Embryology Qigong, Basic Principles 1

This series of 5 classes brings together principles of embryology and qi practice. There are many perspectives of embryology. There are many practices of qigong. We will apply principles of embryological in-formation from a Body-Mind Centering® perspective to foundational qi practices. Each 1 ½ hour session will focus on a central theme.

You need no experience with either Body-Mind Centering® embryology or qigong. We begin where we are. If you have experience with either, this series presents material to deepen your movement, stillness and mindfulness practice. Qigong practice forms in this series are short and simple with no complex choreography to learn.

Vibration, egg & sperm – wuji, yin & yang
From wuji, vibration, and the state on non-polarity, arises polarity. Polarity is represented by yin and yang and includes stillness & movement, inner & outer, heavy & light, full & empty, physical & non-physical. These elements are part of our embryological development and can be re-membered and embodied through qi practices.

Front body, back body, and middle body – dantian, 3 central lines
Three main embryological layers are the endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm (layer).  In general, these three layers develop into, respectively, the front body (gut), the back body (nervous system), and the middle body (structure). We will consider some major energy points along each layer and bring them into qi practice.

Simultaneous Condensing and Expanding Yield – underlies spiraling & wrapping
The principle of Simultaneous Condensing and Expanding Yield underlies all movement. It is the embodiment of the natural rhythm of nature and foundational to patterns of closing, opening, wrapping, and spiraling. Not as individual qualities, but in relationship with each other. Yielding or song (releasing) is foundational to allowing the fluid basis of qi to flow in the body.

Breathing – external and internal
Breathing is an important part of not just any mindfulness practice but in simply being alive. We all have available to us pre-birth breathing and post-birth breathing. Bringing them together is a key practice. Doing this in stillness is one skill, doing it in movement is another skill. We will incorporate cellular breathing, omental bursa breathing and unified diaphragm breathing in stillness and movement. Thanks to Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen for her insights into these breathing practices.

Review and Discussion – bodymind experience
We will begin with some qigong movement and then open the space for people to share their experience on the psychophysical (body-mind) aspects of bridging embryology and qigong.