Ling Shui: Chen Style Tai Chi & Health Qigong
Preston, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, Tarleton, Ribby Hall Health Club, Lostock Hall & Chorley
Those of you who attend our Saturday morning Quigong sessions regularly will know Viv and Bill, their son Chris and, of course, the wonderful, snuffly, tail wagging Bazzy! Well, in an act born of madness, Viv and Chris are abseiling off Anfield Stadium this coming Saturday 21st February to raise money for Galloways Society For The Blind. It's a great cause and Viv and Chris would welcome your support (and your money!), so head over to their Just Giving page and make it worth their while:
In June of this year Amelia, one of our club members, is undertaking the daunting task of scaling Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain, in order to raise money for Reuben's Retreat.
Reuben’s Retreat is a remarkable charity offering emotional and practical support to families who have suffered the loss of a child or are caring for a child with a life-limiting or complex condition. Based in the North West, they provide a warm and welcoming sanctuary where families can find peace, make precious memories, and begin to heal.
From counselling and respite breaks to wellbeing therapies and peer support, the charity is dedicated to walking alongside families through the most difficult of times, with compassion at every step.
To donate to this worthy cause and support Amelia in her challenge, click here to visit her JustGiving page. We're looking forward to the pictures of her practising her forms at the top of the world!
Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can be incredibly challenging, with symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and limited mobility often impacting daily life. For some, Qigong (a gentle, ancient Chinese practice combining slow movements, meditation, and breathing) has offered a surprising and effective way to manage symptoms.
Originally developed over 5,000 years ago, Qigong is rooted in Chinese medicine and martial arts. Unlike more strenuous forms of exercise, Qigong is accessible for those with physical limitations. Its flowing, low-impact movements can be done standing, sitting, or even in short sessions, making it adaptable for people with conditions like EDS.
The benefits of Qigong for EDS sufferers are profound. Its gentle movements help build strength and improve flexibility without straining the body, while the focus on breathwork and mindfulness promotes relaxation and reduces stress (a key factor in managing chronic pain). Many who practise Qigong report feeling energised, more mobile, and less reliant on medication.
If you’re curious about how Qigong can help alleviate EDS symptoms, this BBC article shares an inspiring story of recovery and resilience. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how this ancient practice is making a modern impact on lives.
In September 2015 Ling Shui opened the doors on our Saturday morning Bamber Bridge class for the very first time. Since that humble beginning, we've moved location three times, weathered a global pandemic and openend up another five weekly classes in various locations.
In order to mark our first 10 years we'll be organising a number of events throughout the year, kicking off with the second instalment of our "Xin Jia First 15" seminar later this month. February sees our annual Chinese New Year celebrations to welcome in the year of the Snake with a full day of Tai Chi/Qigong, followed by a Chinese banquet in the evening. In September we'll be joined by guest instructor
David Gaffney for an afternoon seminar looking at Lao Jia Yilu. In addition to running The officially affiliated UK branch of the Chen Jiagou school, David is an accomplished author with several Tai Chi books to his name including "Chen Taijiquan Illustrated", which we recommend as a course handbook to all new students. We'll also be running our other usual Tai Chi and Qigong seminars throughout the year.
As if that wasn't enough, we'll be sending a delegation to take part in Master Chen Ziqiang's March seminar, Master Wang Hai Jun's residential double sabre seminar in April and Grand Master Chen Zhenglei's annual UK seminar in May. That's not to mention our various weekly classes in Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, Chorley, Lostock Hall and Tarleton.
While it's the quality of your practice that really matters, it doesn't hurt to look good while you're at it. To that end, we thought we'd milk the 10th anniversary concept for all it was worth and have put together some rather glamorous t-shirts and hoodies to set you apart from the hoi polloi. You'll find details and an order form here in our members area.
With so much happening this year, it's the perfect time to join us, so if you've been curious to find out more about Tai Chi there's no better time to take the plunge. Head over to our Beginners page and book your place now!
The Liu Zi Jue, also known as the Six Healing Sounds, holds a special place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offering a unique approach to health and well-being. We're delighted to announce that Feixia Yu from the UCLan Confucius Institute will be joining us this October for an afternoon learning and practicing this ancient health Qigong exercise.
Liu Zi Jue, which translates to “Six Word Formula,” dates back over a thousand years. The earliest written records can be traced to the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589 AD), making it one of the oldest known Qigong practices. The exercises were further refined and popularised during the Tang (618-907 AD) and Song (960-1279 AD) Dynasties. Over the centuries, respected TCM practitioners and scholars documented its techniques and benefits and today it's deeply embedded into the fabric of Chinese health practices.
The essence of Liu Zi Jue lies in its simplicity and profound effectiveness. Each of the six sounds corresponds to a different organ and meridian in the body. The sounds, when pronounced correctly, are believed to vibrate specific organs, expelling stagnant Qi (vital energy) and replenishing it with fresh, vital energy. This practice aligns with the TCM philosophy of maintaining balance and harmony within the body to ensure health and vitality.
The video below features Master Faye Yip from the British Health Qigong Association demonstrating the form:
The Liu Zi Jue sequence involves six distinct sounds, each associated with a particular organ and its corresponding element:
Practitioners of Liu Zi Jue perform these sounds while engaging in gentle, flowing movements. This combination of vocalisation and motion is designed to stimulate the internal organs, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and aiding in the detoxification and revitalisation processes.
The benefits of Liu Zi Jue are extensive and multifaceted, reflecting the holistic nature of TCM. Here are some key advantages:
In today’s frenetic world, the gentle practice of Liu Zi Jue offers a sanctuary of calm and healing. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your physical health, manage stress, or simply explore an ancient tradition, incorporating the Six Healing Sounds into your daily routine can be immensely rewarding.
The beauty of Liu Zi Jue lies in its accessibility. You don’t need any special equipment or a specific location, just a quiet space where you can focus on your breath, sounds, and movements.
With that in mind, we're delighted to announce that accomplished Qigong practitioner and instructor Feixia Yu will be joining us this Autumn for an afternoon learning and practising Liu Zi Jue and Qigong meditation. The seminar will be taking place in St. Aidan's Church Hall, Bamber Bridge from 1 - 4pm on Saturday 5th October and is sure to be popular, so head over to our Seminar booking page to reserve your place now.
Our popular Thursday early evening Qigong for Health classes have returned to Tarleton Library, with funding secured to provide sessions for the foreseeable future.
The classes are open to the public and free of charge but places are limited, so you'll need to pop into the library to book a place if you'd like to take part. For directions to the library, click here.
The sessions are suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners alike, with a focus on a variety of easy to learn traditional Qigong exercises aimed at promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
One of the exercise sequences you'll encounter at the session is the Ba Duan Jin, also known as the “Eight Pieces of Brocade”. It's a traditional form of Qigong that's been practised in China for nearly a thousand years.
Its origins can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279AD). According to legend, General Yue Fei developed these exercises to improve the health and fitness of his soldiers, although historical evidence supporting this claim is limited. Regardless of its exact origins, the Ba Duan Jin has been valued in China for its simplicity and effectiveness for centuries.
The Ba Duan Jin consists of eight distinct movements, each targeting different aspects of physical and mental well-being. The term “Eight Pieces of Brocade” suggests something precious and beneficial, reflecting the value these exercises provide.
Regular practice of the the Ba Duan Jin bestows a number of health benefits, including:
Improved Flexibility and Strength: Each movement gently stretches and strengthens various muscle groups, enhancing overall flexibility and muscle tone.
Better Balance and Coordination: The slow, deliberate movements of the Ba Duan Jin improve balance and coordination, which can be particularly beneficial for older adults.
Enhanced Circulation and Cardiovascular Health: The rhythmic nature of the exercises promotes blood flow and supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
Stress Reduction: The Ba Duan Jin incorporates deep breathing and mindful movement, which help to calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
Increased Energy Levels: Practitioners often report feeling more energised and alert after practising the Ba Duan Jin, due to improved circulation and balanced Qi (vital energy).
Improved Digestion: Certain movements are believed to stimulate the digestive system, promoting better digestive health.
Joint Health: The gentle, flowing motions are easy on the joints, making the Ba Duan Jin suitable for individuals with arthritis or other joint issues.
Mental Clarity and Focus: The meditative aspect of the Ba Duan Jin helps to clear the mind, enhancing concentration and mental clarity.
The relatively gentle and straightforward exercises of the Ba Duan Jin make it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It provides an holistic approach to health, benefiting the body, mind, and spirit.
Here's a video of Master Faye Yip from the Chinese Health Qigong Association UK demonstrating the exercises:
If your interest is piqued, why not join us at Tarleton Library every Thursday at 4pm, or in St. Aidan's Church Hall in Bamber Bridge at 11am on a Saturday morning? You'll find full details of all our sessions on our website, here.
Last month we were joined in our Chinese New Year celebrations by UCLan Confucius Institute's director, Feixia Yu, for an afternoon studying and practicing the Ba Duan Jin. This wasn't the first time that Feixia has been gracious enough to act as a guest instructor for us and all of the many people who've attended her seminars over the last few years will know just what an outstanding teacher she is.
This May, Feixia will be hosting a week long Qigong retreat in Le Puget, France. She'll be joined on the retreat by Professor Vivienne Lo and Dr. Dolly Yang, both of whom are experts in Chinese culture and medicine.
The retreat will offer a chance to explore the finer details of the movements, acupuncture points and energy flows, along the associated meridians, in the four classical qigong routines: Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Five-Animal Frolics and Six Healing Sounds.
Click the image below for further details and to book a place at the retreat.
The "Talking Chen Newsletter" is a great resource for anyone who has a serious interest in progressing their Tai Chi. Published by David Gaffney, lead instructor at Chentaijiquan GB (CTGB), it mixes discussions about technique and practice along side interviews with accomplished masters from Chen Jiagou and across the globe. You can sign up here to receive the newsletters as they're released, directly to your inbox.
The latest edition discusses the sad passing of Master Wang Xian, the importance of fang song (looseness of the mind and body) and shares six essential qualities and expressions of Tai Chi practice. Read it here.
David's Blogspot is also well worth a read and it lives here!
Grand Master Chen Zhenglei will be visiting the UK again in late November/Early December for a number of seminars. He'll be visiting Manchester from Friday 1st December until Sunday 3rd December for another 3 day seminar, this time focussing on Laojia Yilu corrections and Tui Shou (push hands) training.
May's seminar was hugely popular and offered a wonderful opportunity to learn from one of Chen Tai Chi's four tigers! For more information or to reserve a place, click the image below.
