Shamanic Tiger Qigong is a uniquely potent practice designed to bolster our health and deepen our spiritual connection to universal energy. Lineage holder, Master Zhongxian Wu provides detailed instruction in this powerful Mt. Emei Sage Style 24-movement Qigong form, which combines the traditions of ancient shamanism, Confucianism, Daoism, classical Chinese medicine, and the martial arts.

 

The tiger is a symbol for shamanic power and for Qi, especially Zhengqi. Physically, Zhengqi is represented most strongly by the Lung, which prevents pathogenic Qi from invading the body. The Lung governs and energizes all the meridians of the body, helping us to achieve and maintain a high level of resilient well being.

 

Regular practice of Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong:

 

• Awakens energy and consciousness in your body—to feel more alive and more grounded
• Develops your shamanic healing abilities—to effectively alleviate others’ suffering
• Opens your energy gates and meridians—to achieve long lasting, buoyant health
• Allows the free flow of Qi (pronounced chi)—to connect with universal energy and attain deep levels of tranquility
• Connects you to nature’s deepest healing powers—to rebound more strongly from past health challenges
• Strengthens your immune system—to better protect you from disease
• Enhances your flexibility and mobility—to enjoy easier, pain-free movement
• Relaxes your body and mind—to reduce unwanted tension and stress

 

Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong:

 

Shaking Practice—The Ritual of Heart

 

Shaking focuses the body and Shen on the universal vibrations we are experiencing. This is a way to awaken energy and consciousness in the body. This movement can help us open our energy gates and meridians—the energy channels in the body. It allows the free flow of Qi to connect with universal energy in moving into the basic Qi state.

 

In the Chinese shamanic Qigong practice, shaking is like an inner dancing and drumming to access our inner great medicine—energetic rhythm for healing and achieving Enlightenment.

 

Shamanic Tiger Qigong Movements

 

Movement 1—Return to the Great Primordial Qi

 

Helps you awaken your original life source, creating and nourishing the Zhengqi, life force. This movement opens the body and enables us to connect with the Universal Qi. It also helps us learn about the union of the physical body and the spiritual body. Daily practice strengthens the vital energy and is good for rebuilding one’s life energy from a state of weakness.

 

Movement 2—Sleeping Tiger Wakes Up

 

Releases Qi stagnation and strengthens the Liver function, improving the flexibility of the whole body. It helps us to awaken and to understand the energy in our deeper layers—that energy which is usually never accessed or used by the conscious mind. By doing this form, we will become deeply aware of the presence of the special treasures of the body: Jing, Qi, and Shen.

 

Movement 3—Tiger Wags Its Tail

 

Enhances the Zhongqi, the central energy of the body, and includes the Earth element and its harmonizing function. Good for any digestive or Earth pathology.

 

Movement 4—Tiger Emerges from the Cave

 

Helps open the four spiritual gates in the body: the two hips and the two shoulders. By circulating the energy in the lower Dantian, the energy of the body unites with universal energy. This results in unification rather than separation. The movement is good for the Heart function or any disease of the limbs.

 

Movement 5—Tiger Displays Martial Power

 

Connects us with the harmony of Universal Qi and is excellent for dispersing Qi stagnation in the body. Also helps strengthen Kidney and Liver Qi and harmonizes Lung and Liver Qi.

 

Movement 6—Spiritual Sword Kills the Demon

 

Benefits the shoulders. Can help release a frozen shoulder or other shoulder conditions. It is a way to strengthen your healing power and your ability to transmit external Qi. You can use this movement to drive off disease.

 

Movement 7—Qi Transforms the Three Layers

 

Transforms physical blockages and stagnation, which allows the Qi to flow smoothly. Balances the three burners, which are equivalent to the three layers: Heaven, Earth, and the Human Being. Diseases that are related to the three burners include heart and lung diseases, gastrointestinal disease, and kidney disease. Diseases located in these organs, or burners, may manifest in insomnia, anxiety, chest pain, nausea, and low back pain. This movement also strengthens the ability to transmit external Qi for healing.

 

Movement 8—Connect with Heaven and Penetrate Earth

 

Can help strengthen our ability to connect with the universal energy. It is a good way to open the different layers of the body. This movement will also enhance the sensation of the fingers and the Laogong to receive and transmit external Qi. It is beneficial for the Triple Burner and digestion.

 

Movement 9—Embrace the Sun and Moon

 

Strengthens the Heart and Lung functions and strengthens the Qi. Also opens and sensitizes the Laogong to both transmitting and receiving energy.

 

Movement 10—Tiger Climbs the Mountain

 

Strengthens the life force, the tendons, and self-healing power. Physically, it opens all the meridians and joints to allow for the free flow of Qi. It is especially good for joint problems and kidney disease.

 

Movement 11—Ride the Wind Down the Mountain

 

Helps to strengthen Kidney energy. It is a way to release stagnation of the physical or spiritual body. This movement benefits the twelve joints: shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. It is a good way to open the spiritual gates and let the energy flow.

 

Movement 12—Qi Transforms into a Rainbow

 

Stretches and opens the meridians and lets the Qi flow. It also stretches the tendons and benefits the Liver function.

 

Movement 13—Moving Clouds Make Rain

 

This is a soft Yin movement that nourishes the body. This movement is good for Yin deficiency or Kidney Yin deficiency. It is a way to strengthen sexual power. It is also good for excess Yang conditions, such as insomnia and hypertension.

 

Movement 14—Double Dragons Play with the Pearl

 

Helps open the meridians and refines the Qi. It is great way to strengthen your external Qi and healing power. It is especially good for the shoulders, arms, and Triple Burner. It also opens the spine and benefits all the problems related with the spine.

 

Movement 15—Heavenly Dew Purifies the Body

 

Purifies the physical body as well as the energetic Heart. Its function is to move one into a deeper layer of meditation. Your consciousness will be in a high energetic state.

 

Movement 16—Golden Turtle Plunges into the Ocean

 

Works with Shen energy to tonify (strengthen) the Heart. It works to tonify the Kidney and to dispel all diseases related to the Kidney, such as low back pain, knee pain, and leg pain. It is good for people who have poor memories.

 

Movement 17—Colorful Wave Cleanses the Spirit

 

Promotes the structural, functional, and energetic wellness of the Heart and Lung. It also tonifies the spleen and aids in the release of the emotions belonging to the Heart, Lung and Spleen, namely anxiety and sadness. It works to purify the mind and Shen in general.

 

Movement 18—Red Phoenix Visits the Sun

 

Holding this posture will strengthen your Fire and Earth energy since Fire gives birth to Earth. This movement strengthens the physical function of the shoulders and heart and also strengthens the spiritual function of the Heart Shen/Spirit. It can assist in curing diarrhea.

 

Movement 19—Lift the Moon from the Water

 

Benefits the kidneys and helps with knee and leg problems. It brings us closer to the way of Enlightenment. It allows us to open to the wisdom we already hold, enabling us to grasp the nature of emptiness.

 

Movement 20—Dragon and Tiger Leap into Heaven

 

Harmonizes the Yin-Yang energy. In the physical layer, it works to release any kind of disease. This movement transforms energy by opening the spiritual gates of the body and harmonizing the Yin-Yang Qi to purify the body. This allows for smooth energy flow and a unification of Yin and Yang.

 

Movement 21—Harmonizing Wind Unites the Cosmos

 

Enables us to move into a harmonizing Qi state so we can understand the Dao.

 

Movement 22—Maintain Peace in the Eight Directions

 

Strengthens the physical function of the whole body. It also increases healing power, especially the energy of compassion.

 

Movement 23—Sacrifice Everything to the Heavenly Cave

 

Works to release the ego and desire, which is a pathway to access one’s original nature. This movement may release any disease for self-healing. It is an especially good way to enhance the Heart and the spiritual energy. All disease is related to the Heart. As the Heart is sacrificed, the body will return to a natural state.

 

Movement 24—Remain in the Dao Qi

 

Maintains physical well being and awakens within us the eternal Dao which is always present.