QIGONG & THE LOWER TANTIEN
3-6 August 2024
Qi (or life-force energy) ultimately tells the body how to function, and not the other way around. The focus on qi is what makes qigong (energetic skill) and neigong (energetic development) unique from all external forms of exercise.
The lower tantien — located around two to four fingers’ width below the naval, in the core of the body — is the primary energy centre of the entire human energetic anatomy. As such it is responsible for collecting, storing and circulating qi throughout the body and, for this reason, Taoists consider the state of the lower tantien to be the primary determinant of overall health, vitality and well-being.
Water Method qigong practices are designed to keep the lower tantien vibrant and alive. In fact, for any exercise to be truly classified as qigong, the lower tantien must be actively engaged. In early stages of practice, forms with internal techniques are taught to clear out blockages and other stagnancies that diminish optimal functioning of the body, qi and mind. This stage of practice allows the lower tantien to come online and begin to unify the body’s qi.
In higher-level neigong practices, the lower tantien initiates, drives and powers all movements, which enables deeper contact with the body’s internal functions, greater qi development and access to more subtle states of the mind. This is the path to generating robust health, rejuvenation and longevity.
What You Will Learn
In this four-day intensive, you will learn methods for contacting and activating your lower tantien, so that all forms that you practice can eventually be initiated, guided and powered by this primary energy centre.
The specific material presented will be tailored to the needs, level and interests of those in attendance, sourcing material from:
Dragon and Tiger Medical Qigong,
Energy Gates Qigong, and
Heaven and Earth Qigong.
The teaching will follow a progressive, step-by-step process that will take all students through a journey of form, structure, internals (neigong) and energetic components. This will allow the most beginning student to participate, while refining and advancing the practice of even the most dedicated of practitioners.
New Students Welcome
New students do not need to know any of the forms listed above and will learn simple qigong movements that can easily be assimilated within the scope of the course.
Attend the Weekend or Four-day Intensive
The course is designed so that new and existing students may either participate in the weekend (only) or the four-day intensive. Either way, Paul endeavours to teach you a complete practice that you can train on your own with confidence following.
English Teaching with Support in French
The teaching will be in English; however there will be several students/instructors in attendance who are fluent in both French and English, some with up to three decades of experience in the Water Method. Time will be allotted to make sure all students understand the nuances of this profound and effective energetic training.
Studio Rules
No outdoor shoes are allowed in the studio, so please bring a pair of indoor training shoes, socks or slippers.
Local Host
With thanks to our local host, Belinda Smith of Taï Chi Bretagne, who has made this training possible!
BOOKING INFO
SCHEUDLE
Saturday-Tuesday, 3-6 August 2024
(Weekend-only option)
Registration
Saturday, 3 August 2024 at 09:30
(All students)
Class
10:00-12:00 noon
(2-hour lunch)
14:00-16:30
LOCATION
17 rue de la Guibourgère
35000 Rennes
From Rennes train station, you will take the metro, then the bus.
Metro line A direction Kennedy: get off at République (2 stops/2 minutes) to change for the bus, which is located just across the road from the metro exit. There are several different bus stops, see map.
Bus: take line C6 directions Saint Jacques Aéroport and get off at Jules Maniez (8 stops/8 minutes). When getting of the bus the room is located just the other side of the road behind the stone wall, see map.
By car:
From the ring road, take exit n°9 Porte de Cleunay or exit n°8 Porte St Nazaire.
Parking:
Street parking is available. Parking Cœur Courrouze is a 10-minute walk away.
Rideshare:
Review and post rideshare offers and requests
ACCOMMODATION
Search 35000 Rennes, France:
https://www.gites-de-france.com
COURSE FEES
375 € Saturday-Tuesday, 3-6 August 2024 (Four-day Retreat, 18 hours)
195 € Saturday-Sunday, 3-4 August 2024 (Weekend Only, 9 hours)
PAYMENT
Please pay ahead via bank (in euros) or card (in US dollars) to reserve your place. (You may request a rate in GB pounds within three days of when you wish to pay.)
REGISTER
Pay via bank in euros or via card in US dollars
If places are available, you may pay cash (in euros) at registration on 3 August (before the first session). No cheques.