: practice the heart itself
According to medical Qigong one option is to practice the heart itself and to let the heart Qi flow downward and connect to the kidneys. That is option one.
Option 2: practice lungs and kidneys
Option two is to practice the lungs and the kidneys. To contract more energy and make balance with the situation of the heart.
Do not practice the liver
If you would practice the liver, it is like you burn an extra fire, you put in more wood to the fire. That will produce too much heat.
Practice sounds healing for the heart
In this lesson we will practice the sounds healing for the heart for a while. When the heart works more, it generates more heat. This is why so many people feel it is so hot inside. When we do a practice to the heart, we can lead the Qi of the heart to flow. Then you don’t feel that hot. When you feel very hot inside, you probably need to work to the heart more.
So now we are going to practice the sound healing for the heart.
<video at 12:56 minutes – explanation and short practice of first sound for the heart – ‘zhen’>
<video at 17:42 minutes – explanation of the mudra>
<video at 19:40 minutes – start full practice of first sound for the heart>
<video at 38:00 minutes – showing shenmen point>
Massage Shenmen point
After the sounds we are going to massage Shenmen point – along the pinky finger, on the wrist you can feel a small round bone and a bit of a hole next to it. This is shenmen point. Massaging this point is beneficial for the heart meridian.
Another point: If you feel uncomfortable on the inside of the forearm, in between the two tendons, this relates to the pericardium.
Second sound for the heart, connecting to the kidneys
Now we go to the second sound for the heart. This sound works more to let the heart’s energy flow downwards. To connect with your kidneys Qi.
<video 42:00 minutes – explanation of the second sound – ‘deng’>
<video at 45:20 minutes – start of full practice second sound for the heart>
So, during the practice, sometimes you would feel some reaction from your stomach and the pancreas. Sometimes they make some noise, as if you are hungry, as if the stomach is asking for some food. While we are doing the sounds for the heart, the heart is supporting your pancreas, so this is a natural reaction of the pancreas. This is also a way to treat diabetes. When a person has diabetes, sometimes the solution is to improve the heart and the diabetes is solved.
How often practice this?
How often practice this sound? You don’t need to practice this every day. Just when you feel very hot. For example, in the afternoon around 17.00 hours into the evening. That even when you took a shower and still feel hot. This shows your heart accumulated too much heat. Generally, two times a week is ok. But do check with yourself, when you have this hot feeling around 1700h, you need to pay attention to practice this.
<video at 1:00:18 hours – showing the connecting movement>
Usually after the sounds we make a connecting movement. You place your hands in front of your heart and then bring the energy of the heart down to in front of the kidneys and then the hands are circling in front of the kidneys. Gathering energy to the kidneys. You can close your eyes.
Finish with putting your hands on top of each other on your lower abdomen. Nourish Qi.
So, usually we just practice this option 1 and focus on the heart. This is enough for safely going through the summertime.
If you want to practice action to, lungs and kidneys, some of you have learned before. Today we will not focus on that, because the main solution is this option one of practicing the heart and ending at the kidneys.
Qigong practice is something flexible. It needs to follow the changes of what is going on outside. When I was at the Qigong center, we learned and taught students to just do the exercises. But it is something flexible. We need to follow a lot of principles. We need to know some associations, the relationships.
Enjoy your summer time and your vacation.
In case you do like to explore the second option teacher Ning has introduced:
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How to approach the root causes of illness
Blog ENIn June 2025 teacher Ning introduced the why and how of the program and exercises he will share during the September 2025 workshop/retreat in the Netherlands. This is not only of interest for those who consider joining the workshop. Teacher Ning already teaches a lot on what we should or could address in order to become happier and healthier. The transcript below is adapted in such a way that it is better readable.
Enjoy!
Basic Qigong techniques to improve your energy levels
For the basic Qigong techniques there are three methods.
Technique #1: Massage Navel
Massage Navel is a very basic Qigong technique that a lot of people ignore because it’s so simple. In my experience it is a very effective one. When you practice Zhineng Qigong, you practice external Qi. External Qi from nature for example, is what we use when we are creating a Qi field. We think of the blue sky / the universe and bring that energy into our Qi field. Once we know how to apply external Qi, we should bring it in navel inside. Between navel and the mingmen area (between the kidneys) is the centre for the physical body Qi. We call it the lower dantien. Navel inside is also connected to the small intestine and large intestine Qi as well as to the stomach and pancreas/spleen Qi. The Chinese characters for ‘disease’ actually is more related to the small intestines. This shows that a lot of disease is caused by the small intestine Qi that cannot flow upward well. This is one meaning of Massage Navel.
Improve your energy levels
Another meaning is that in traditional Qigong training in the beginning they don’t teach about body movements with arms and legs moving. They require you to just lay down and do navel massage. From there, only gradually you move the massage to other areas until the membranes of your whole body become one. Then you get very strong. Only then you proceed to do Qi or Body movement. That’s a very traditional way. It’s different from the new Qigong forms that developed in the 80s and 90s of the last century. The new Qigong is more focused on external Qi. Or, to start with body movement without first building a very good inner foundation. This is the difference.
Improve your immune system
Massage navel can improve your energy and also can help with many physical conditions. For instance, when you get a cold, just do massage
navel to help you to release out the cold. With any condition in the body you can do this simple technique. About 10 years after I left the Huaxia Center, I met one friend from the Centre who I hadn’t seen in 10 years. I could see he was very strong. He was a funny guy. He had given up his job when he got very ill and then went to the Huaxia Center. He joined a two-year program and practiced a lot, but didn’t get much improvement. He was a bit disappointed and after two years he went home. He then reflected on it and started to only do Massage navel. He gave up all the other methods and only did navel massage for about another two years. Then he healed himself from almost
10 chronic conditions. This is why when I met him again, I saw he had a healthy weight again, he looked very strong and was very joyful. So I
invited him to give a lecture during a conference to share his story and he inspired a lot of people. That’s why a lot of Qigong practitioners turn to work on Massage navel for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Some of them even do for two hours a day.
For many Qigong masters this would be the one method to choose for daily practice. It is a simple one and improves your inner Qi very well.
2: Standing Meditation – learn to focus & release pressure from the sacral joints
The second basic method is standing meditation. When I came to this island (Hainan) I stopped doing standing meditation because it is quite hot here. Last winter I picked it up again and I experienced the benefits from standing meditation. One is that you release pressure or tension from the sacral joints. When the sacral joints get a little bit more open and your tailbone can go downward, this is very good. Another benefit is when you are doing standing meditation, the Qi goes to your bones. When you don’t do this, the Qi stays in the muscles.
Strengthening the bones
Standing meditation is nourishing the bones. When I picked up this practice of standing meditation, I could feel my bones energy getting stronger. I will teach standing meditation a bit different from the way it is presented in Zhineng Qigong. In the traditional way your feet are parallel. When you turn your feet inward (as in Zhineng Qigong), the three meridians on the inner legs do not stretch, while it actually is good to give them a little bit of a stretch.
I visited the Taiji/Kungfu brother of the founder of Zhineng Qigong in 2008. I went to his home twice to discuss about this. When this Qigong brother teaches Zhineng Qigong around China, he repairs this requirement to the students. When he’s giving a lecture he tells them to keep the feet parallel and not turn inwardly. He really knows about Zhineng Qigong since he has been a bodyguard for dr Pang Ming for many years. He’s the number two person in the circle. So these are some secret stories. So we make use of the traditional way so you will get more benefit. When I see people doing standing meditation with the feet turned inward, I feel a little bit sad about that. I’m not saying it is wrong, it is just a little not so perfect part of Zhineng Qigong.
3: Tiger Steps to improve Liver Qi and Kidney Qi & strengthen the legs
The third method originally is from Emei Qigong. It is another branch of traditional Qigong. It emphasize to improve your Liver Qi and the Kidney Qi and the legs. When we get a little bit older, the Qi flows upward more and does not stay in the legs enough. This is why you see older people walking with less balance, or when you look at their physical body you see their upper body become more fat than the legs, the ankles getting thinner. When you check the young people like teenagers, their Qi stays in their body and in their legs and feet. Tiger Foot Walk helps to rebalance your energy and bring your energy to the legs. This way you improve your legs.
How to avoid breaking your bones when getting older
This is very important for older people, also when they are afraid to fall. When they fall they easily break their bones and that’s a very big trouble. So we have to improve ourself to escape or to avoid that. It is best when you prepare in the early age and understand this, so that when you get older you are okay. Even when you go for a hospital check and your body is in a good condition, there’s a potential risk. If your legs are not strong enough there’s a potential risk for the future life.
So these three basic Qigong techniques are the most fundamental. If you don’t want to go deeper and search no more, this is probably enough for everybody. For example, when you only do Massage Navel for 30 minutes every day, standing meditation 30 minutes and Tiger Steps for another 15 minutes a day, that is a very good combination. I don’t know how many of you practice Qigong every day for one hour or two hours. so if you don’t have too much time, these three are probably enough for you.
Practice to restore the root Qi in the body
On Friday, I will be teaching methods to support the spleen and stomach, they are key organs in Chinese medicine. It’s important to understand that in this tradition, the “spleen” actually refers to the pancreas, and the spleen is associated with the left liver. So, what we’ll be focusing on is how to improve the Qi of your pancreas and stomach. These are known as “root Qi” or “postnatal Qi,” which is the foundation for the Qi of the other internal organs. These two Qi flows dominate and regulate the energy of all other organs.
The central role of stomach and pancreas in the body’s energy system according to TCM
In Chinese medicine, every organ’s Qi needs to flow in a specific direction. For example, the lungs’ Qi should descend, and if it ascends, that creates an imbalance. The stomach and pancreas Qi serve as gatekeepers for these ascending and descending flows in the body. This is why we will be practicing techniques like chanting and body movements to help these Qi flows. However, sometimes when someone has stomach or pancreas issues, these typical methods might not seem effective. If you don’t feel much improvement, it’s likely because the issue is deeper. For instance, if the liver Qi is weak, it can affect the pancreas and stomach Qi. In that case, we need to address the liver Qi first to help the pancreas and stomach work properly. This process involves two steps:
1. Step One: Start with methods aimed directly at the stomach and pancreas.
2. Step Two: If the methods don’t provide relief, we work on improving liver Qi to help restore balance.
This layered approach is crucial for tackling issues at their root. We’ll explore this more during the workshop.
The Role of Emotions and Energy in Healing
A key concept we’ll discuss is how emotional patterns, such as blame and resentment, affect our physical health. Many people, especially in family dynamics, hold on to negative emotions like blaming others—whether it’s a partner or child. This emotional buildup can lead to a stagnation of Qi, particularly in the stomach and pancreas, which are linked to the Earth element in Chinese medicine. When we carry resentment or blame, it creates toxic energy that harms our bodies, even if we don’t express it outwardly. This internalized negativity poisons the system. The process of transformation involves shifting this energy, which we call “transforming the Yin Earth nature into Yang Earth nature.” This transformation helps you break free from negative emotional cycles and restores balance in your body. Mastering this process is challenging, but it is essential for healing. A powerful example comes from a Buddhist practitioner who once shared how, when he was arrested and beaten, he didn’t feel any anger or resentment, because he had already come to terms with past actions. He realized that his own past behaviour had created the conditions for his present experience—what we call karma. When we accept and understand this, we stop the cycle of resentment and begin to heal.
Heart and Kidney Connection
On Saturday, we’ll focus on the connection between the heart and kidneys. In Chinese medicine, the heart and kidneys are supposed to work in harmony. If they are disconnected, the energy flow between them becomes imbalanced. This imbalance can lead to various issues, especially as people age, like during menopause or andropause when hormonal energy starts to decline. We will practice methods to reconnect the heart and kidneys and harmonize their Qi. By doing so, we can prevent heart issues and support kidney health. This is particularly important for anyone experiencing these issues, whether physical or emotional.
Lungs and Liver Method
On Sunday, we’ll address the relationship between the lungs and liver. These organs have a unique dynamic because the lung Qi and liver Qi
actually control each other—meaning they regulate and restrict one another. If one becomes too strong or too weak, it can lead to disease. For
example, if liver Qi stagnates, the lungs might struggle, and if lung Qi becomes excessive, the liver may be overwhelmed. We’ll explore methods to harmonize the lung and liver Qi and release these restrictions. This is essential for addressing conditions like skin problems, respiratory issues, and hormonal imbalances. For women, liver imbalances are often linked to reproductive issues like menstrual problems, breast health, and ovarian health. For men, prostate health can be impacted by liver Qi stagnation.
Workshop Schedule and Benefits
The workshop is a four-day journey into understanding and harmonizing your Qi. It’s designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Whether you’re dealing with physical conditions or emotional blockages, this workshop will help you understand the root causes and offer practical techniques for healing. If you’re interested, you can join just one day, or sign up for the full four-day retreat. Each day focuses on different aspects of healing, from the stomach and pancreas, to the heart and kidneys, to the lungs and liver. Whether you’re looking to improve your own health or help others, this retreat will provide valuable tools and insights.
Closing Thoughts
This retreat is about transforming your energy and understanding the deeper connections between body, mind, and spirit. Through this process, you can resolve imbalances and move toward greater health and harmony. I hope to see you in September, and I look forward to sharing this journey
Coming home to your heart for inner harmony
Blog ENWhen you come home to your heart, you will:
And when you then turn your attention even further inward:
what is good or bad or what should or shouldn’t be.
… In your heart resides Love and your consciousness.
The age of Aquarius: the age of the Heart
Astrologically, we have completed an Earth Age (200 years) and have now arrived in the Age of Aquarius. This is also called the era of the Heart. It is an era where technological developments follow each other at a rapid pace. Spiritually, it gives us an opportunity to develop a broader consciousness. From a Qigong perspective, we say that we may transform the Yang-nature of our Heart into the Yin-nature of our heart.
Yin-nature of our heart leads to quarrels and disagreements
When the Yin aspects of our heart flare up, it manifests, among other things, in conflicts in the world, between countries and peoples, and in our own lives. You tend to reject others for their opinions or want to convince them of your viewpoint. If the Yin-nature of our heart takes the lead, there is continuous judgment and thinking in terms of good and bad, right and wrong. We are less tolerant and cannot accept others as they are or think. We often do this even without knowing the other person’s story at all. In this period, it is extra important to transform the Yin qualities of the heart within ourselves.
The qualities of a ‘Yang’ heart: softness and acceptance
When you develop the Yang qualities of your heart, you look without judgment. In softness, you perceive what is and accept what is. From that acceptance, you can discover ways and find solutions in which everyone feels involved recognized. Then it gains broader support and naturally gains strength. Moreover, when you live from your ‘Yang’ heart, you know that you are guided by the universe. You can see the universe as the Source from which you and everything originate. At the same time, the universe is also the people and the world around you. That makes it very practical and concrete. You can trust that you will receive help and support from the universe by asking for it. Then be open to good ideas and the people who cross your path, because the solution may just be offered there.
How Qigong can help to live from your heart
Qigong helps you transform the Yin-nature of the heart into the Yang-qualities of the heart. You could say that all emotions together are like
background music to your well-being. When we are emotionally out of balance or when you experience situations that throw you out of balance (for a longer period), this can lead to reduced energy, ailments, or illness. In Teacher Ning’s Self-Healing Qigong, we pay a lot of
attention to developing emotional stability. This creates more harmonious background music that naturally improves your well-being.
The connection of Heart and Kidneys according to TCM
Teacher Ning’s Self-Healing Qigong has its foundations in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this philosophy, the heart is considered ‘the emperor’. In ancient times, the emperor was the sovereign who, by his presence, ensured peace in the land. While all executive tasks were handled by other officials, the emperor was seen as the one who radiated profound wisdom and inner peace as a foundation for the entire society. Although all organs play an important role in this empire, TCM sees a special connection between the Kidneys and the Heart. “A harmonious connection between Kidneys and Heart is crucial for our health and well-being”.
Do you want to learn more?
In September 2025 teacher Ning will teach about harmonizing the Heart and Kidneys connection during the workshop he will give in The Hague. You are most welcome to join the full program, or just for the weekend.
Teacher Ning in The Hague (Netherlands) >>
Qigong and TCM: your key to health and well-being
Blog ENWhen you practise Qigong and delve into the background, you discover that it is closely linked to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Perhaps you’ve visited an acupuncturist, or a herbalist. Qigong is based on the same principles and is a method you can do yourself. Hence, Qigong is also called a ‘self-healthcare’ method, giving you more control over your own well-being. But how do the two actually relate to each other?
What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches us that health comes from a free flow of energy in the body. Disease, on the other hand, arises from imbalances, blockages or leaks in that energy flow. TCM takes a holistic view in which everything is interconnected. Energy is an expression of who you are as a person, including your physical, mental and emotional states. From the insights of TCM, various treatment methods have been developed, including acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese herbal therapy, but also Qigong.
Teacher Ning: a bridge between TCM and Qigong
There are hundreds of different forms of Qigong, several dozen of which are known in the West. The extent to which they express the principles of TCM varies. Someone who really bridged the gap between TCM and Qigong is teacher Ning. In his development as a Qigong healer, he has increasingly focused on translating the principles of TCM into practical Qigong exercises for a variety of ailments and diseases in the body. He makes the ancient wisdom of TCM accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Besides the healing effects of the exercises, they also aim to maintain and promote well-being.
>> TCM Qigong weekend webinars teacher Ning
Teacher Ning on Self Healing & providing group healing
Blog ENAfter setting up the Qifield teacher Ning talks about the upcoming weekend webinars in February, March and April. We will have six classes in total and each webinar will focus on one of the main organs – heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas – and also the Triple warmer organ.
If someone has issues with their heart they can choose to join that class. But we do not only focus on the heart. We will combine it with the stomach and the method for the legs. With practicing the legs method we pull the energy down and we open the energy gate. After that
we do practice for the stomach to open this energy gate even more. After that we do practice for the heart. That is the order we will follow. We will also do self healing. Practicing Tiger Foot Walk, stomach and heart is about transforming your inner Qi, your entirety Qi.
Self healing can be very effective, also for beginners
When we do self healing we focus on the location were the conditions are. Self healing is also very important. You do not have to worry about being a beginner for this or maybe you think you are not good at this. Self healing is something that everybody can do, no problem. Many years ago a lady asked me to do a healing to her for a problem she had in her big toe. But I had no time available for her at that time. So in the car I said to her: you can use the sword mudra and point it at your big toe, and concentrate your mind on your big toe and draw circles to transform the Qi of the big toe. The bone was enlarged. She did so later and it worked very well! It was successful: the enlarged big toe shrunk almost to normal. She was a beginner, not a master.
I remember another case in 1996. One of my students had a decayed hip joint. Usually they replace a hip like this. During the class I also mentioned that everybody should exercise self healing. Every time she had free time she was drawing energy to her hip joint for three
months. In the end she did not need to replace her hip joint because she recovered!
So in the upcoming webinars on the one hand we will do practice to improve your entirety and on the other hand we will practice self healing on the location. I believe this a good combination for everybody.
Triple Warmer ‘organ’ and the digestion of water
We have classes on the five main organs and one Fu organ: the triple warmer. Triple warmer organ is the largest Fu organ of the body. The triple warmer organ dominates transforming the water we consume. Food is much easier to transform, to digest. But water is much more difficult to digest. That is why we will do practice for the triple warmer, so we improve transforming the water for the whole body. The human beings body consists of 70% water. Therefore this is something very important. Some people have problems like swollen legs or the inner situation in the body has too much humidity or they feel tired easily or they have trouble doing exercise and workout. All this is related to the triple warmer.
Practice Self Healing
Now we can try a little bit about self healing. I think most of you know Qigong methods like Lift Qi up, pour Qi down, body and mind form or you have followed my teachings but maybe you did not practice self healing. So lets try a self healing to the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ but it is also important. If the gallbladder is removed it is not a problem because the Qi field of the gallbladder is still there.
(19.30) practice self healing for the gallbladder
Kidneys related to eyes, ears, bladder, bones and brain
The class on the kidneys is for trouble in your eyes or ears, or the bladder, or the bones, or the brain. We will do practice for the pancreas and the arm method to help the Qi rising in the body. And then we will do practice for the pancreas which helps the kidneys Qi rising and
then we do practice for the kidneys. After that we do self healing and focus on certain conditions. For example, if your condition is in the bladder you focus on the bladder while doing self healing. If your condition is in the bones, for example your cervical vertebras, then
you work there.
Group healing & the Qi field
Group healing is one kind of Qigong healing. Qigong healing includes self healing, or healing others or group healing. In all the webinars we will have group healing. The main thing is to relax yourself and bring yourself in a state of emptiness because next to a physical body we have a Qi field that is covering you and we are connected with universal energy. So actually we are quite big. Your information fills the universe.
That is why when you practice three centres merge, and you are in a deep state, you can see another you from a far away place walking to you. That is because your information is full of this earth, this planet. So when you are really relaxed, you can feel yourself, the information of
the other side comes to you. But when you are in this situation you can not touch the other you. If you touch it you might get sick. This example is about actually we are much bigger than the body. Our information is full of the planet.
If you think you are only the size of your body it will make your Qi shrink. If you know your information is full of the universe, you can read information of the others.. And you understand remote healing much better.
(41:50) Group healing: no transcript, just relax and follow teacher Ning
You are most welcome to join the webinars >>
The secret to improve your energy and health levels
Blog ENIn the upcoming weekend webinars we have some themes and will talk about several health issues. Fatigue and lack of energy, sleep problems, eye and ears conditions et cetera. Actually when we do Qigong practice, all different physical conditions are related with original Qi. We have to improve the original Qi first. Once we have original Qi again, all physical conditions can more easily be solved.
Then we have inner Qi again. When we do not have enough inner Qi and we only rely on the mind, or make use of external Qi, it works, but it cannot help us enough. This is why it is most important to restore the original Qi.
For people who already followed my earlier years, this is something new. I even believe it is something new for most Qigong practitioners.
How to generate original Qi?
The original Qi originally comes from the pericardium. The lungs collect this kind of energy and forces it to descent and to pass through the gallbladder to arrive in the kidneys. The kidneys are related to the element of Water. The element of the Pericardium is the element of Fire. So, after the kidneys receive the energy from the pericardium, the kidneys generate some original Qi. This kind of energy goes upward to support the middle Qi, which is the stomach and pancreas Qi. This middle Qi supports the whole physical body!
This is because in the energy circulation, the most important station is the kidneys. From the kidneys to the liver, the heart, the lungs et cetera. So we have to support the kidneys have the original Qi. Most of us have consumed a lot of original Qi. This is why many people experience a lack of energy and once we get sick, it is not so easy to heal again because we lack this kind of Qi, these energy resources.
Self healthcare & healing webinars
In the Self healthcare & healing webinars, in each of them, we will focus on how to generate this original Qi. From there we work to several physical conditions.
The meaning of open – close (La Qi) by teacher Ning
Blog ENQi Field: preparing the energy for a good result
Blog ENIn Qigong, we make use of the Qi field. It is a technique developed by Dr Pang Ming and works very effectively. It is basically about preparing the energy for a good result. You can use it in everyday situations, for projects, interactions with family and friends, your home and for healing.
The Qi Field is a very practical tool to work with. In my daily life, I often invite the Qi field to support me in my tasks, in my relationships or in my state of mind. In this way, I prepare and invite the energy to realize a beautiful result and to manifest my intention – what I like to experience in my reality.
“I relax, feel my body and the space around me and set my intention”
Last week, I used the principles for driving back home from France. Before the drive, I very consciously I sink into my being by relaxing and becoming aware of my body and the immediate space around me. I visualise the result of my journey; how it went smooth and how I arrived home safely and relaxed. I step into the result I have in mind and feel that it has already been achieved. The visualisation of the intended result, together with the feeling of being fulfilled, are the guiding factors.
“I see the intended result in my mind, along with the feeling of being fulfilled”
Throughout the day, I do this very often for myself. Also when I meet with people, in order for the contact to be harmonious, sincere and we are in alignment with ourselves. The same at this very moment: I am with Wabke right now, my Qi Friends partner, and beforehand I step into the energy of an effective meeting where we arrive at our agreements and plans in harmony and with joy.
It also comes in handy in more challenging situations with other people. Instead of going into the feeling of worrying, I use this contrast by inviting myself to be in harmony in that situation allowing for mutual acceptance and respect. Another example is that of writing this blog. I am silent beforehand and tune into inspiration, giving free and structured words to the topic I want to write about.
Sometimes I am in a situation that causes stress. Also then I invite the Qi field to dissolve the stress in me so that I can relax again, to show me possibilities in those kinds of situations how I can get on with what is stressing me. Or to leave it for a while, in case there just is no solution for that moment.
“I am expecting a positive outcome and am open to unforeseen possibilities”
In addition to the elements of relaxation, visualisation and feeling the intended result, I also feel the expectation that a positive result is coming. I really open myself for possibilities that I cannot immediately foresee. In doing so, it helps me to relax and have an open mind and already feel fulfilled. From that relaxation, I am much better able to see possibilities that are offered, in whatever way. It is, as it were, an open communication with the universe and in this I give direction to my intention.
Want to learn more on how to effectively make use of the Qi field?
You now understand why I wish everyone to become aware of this possibility to work with the Qi Field. It brings so much joy, gratitude, good results, harmony in relationships and more. With so much positive experience, I look forward to learn more about it in the weekend webinar ‘How to effectively make use of the Qi field’ with teacher Ning. It would be great to share it with you!
Chronic fatigue – a different perspective
Blog ENThe last couple of months, I meet more and more people who suffer from (chronic) fatigue. Often it is related to a severe health condition and/or intense medical treatment. As I told one of my clients at a certain moment ‘It is as if your cells have forgotten how to store the energy’. From a TCM perspective that is exactly what is going on. Let’s explore how this perspective can help restore your energy.
Fatigue from being too busy
A bit more than I year ago I was suffering from fatigue myself. Since I am a Qigong teacher, I was able to restore my energy levels quite quickly time and time again, but in essence my battery was low. Even though in the act of doing all day-to-day activities there wasn’t any problem, I felt exhausted as soon as I had a break. It was clear that I had taken too much upon myself. With a combination of taking more rest, skipping some activities and the practice of Qigong, I was able to restore my energy levels quite soon.
This kind of fatigue and the feeling of exhaustion probably happens to everyone from time to time. As long as you do not wait too long to address it and take action to restore your energy levels from the inside out, it is ok.
What happens when fatigue changes to chronic fatigue?
If you do not address it on time, your energy systems get so exhausted that their upload and storage function becomes distorted. This can also happen as a side effect of chemo, other intense medical treatments or lungCovid. It is as if the cells of the body have forgotten how to store the energy. In order to understand what happens here, the TCM / Qigong perspective can help.
#1 The Yang can no longer protect the Yin
In the Traditional Chinese medicine, great emphasis lies on the healthy functioning of the organ’s Qi. Each organ not only refers to the physical organ, but actually complies a whole set of functions and structures in the body and mind. Basically we distinguish five sets of one Yin and one Yang organ, with each of these sets relating to one of the five elements:
When we would put this in a picture on how they relate to each other, it would look like:
As you can see in this picture, the Yin organs are on the inside and the Yang organs are on the outside. TCM states:
When we live under stress and with fatigue too long, or through sickness and intensive medical treatments, this Yin/Yang balance in the organs is lost. Not only the Yang (active, outgoing) energy is low, but also the Yin energy is depleted. In other words, the Yang functions can no longer protect and keep the energy in the Yin organs.
In this case be loving, careful and above all patient with yourself!
Qigong can certainly help, but do take your time to heal.
#2: The kidneys are the battery of the body
In the Traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys have a special place. It is said that the kidneys store the life energy that we received from our parents in conception and birth. When we grow older, this initial energy decreases. Since the kidneys are regarded as the battery of our body, it is extremely important to keep your battery charged. If we do not recharge the kidneys in time, the pre-natal energy decreases faster. That is not per se a problem, but it does require some attention.
How to restore your energy levels and solve fatigue?
There’s probably not one answer that fits for everyone. At the same time, we do have some suggestions:
# Rou Fu / Massage navel
This is a basic exercise to gradually increase and strengthen your inner Qi. One of my students who suffered from energy loss due to concussion for already one year, started to do this on a daily basis and after a few weeks reported that finally she felt her energy levels were back again!
# La Qi
Connect with the universal Qi, so that it can flow into your system. Teacher Ning shared his experience with this exercise and guided a powerful La Qi meditation in ‘The meaning of Open & Close (La Qi).
When the Yin/Yang balance is disturbed, this can best be combined with Rou Fu or any other exercise that helps restore the inner Qi levels.
# Exercises to restore your kidneys energy
Depending on your energy level and your personal preference, you can make use of Qigong sound healing techniques, or some exercises in which Mingmen is involved.
Want to learn more?
This is what we understand from it now. However, especially on these specific topics we are still learning as well. That’s why we are so happy that teacher Ning will share with us his understanding on this topic in the weekend webinar ‘How to solve fatigue & how to effectively make use of the Qi Field’.
The benefits of fasting
Geen categorieAt Qi Friends, we look wider than just Qigong. We each have our own preferences in that, but sometimes things come our way that excite us both. This was the case with fasting and intermittent fasting. Mathilde shared an interview with Dr Mindy Pelz and we each started fasting in our own way. We are not experts in this and cannot give advice on it, but would still like to share this with you.
The idea of intermittent fasting is that you regularly put in a period of fasting, a time when you don’t eat. This can be on a daily basis – for example, not eating for 16 hours and then eating two meals during the period of the other 8 hours of the day – but it can also be one day a week, or…there are various forms.
Let’s start with the interview that inspired us, then you can see for yourself:
Why did this appeal to us?
In our experience, it does help to know a little bit on what benefits occur depending on how long you fast. This way, when the fast feels a bit uneasy, the mind can tell us that it is okay and the body is getting healthier and stronger. Dr Mindy Pelz has given a short and good overview in this blog >>
Fasting and Qigong
Fasting and Qigong make an excellent combination and in recent years ‘qi-fasting retreats’ have been organized more and more often. The idea here is that when you manage your energy (Qi) well, that energy nourishes you. This makes fasting lighter and easier to sustain.
Someone who has gained a lot of experience with Qi Fasting in recent years is master Jianshe. He has been keeping us informed about this for a long time and after he had sent us some experiences of people, we became very enthusiastic.
We would like to invite you to the online Qi Fasting retreat with master Jianshe in the beginning of January 2024!
(By the way, you can also join without fasting.)
Optimal energy during (hot) summer time
Blog ENSummer time has started and with the weather changing in many places all over the world, we experience different temperatures. Some love it and at the same time many experience it as ‘too hot’ and suffer from it. Teacher Ning shares how to keep an optimal energy level during summer. What should we be aware of to avoid, and what can we do to have optimal energy levels.
First teacher Ning has set up the Qi field. After that…
So now it is getting hot because it is summertime. According to traditional Chinese medicine and Medical Qigong, during the summertime, the heart reacts to the weather. It’s getting hot outside and on the inside of the body the heart reacts to the heat. They have this connection. So during the summer the heart works more than during other seasons.
What happens outside, reflects in the inner organs
What happens outside, the inner organ will react. So, in the winter, the kidneys react more. In the spring season the liver reacts more. In the autumn, the lungs react more. In summertime the heart works harder than other seasons. This is why for people with a heart condition, it can be more difficult to go through the summertime.
Pay more attention to the heart
As Qigong practitioners, we need to pay more attention to the heart. Whatever Qigong practice you do, you can do some healing for the heart, or bring the heart energy go downward intentionally and let it better connect to the kidneys. You can also work more on the lungs and kidneys. The lungs are more contracting and can make balance with the heart. Because if the heart’s energy goes out too much and works too hard – the lungs can close it in more, contracting energy more and let the energy flow downward.
Avoid practicing the liver during summertime. The liver is a sprouting energy. It is too hot right now for that. If you practice the liver, it will generate more heat and then you don’t feel good.
Option 1: practice the heart itself
According to medical Qigong one option is to practice the heart itself and to let the heart Qi flow downward and connect to the kidneys. That is option one.
Option 2: practice lungs and kidneys
Option two is to practice the lungs and the kidneys. To contract more energy and make balance with the situation of the heart.
Do not practice the liver
If you would practice the liver, it is like you burn an extra fire, you put in more wood to the fire. That will produce too much heat.
Practice sounds healing for the heart
In this lesson we will practice the sounds healing for the heart for a while. When the heart works more, it generates more heat. This is why so many people feel it is so hot inside. When we do a practice to the heart, we can lead the Qi of the heart to flow. Then you don’t feel that hot. When you feel very hot inside, you probably need to work to the heart more.
So now we are going to practice the sound healing for the heart.
<video at 12:56 minutes – explanation and short practice of first sound for the heart – ‘zhen’>
<video at 17:42 minutes – explanation of the mudra>
<video at 19:40 minutes – start full practice of first sound for the heart>
Massage Shenmen point
After the sounds we are going to massage Shenmen point – along the pinky finger, on the wrist you can feel a small round bone and a bit of a hole next to it. This is shenmen point. Massaging this point is beneficial for the heart meridian.
Another point: If you feel uncomfortable on the inside of the forearm, in between the two tendons, this relates to the pericardium.
Second sound for the heart, connecting to the kidneys
Now we go to the second sound for the heart. This sound works more to let the heart’s energy flow downwards. To connect with your kidneys Qi.
<video 42:00 minutes – explanation of the second sound – ‘deng’>
<video at 45:20 minutes – start of full practice second sound for the heart>
So, during the practice, sometimes you would feel some reaction from your stomach and the pancreas. Sometimes they make some noise, as if you are hungry, as if the stomach is asking for some food. While we are doing the sounds for the heart, the heart is supporting your pancreas, so this is a natural reaction of the pancreas. This is also a way to treat diabetes. When a person has diabetes, sometimes the solution is to improve the heart and the diabetes is solved.
How often practice this?
How often practice this sound? You don’t need to practice this every day. Just when you feel very hot. For example, in the afternoon around 17.00 hours into the evening. That even when you took a shower and still feel hot. This shows your heart accumulated too much heat. Generally, two times a week is ok. But do check with yourself, when you have this hot feeling around 1700h, you need to pay attention to practice this.
<video at 1:00:18 hours – showing the connecting movement>
Usually after the sounds we make a connecting movement. You place your hands in front of your heart and then bring the energy of the heart down to in front of the kidneys and then the hands are circling in front of the kidneys. Gathering energy to the kidneys. You can close your eyes.
Finish with putting your hands on top of each other on your lower abdomen. Nourish Qi.
So, usually we just practice this option 1 and focus on the heart. This is enough for safely going through the summertime.
If you want to practice action to, lungs and kidneys, some of you have learned before. Today we will not focus on that, because the main solution is this option one of practicing the heart and ending at the kidneys.
Qigong practice is something flexible. It needs to follow the changes of what is going on outside. When I was at the Qigong center, we learned and taught students to just do the exercises. But it is something flexible. We need to follow a lot of principles. We need to know some associations, the relationships.
Enjoy your summer time and your vacation.
In case you do like to explore the second option teacher Ning has introduced:
>> teacher Ning on How to practice Lungs
>>teacher Ning on How to practice Kidneys