This class, part of the series Qigong for the Seasons, will show you how to use the wisdom of the Five Phases paradigm to stay healthy during Winter. You will learn how the seasonal changes in Nature have an influence on human health and what you can do to stay in harmony with those changes. This is preventive medicine at its best!

For thousands of years this system of health care has served to keep millions of people healthy through the use of gentle exercises, meditation, and diet. We will enjoy better health and a deeper awareness of our internal connections with the world if we use this knowledge from the ancient Daoist masters to cultivate the healing forces that are unique to this time of year.

The season of winter is called the Water Phase. At this time the energy of nature has moved to the interior of all living things. In humans this internal migration is toward the Kidney Networkwhich consists of the bones, kidneys and central nervous system. These deep structures of the body are essential containers of energy. The primary methods for nourishing this network are meditation, qigong exercises and diet.

Winter Qigong exercises are a wonderful blend of yang movements – Bear Frolic, yin movements – Bone Marrow Cleansing, and a classical balance of yin and yang – Kidney Qigong. The Bear Frolic is really good for strength and flexibility of the spine. BMC is focused on energizing the central nervous system. Kidney Qigong is the most essential exercise for the Kidney network.

Winter Meditations employ the power of mental intention and regulated breathing to guide the circulation of energy through the body. Meditating on the Microcosmic Orbit cultivates the flow of qi through the two primary acupuncture channels – Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel. The Lake and Geyser meditation is focused on the Taiji Axis at the very center of the body. This pathway connects the three primary energy centers in the abdomen, chest and head.

Winter diet includes nuts and seeds as a source of generative essence which nourishes the kidney network. Specific herbs will also be discussed.

Students will have access to a 35 page handbook containing valuable information. This colorful text has instructions and illustrations of the exercises, interesting explanations of the Five Phase principle of Chinese medicine, and insights about how to meditate. The food section explains why certain herbs and foods are good for winter and has two delicious recipes. There’s more information on the kidneys, vitamin D and bone marrow. Full color illustions of the kidneys, spinal column and bones will enhance your ability to use visualizations in the qigong exercises.

Each class session will be a combination of discussions and practice: