White Crane Healing Arts Blog

  Taoist (Chinese) Yoga is a form of Chi Gung that is rarely taught in the west.  All Chi Gung forms are energy work for developing the power to heal.  The goal of Chinese yoga is to progressively incorporate all the principles of internal chi gung (nei gung) with each posture.  This includes releasing blocked energy at points within the channels, pulsing the fluids in your joints, internal organs and spinal vertebrae: and manipulating the energy within your etheric field or aura.   

In taoist yoga some of the forms or asanas are similar to the popular Hatha yoga, but the application of movement is different.  Hatha yoga uses postures and breath control (pranayama) to energize subtle channels (nadis).  Taoist Yoga uses gentle movements and breath to move and balance chi.  In Hatha yoga you stretch in order to relax, whereas in Taoist Yoga you relax in order to stretch.  In Hatha yoga one stretches into a posture or asana as much as the body is capable and holds it, often with some amount of tension.  You then relax and release the pose.  In Taoist Yoga, you find the point that is around 70% of your maximum physical extension or range of motion, and then relax the body, mind and spirit.

Chi Gung can improve hatha or any yoga practice because the internal training tunes the body to feel how the different poses are affecting the deep physical and emotional layers.  Chi gung’s emphasis on moderation and softening give the nerves the ability to release the muscles so that the body gains the flexibility needed to get into and hold the yoga postures.   Awareness of chi movement or prana energy is also increased to prevent overstretching, which can lead to injuries. 

This practice comes from a 3000 yr. old system. I learned this practice from Bruce Frantzis, who is one of the most respected Taoist lineage masters in the west. Few teachers have the ability, like Frantzis to integrate the depth of understanding that the ancient Chinese discovered.  Taoist Yoga is used to restore health of mind, body and spirit and can be used uniquely to repair moderate to severe injuries and trauma of the body. The Taoist Yoga system is part of the broad offerings of internal practices for self development, anti aging and longevity being offered at White Crane Healing Arts in 2008. 

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Next Class - Cultures, Kefirs & Friendly Bacteria!
August TBA - check back for date!

What Are Real Foods?
Real foods are natural, whole, traditional and nutrient dense.  Classes will discuss many of the present day illnesses and diseases which can be attributed in part or whole to a diet that lacks the necessary nutrients to create or sustain health and the ability to absorb those nutrients.  Subject matter will include:  pasteur raised grass fed animals, dairy products, cultured vegetables, water kefir & other beneficial beverages, lacto fermentation,
the energetic properites of food and much more