Seven Stars Shiatsu 

Introduction to Wild Goose Qigong

Many ancient cultures felt that a "energy flow" regulated the functioning of their bodies and of the world around them. In China, manipulation of this flow to improve health was gradually formalized in such medical disciplines as acupuncture, acupressure, and Qigong.

Da = great, Yan = Bird

In creating many of the qigong systems the early originators were known to have adapted the natural, flowing qualities of animals, birds and serpents. Each system incorporates elements of the various creatures to depict the manner in which the movements should be performed. We should consider that the only creature that suffers from stresses, resulting in ailments to the mind and body, is man. Other creatures  carry no postural problems from the stresses of modern living!

Dayan Qigong uses a wide variety of movements that are designed to release negative energy and gather positive energy. It contains slow, fluid, movements and quick,  strong movements. There are two sets of 64 movements, each set taking approximately 15 minutes to perform.

“It is an extremely dynamic holistic system working on the entire energy system of the body. The movements are dynamic and static at the same time, combining strength with grace, bringing beauty and serenity to the performance of the form and inducing relaxation and freedom in the body." (Robinson, 2002)

  

History and Development of the Wild Goose Qigong

The Wild Goose Qigong originated from the Kunlun School of Taoism  In the Kun Lun Mountains of South-Western China.  It was here during the Jin Dynasty around 265AD that a hermit named Si Dao An (the Peaceful Way) observed the movements of the  many wild geese that haunt the area and began to incorporate these bending, stretching, twisting  and fluttering techniques into a health-enhancing routine called the Dayan Gong (Wild Goose  Qigong) (Wilde, 2006).

It has a huge system consisting of more than 70 sets of motional and motionless Gong methods.

Kun Lun Shan  (The Kunlun Mountain School)

The Kunlun Mountains are located in the Himalayas, and enclose the Qing Zang (Tibetan) Plateau, which encompasses Tibet and part of Qinghai Province. The treeless Kunlun Shan stretch 1000 miles past dreary provincial towns and desolate roads, its snow-and-glacier-clad peaks rising abruptly along the north edge of the vast dry and Tibetan plains.

The Kunlun Mountains are a Taoist Paradise, and home of the mythical Shangri-La associated with utopian heaven.

In Taoist tradition it is said that "Starry Beings," immortals from another galaxy, or a higher plane of existence descended to the Kunlun Shan 6,000 years ago bringing with them the secrets of the universe.  These beings lived among humans and taught the secrets of life. They reincarnated as buddhas, boddhisattvas, and immortals.    

Yang Mei Jun (1895– 2002)

The teachings of the Wild Goose Qigong were handed down as secret doctrine.  Traditionally, one could not teach the system until the age of 70, and then only to a single student (Tze, 2002).  Yang Meijun was 27th generation lineage holder of the Kunlun System. She began her qigong training at the age of 13 when her 73 year old grandfather taught her. Although small in stature this remarkable woman worked for many years developing and preserving this unique system of Qigong.

In 1978, after the death of her husband she made the decision to publicly teach her many systems of qigong, as she wanted to pass its many benefits on to others and strengthen the Chinese population after the end of the Cultural Revolution (Robinson, 2002).

There are many remarkable stories about her life and abilities.  Some examples include tales of her training nightly in secret with her grandfather at 3am, and even once being buried alive by Japanese soliders during their occupation of Manchuria.  According to witnesses, at 101 years old she was able to leap several feet in the air and had been known to cure terminally ill people with Qi from her hands  (Zhi, Dao Guan, 2006).

The Spread of Modern Wild Goose Qigong

In recent times the Wild Goose Qigong has flourished, and the first ‘pre-64’ form has become one of the most popular styles. It is one of the eleven qigong methods that are officially Chinese government sanctioned, who thoroughly traced its linage, history and researched its benefits. Mme Yang MeiJun was given a place on the council of China Scientific Research Institution of Qi Gong, and made honorary professor of many universities. As such, Wild Goose Qigong is now taught in the government wushu schools in China, and is practiced all over the world (Zhang, 2000).

 The Goose in Stories and Myth

 

The Queen Mother of the West

In The Journey to the West, an important     Medieval Chinese story, the Queen Mother of the West, tends the orchard where the Immortal Peaches grow." She is depicted surrounded by either flying winged-people or Geese.

This signifies that she had become a central focus for those who aspire to "Fly to Immortality"  (Chen, 2006).

 

Hamsa (the Vahana)

In India the wild goose is known for its discipline, grace and beauty.

In Vedic times, Hamsa, the bar-headed white goose was associated with the sun, Spirit, Atman, knowledge, prana, Brahman and life itself.

Hamsa = ham + sa. Ham is exhaled breath and sa is inhaled breath; thus, Hamsa is life.

Hamsa is a high flyer and thus a metaphor for spiritual endeavor to attain Brahman.

The Indian goose is also associated with Brahma and Sarasvati as their Vahana (vehicle of transport).

(Wikipedia Entry: ‘Hamsa’ [Hindu Mythology])

 


 

Adapted from -   Geese - The Animal Files  (Huurne, 2005)

· In Ancient Egypt as well as in Ancient China the goose was considered a messenger between Heaven and Earth.

· In China geese are still a symbol of marriage, because of their lifelong pair-bond.

· In the Roman empire, the goose was the sacred animal of Juno, a goddess of light, marriage and childbirth, who was later considered adviser and protectress of the Roman people.

· The Celts associated the goose with war, possibly because of its watchful nature and aggressive temperament. Warrior gods were sometimes depicted with geese as companions. Remains of geese have been found in warrior's graves.

· The goose, with its steady, powerful flight and migratory habits, can be associated with travelling, undertaking a journey to a new destination. This journey can be difficult and may take long.  The goose can help people find the perseverance needed to go on with their quests. In earlier times, shamans were aided by spirit geese on their journeys to other worlds.

· In modern shamanism, geese are also associated with communication, the ability to express oneself, especially through the use of stories. It is said that the goose as a totem signifies the importance of the childhood belief in stories and legendary places. The stories people liked most as a child might give insight in the patterns in their lives.  As in ancient mythology, geese are in modern shamanism still regarded as symbols of marriage, fidelety and the importance of a solid, happy home and family life.

   

Other Goosey Qualities

 In English, the word ‘goose’ often carries connotations of foolishness, for instance “you’re a real goose” ;  “wild goose chase” ;   Your goose is cooked! ; loosey goosey, etc.

There is, however, a vast cultural difference, as asian culture recognizes the goose a very strong bird, that flies for incredibly long distances when migrating in winter. Its strong energy allows it to sustain the rigours of the long demanding journey ahead.

In China the Goose is known as ‘The Bird of Longevity’

   

Goose Terminology

According to" Wikipedia":

    The male goose is called a "gander" and the female is the "goose"

    Young birds before fledging are known as "goslings".

    A group of geese on the ground is called a gaggle;

    When flying in formation, it is called a wedge or a skein.

 

The Wild Goose Qigong Method

 

Wild Goose is classified as a Medical qigong, and the primary reason for practicing this form of qigong is to improve the health, and wellbeing, as well as the length and quality of life.   As such, the Wild Goose Qigong is proclaimed to have many benefits for health and longevity.

Wild Goose Qigong has become well known for curing sickness, reaping good health, promising longevity and increasing intelligence, bringing about an overall improvement of physical and mental functions.
 
Bingkun Hu  explains: When we have better qi flow, our blood circulation will improve. We will have more oxygen supply to our brain. Our mind will be more alert. We will get stronger, and we will have more physical strength, etc..

 The major focus of the pre-64 form is to improve the Yin and Jing (essence), in particular the Kidney and Pre-heavenly Jing.  By replenishing the Jing, the body is restored to its optimum level of health and vitality, and so it is used in particular for chronic illnesses and as preventative medicine.  To this end, the form contains a number of bending movements,  filling of the lower dantien, as well as Water and lunar imagery.
 

Types of Movements:

The Dayan (Wild Goose) Qigong contains both vigorous and gentle movements, actions combined with stillness, and beautiful postures. The movements work directly with the acupuncture points and channels, stimulating and opening them, to allow the free flow of Qi (vital energy).

Vigorous movements, including jumping, shaking, slapping, and swooping, release negative Qi, Some of the faster movements act to directly stimulate acupoints with a stronger 'surge' of energy to clear the area and ensure a freer pathway for it to flow.

The slower, gentle movements gather fresh Qi, and perform a kind of internal massage on the organs like the kidneys, liver and spleen.

There are movements which are performed in the upright, vertical position, which are similar to tai chi stepping and others which sweep down from a high position to a very low posture helping to stimulate and strengthen the upper and lower back area.

In particular there are many bending movements that open up the meridians (energy channels) in the legs.   These are: Yin- Kidney, Liver, Spleen; Yang – Bladder, Gallbladder, Stomach

The form finishes with meditation and stillness to store the freshly accumulated Qi.
 

Summary of the Benefits of Wild Goose Qigong

 

The most obvious and immediate benefits or practicing the Wild Goose Qigong is in improving overall physical fitness, balance, and flexibility; reducing stress and anxiety, and alleviating tension.

With regular practice, it has documented benefits for the central nervous system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, metabolism, and the digestive and urinary systems.   The exercises are also very useful for psychosomatic conditions and improving the general disposition (Zhang, 2000).

The list of problems that are alleged to have been alleviated through the practice of Wild Goose Qigong includes:

 

hemorrhoids	constipation
high blood pressure	menstrual problems
prostate trouble	gynecological diseases
impotence	meningitis
brain tumor	mental disorders
insomnia	migraines
epilepsy	arthritis
dermatitis	diabetes
pancreatic diseases	deafness
glaucoma	asthma

 

It is also said that long practice of the Qigong may set one free from more formidable and chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
 
 

The Story of the First (Pre-64) Forms

The movements in this set of qigong loosely describe the daily activities of a wild goose:

 


When beginning, learners are encouraged to be pre-occupied with the daily activity of an innocent wild goose, when they are imagining that they are “flapping their wings” beside a shimmering lake under a full moon, their heart beat will be naturally slow down, and their mind will gradually be quieting down too.
 
 
 

Tables of Movements of the First (Pre-64) Forms

 

There are four sections to this Qi gong, in terms of the energetic actions of the movements:



Section I Movements 1—36

Open channels and points repeatedly to expel toxins and draw in healthy air

  
1. Starting form (Wuji)

2. Spread Wings

3. Close Wings

4. Fold Nest

5. Shake Wings

6. Fold Nest

7. Shake Wings

8. Raising Wings

9. Clasp Wings above Crown (Bai Hui)

10. Wings Reach up to the Sky

11. Crossed Wings Reach to the Earth

12. Twine Hands

13. Recover Air

14. Flap Wing (Spread Left Foot)

15. Push Air

16. Drag Air

17. Turn Body & Recover Air

18. Flap Wing (Spread Right Toe)

19. Push Air

20. Drag in Air

21. Twirling Wings

22. Wave Wings Like Clouds

23. Look to Rear (Twist Waist)

24. Drop Wing to Recover Air

25. Spread Single Wing

26. Step Forward and Extend Wing

27. Encircle Head

28. Press Downward

29. Prop Up Wing

30. Recover Air

31.  Scoop the Moon

32. Turn Body

33. Step Forward Look at Palm

34. Look up to the Moon

35. Press Air

36. Turn Body, Press Air

 

Section II Movements 37—44

Brisk movements to expel deeper toxins.

37. Spread and Shake Wings

38. Look Down At Water

39. Flying Bird Pats the Water

40. Drink Water 3x

41. Gaze at the Sky

42. Shake Dan Tian (Recover Air)

43. Grasp Air 10x

44. Turn Palm and Gather Up Air

  

Section III Movements 45—55 

Draw in healthy qi.

45. Fountain to Hold Ball

46. Rotate the Ball

47. Turn Body and Rotate Ball l

48. Fountain (Hold Air)

49. Pass Through Air

50. Raise Arms - draw in Yang Qi

51. Drop Wings

52. Flap Wings to the Back - tonify kidneys

53. Fly Up Left & Right

54. Turn Body

55. Fly Up to the Sky

 

 
Section IV Movements 56—64

Adjust the blood and qi, balancing yin and yang

56. Skim Over Water

57. Turn Body

58. Fly upward

59. Look For Food

60. Turn Body

61. Look for the Nest

62. Turn Body and Swim

63. Sleep Peacefully and Recover Air

64. Closing

 

Major channels and tsubo points activated in the Wild Goose Qigong

 

(Click for PDF)

 ( will be updated soon)

Points to remember when practicing Wild Goose Qigong

    *      Do not over stretch or strain

    *      Be relaxed and natural in your movement

    *      Let the natural breath follow the movements

    *      Differentiate yin and yang; static and dynamic; calm and vigorous

    *      Gently flow between the postures

    *      Allow your movements to become graceful and beautiful

    *      Remain at once light, soft, and loose, and also firmly grounded, well structured and perfectly balanced.

    *      Use the thought mind ‘yi’ and emotional mind ‘xin’ to add depth to your practice.  There are no intentional movements without awareness.

    *      At the same time, cultivate “wu-wei” (or “doing nothing”) and “tuo-yi” (“reduce one’s awareness to the minimum”).

    *      Let the calm spirit, shen, rise to the crown and be expressed though the eyes.

    *      Fill the dantien and extraordinary vessels, and cultivate pure essence (jing).

    *      Persevere in your practice

 

Recommended Reading

Zhang, Hong-Chao (2000) Wild Goose Qigong—Natural Movement For Health Living. YMMA Publication Center : Boston

 
Chia, Mantak (1993),  Awakening the healing light of the Tao, Healing Tao Books : NY
 

References

Chen, Y, Trans. Luo, T (2006) Queen Mother of the West,  Taoist Culture and Information Centre http://www.eng.taoism.org.hk/daoist-beliefs/immortals&immortalism/pg2-4-2-9.asp

Hu, Bingkun, A Safe and Delightful Approach to Good Health http://www.taichifinder.co.uk

ter Huurne, S Geese - The Animal Files , http://www.dierinbeeld.nl/animal_files/birds/goose/

Robinson, R (2002) Persistence and Grace of the Wild Goose,  Taijiquan & Qigong Journal, Jan2002 : Germany

Tse, M (2002) Learning Dayan Qigong, Qi Magazine : Issue 55

Wilde, Julian (2006) Norwich Tse Tai Chi, http://www.raindropkites.co.uk/qigongpages/qigong.html

Wikipedia Entries: “Kun Lun Mountains”, “Hamsa (Hindu Mythology)”, “Taoism”

Zhang, Hong-Chao (2000) Wild Goose Qigong—Natural Movement For Health Living. YMMA Publication Center : Boston

Zhi Dao Guan, (2006), Da Yen (Wild Goose) Qigong, The Taoist Centre. http://www.thetaoistcenter.com/wildgoose.html