Qigong
Using the body to enlighten the mind
What is Dahn Qigong?
Dahn Qigong is a mind-body training method based on the "Han Philosophy" of ancient Korea. The Han philosophy contains the truth that everything in the universe was created from "One Ki" and also returns to this one place when extinguished, and that everything is connected by that one energy source. It also includes the idea that the universe comprises three intrinsic elements; heaven, earth, and humanity, and that these three do not exist separately from each other.
Our bodies and minds are not separate, either. The mind can be trained by governing the body and the body can be trained by controlling the mind. The role of Chi or Ki is to connect body and mind like a bridge at a point between the two. The Dahn Qigong exercise program is a practice for maximizing the capabilities of the body
and mind by accepting and controlling the life force of the infinite universe, Ki, through concentration, Qigong movements, and breathing.
Learn Dahn Qigong
Jung-gong 
Jung-gong, which generally focuses on Dahn-jon (lower abdomen) breathing and mental concentration,
can cause serious side effects if practitioners concentrate excessively. Expert guidance is absolutely essential for beginners.
Dong-gong
Dong-gong, while virtually free of side effects, provides mental stability through concentration and physical
health through proper exercise,
making it particularly appropriate
for modern people, who do not get enough exercise.
All of the six basic postures introduced below are for cultivating fundamental Qigong skills before beginning the actual practice of Qigong.
Most Qigong exercise movements are slightly modified from the following six postures. As a consequence, properly practicing
the basic postures contributes significantly to Qigong.
Il-si
Posture
One Beginning
With precise practice
and training of this
posture, the hips are automatically aligned
and the body stands straight. Breathing also naturally descends to the Dahn-jon (lower abdomen), so the energy of the lower body is readily gathered there. |
Il-bon
Posture
One Origin
Adopting
this posture,
you can train for
as long as you want.
It is effective for training internal Ki. It is also good for strengthening the lower body and eliminating arthritis. |
Il-chun
Posture
One Heaven
This posture is
also called
a "horse stance."
In this stance,
the upper body and surface of the ground should be perpendicular to each other.
It is not suitable for the elderly or people with less strength to hold for a long period of time because it requires physical strength and stamina. |
Il-shim
Posture
One Mind
In this posture,
particular care
should be
taken to ensure that the upper body does not lean to the front or back. The back should be kept straight so that a vertical line is formed connecting the Baek-Hoe (top of the head) and the Hoe-eum (perineum) |
Il-in
Posture
One
Humanity
In this posture, although on knee is bent, the upper body should be held erect, leaning neither to the front nor to the back, so that a line connecting from the Baek-hoe (top of the head) to the Hoe-eum (perineum) is perpendicular to the ground. |
Il-ji One
Posture
One Earth
his is also
called
a "front stance."
The upper body is kept erect with the center of gravity at the Dahn-jon (lower abdomen). |
Effects of Dahn Qigong Exercise Movements
The following is a brief summary of the physical and mental benefits of Qigong.
Physical Effects
- Aligns and strengthens muscles and skeleton.
- Improves blood circulation and warms hands and feet.
- Eliminates fatigue and improves sleep.
- Provides complete recovery from minor illnesses and significant improvement or complete healing of chronic illnesses.
- Strengthens immune system, creating the ability to prevent disease.
- Controls weight and blood pressure.
- Strengthens one"s voice and confidence.
- Makes the body supple.
- Softens skin and eliminates discoloration, freckles, and age spots.
- Regulates menstruation and improves intestinal health.
- Improves vitality and stamina and contributes to a healthy sex life.
- Helps eliminate unhealthy habits (drinking, smoking, etc.).
- Relieves allergies.
- Contributes to weight loss and muscle toning.
Mental Effects
- Gradually eliminates anxiety, fear, and obsessive thoughts.
- Creates a more peaceful, relaxed and confident mind.
- Changes more positive mental outlook.
- Helps establish discipline and self-respect.
- Improves concentration and creativity.
- Improves personal relationships.
- Helps practitioner experience a sense of connection to others and to the cosmos.
Harmony of Movement, Breathing, and Awareness
Harmony of movement, breathing and awareness is needed for the effective practice of Qigong. These are called "Jo-shin (body control)", "Jo-sik (breath control)", and "Jo-shim (mind control)". These three elements are the basics of Dahn-gong practice. We can train Qigong correctly only if these three are harmonized appropriately.
Although one of either movement, breathing or awareness is emphasized occasionally, this does not mean that the other two elements can be ignored. It is difficult to delve deeply into this practice if we are negligent about even one of these elements. Generally, we learn movements first, feel Ki in the movements once we become proficient at them, and then control Ki through breathing and awareness, in that order.
Differences between Qigong and DahnMuDo
Dahn Qigong is a softer martial art focused on the movement and circulation of energy.
While DahnMuDo incorporates these principles and practices, it also incorporates more intense movements, like kicking and punching. These movements, when performed properly, also help to circulate energy, as well as correct the skeletal structure and actively engage the body"s energy system. DahnMuDo may appear similar to combative styles of martial arts, however, DahnMuDo is a non-combative form that uses the movement of Ki / Chi to connect and balance the body and mind.
All of the above is from Using the Body to Enlighten the Mind Dahnhak Kigong, Published by Healing Society Inc.
To find out more about Dahn Qigong please go to your local Dahn Yoga or DahnMuDo Center* or pick up a copy of Using the Body to Enlighten the Mind Dahnhak Kigong, Published by Healing Society Inc.
*Some centers may not offer a Qigong / DahnMuDo program. Please contact your local center for information on schedule and pricing.
