Standing
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Standing Chi Gung is often referred to as Zhan Zhuang (pronounced as "Jan Jong"). It translates into English as "Standing Post" but is also known as "Standing Like a Tree". This form of Chi Gung uses five standing positions to improve your health and vitality and over time it gradually develops the capacity to hold and use more Chi (energy).
Before starting any training in Zhan Zhuang it is important to be well prepared as you need to be sure that vital force is flowing harmoniously around the meridians and that any significant energy blockages have been dispersed. This will usually involve training in some form of moving Chi Gung or in the Tai Chi Form. An excellent way to prepare for Zhan Zhuang is to learn and practice the 1st & 2nd Sets of Shibashi. |
Standing positions have been used going way back to Ancient China for both health benefits and for developing power to use in martial arts. Historically the latter was the main reason for training in Standing Chi Gung until Grandmaster Wang Xiangzhai developed his famous art of Yi Quan. This was uniquely a marital art that placed the focus of training on energetics rather than learning a myriad of physical techniques.
The basic training for Yi Quan was called Zhan Zhuang and the most fundamental aspect of this art is the 5 standing positions shown in the images below. They were designed to promote good health and the gradual development of power. Training in these 5 standing positions can significantly improve your health and energetic capacity. |
THE FIVE MAIN STANDING POSITIONS OF ZHAN ZHUANG
Professor Yu Yong Nian talks about Zhan Zhuang / Yi Quan
fascinating conversation with the world's foremost authority on Standing Chi Gung
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Visit our website on the great art of Zhan Zhuang
Takes a comprehensive look at the principles of Standing Chi Gung...
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Ball of Energy
This is a more advanced practice. It is designed to increase the amount of Chi in your energy system and is done prior to Sealing the Chi.
Before attempting this you should have practised Standing Chi Gung for some time in order to strengthen your energy system so it can safely handle the additional Chi. Its also important to consider where the ball of energy comes from. It is condensed from the external field of Chi which is all around you. So when forming the ball of energy between the palms of your hands hold the definite intention in your mind that Chi is being condensed into a ball from this external field. |
If you just hold your hands in the lower Dan Tien position with only a general intention of forming a ball of energy it is possible that Chi will flow OUT of your Dan Tien. If that happens you will be forming a ball of energy with your internal Chi.
If you can't get this Chi it back into your system you will have depleted your energy. Even if you do get the Chi back into your body you will only be replacing what you just removed! Also be mindful of the environment you are training in. That is why the Chinese like outdoor practice and especially standing near a tree as the energy field of most trees is known to be beneficial to humans. |
After forming the ball of energy in your palms expand and contract it several times as you 'play' with the energy. Then you condense it into a very small and focused ball of Chi.
This concentrated ball of Chi is then gently pushed into the Dan Tien as your hands are being placed over your abdomen, prior to the start of doing the Sealing the Chi practice. You should hold the intention that Chi is being passed through the Dan Tien and will flow into your meridian system, going where it is needed. This energy distribution will happen naturally so there is no need to try sending the Chi to any part of your body through conscious effort. |
How to increase the perception of Chi between the hands
this is a more advanced practice and is not suitable for beginners
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