All right, let's dive deep into the world of kugong today.
Sounds great.
It seems like it's everywhere these days.
Everyone's talking about it, but what is it really all about?
Right.
We're going to find out using an interview with kugong expert
Ken Cohen as our guide.
Awesome.
And get this.
This goes way beyond simple breathing exercises.
We're talking ancient practices, poetry, even modern science.
You're going to be surprised how they all connect.
I'm ready.
By the end of this deep dive, you'll not only understand kugong,
but maybe even feel inspired to give it a try yourself.
I like it.
So first things first.
Sure.
What exactly is kugong?
Well, the term kugong is actually relatively new.
Oh, really?
Yeah.
It only started being used after the 1950s in China.
Wow.
So it's not as ancient as I thought.
Exactly.
Before that, it was called yangsheng.
Yangsheng.
Which means nurturing life.
Ah, I like that.
Kind of gives you a much more well-rounded picture,
don't you think?
Yeah.
Nurturing life definitely has a more holistic feel to it.
Right.
So why did the name change?
It's a pretty fascinating story, actually.
OK.
I'm listening.
It was a strategic move during the Communist Revolution
in China.
Oh, wow.
Leaders like the renowned acupuncturist, Kui Jin.
They knew how valuable these ancient practices were.
Makes sense.
But to protect them during this turbulent time,
they decided to rebrand them.
Interesting.
They called them qigong and focused on their potential
to boost national health.
That's actually really clever.
It was a way to make sure these practices survived.
So using this newer framework of qigong,
how would Ken Cohen define it?
He describes qigong as the art and science
of using posture, movement, breathing, and meditation
to refine, gather, and circulate what he calls the life force.
OK.
So this life force, is that basically just
another word for energy?
It's a bit more nuanced than just energy.
Think about it this way.
Have you ever walked into a forest
and just felt this incredible sense
of aliveness and connection?
Oh, yeah, totally.
That's key, too.
It's this vital energetic presence
that flows through everything, not just us.
OK, so it's not just about the energy inside us,
but this interconnected energy that flows through everything.
Precisely.
Ken Cohen uses a beautiful example
from a classic Chinese poem.
All right, let's hear it.
To illustrate this.
A thousand mountains, not a bird.
10,000 trails, not a footprint.
Alone in a boat, an old man in a straw raincoat,
fishing through the cold river snow.
Wow, that imagery is powerful.
Even in that stillness, there's this very real sense of key.
He reminds me of those times when I feel completely
absorbed in nature.
Exactly.
I'm part of something much bigger than myself.
Right, and that feeling, that sense of interconnectedness,
that's a key part of what Qigong cultivates.
So it's not just about physical fitness.
No, it's not.
It's more about bringing your mind, body, and spirit
into harmony.
Exactly.
It's a holistic practice.
That actually reminds me of this time
I got injured doing Tai Chi.
I kind of underestimated it.
I thought it was a soft art, and I pushed myself too hard,
and I ended up hurting myself.
That's a common misunderstanding.
Is it?
Qigong is about using minimal effort, not weakness.
OK.
It actually complements vigorous exercise.
I see.
Doesn't replace it.
OK.
There's this Chinese saying that Ken Cohen highlights.
Obviously.
It says, while the outside becomes strong,
the inside dries up in rots.
So it's about balancing internal and external health.
That makes a lot of sense.
Yeah, you can't just focus on one.
It's like only focusing on building muscle
without considering your diet or mental well-being.
It's a good analogy.
You might look strong on the outside,
but you're neglecting your inner health.
Exactly.
And it's important to remember that in ancient China,
the people who practiced Qigong also
lived very physically active lives.
Oh, that's true.
Farmers.
Right.
Laborers.
Yeah.
Martial artists.
They needed both.
They did.
In our modern lifestyle, though, we
spend so much time sitting on that we
need to be more intentional about incorporating
Qigong along with exercise.
It's like we have to consciously make that effort
to balance it out.
Exactly.
Now, I'm curious about Ken Cohen's own journey
with Qigong.
Sure.
Did he have any teachers who really
shaped his understanding of the practice?
He mentioned several influential teachers
in the interview.
But one that really stands out is Dr. Huang Hong Kong.
Dr. Huang Hong Kong.
Yes.
He was a Taoist abbot with an incredible life story.
Wow.
He had this amazing depth of knowledge from a bygone era.
And he truly embodied the teachings he passed on.
I can only imagine what it must have been like to learn
from someone like that.
It was truly special.
He had this amazing depth of knowledge.
So what was one of the most valuable lessons Ken
Cohen learned from him?
One that really resonated with me was about alignment.
Alignment.
Yeah.
Not just physical alignment and the Qigong postures,
but alignment between your intention and your actions.
Dr. Huang emphasized that every movement
should have a purpose.
It should be done with mindful awareness.
I like that.
Every single movement.
That makes sense.
You know, it's like when you're learning a new skill.
Exactly.
Like if your intention and actions aren't aligned,
you're not going to get very far.
Right.
Have you ever noticed that?
Oh, absolutely.
Whether it's playing an instrument
or learning a new sport, that alignment is key.
And in Qigong, it's about aligning your mind, body,
and spirit to cultivate that life force we were talking
about.
Yeah, exactly.
So now for the question that I think
is on a lot of people's minds.
Go ahead.
Can Qigong really help with healing?
This is where things get really interesting.
OK, call me more.
Western science is actually finally catching up
to what Qigong practitioners have known for centuries.
Really?
There was a very recent study published
in the Journal of the American Medical Association
that showed that Tai Chi, which is a related practice to Qigong,
actually improved cognitive function in people
with type 2 diabetes even more effectively
than conventional exercise.
Wow, that's incredible.
Are there other studies that support this idea of Qigong
as a healing modality?
Absolutely.
There is a growing body of evidence
showing that Qigong can be beneficial for a wide range
of conditions.
OK, like what?
It can help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.
Wow.
Improve respiratory health and digestion.
It's even shown promise in boosting circulation,
enhancing cognitive function, and even promoting longevity.
That's amazing.
It sounds like Qigong has the potential
to benefit almost every system in the bottle.
That's the beauty of it.
It's a holistic practice.
And Ken Kouen himself is a testament to that.
Absolutely.
At 70 years old, he feels younger and stronger than ever.
That's inspiring.
And he attributes this vitality to his lifelong Qigong
and Tai Chi practice.
That's incredible.
But I have to admit, all this talk about Yi and intention,
it sounds very esoteric to me.
I understand.
Let's break it down a bit.
OK, see?
Yi simply means intention.
OK, so it's not as complicated as it sounds?
Not really.
Yeah.
Qigong teaches you to cultivate mental focus.
OK.
To align your mind with your body's movements.
I see.
There's a saying in Qigong.
What is it?
Where the Yi goes, the Qi flows.
So you're saying that our thoughts and intentions can
actually influence the flow of Qi in our bodies.
Exactly.
It's a powerful concept.
Wow.
Can you give an example of how that works in practice?
Sure.
Try bringing your attention to your palm right now.
OK.
As you focus your mind there.
I am doing it.
You might start to notice a subtle shift in sensation.
Maybe some warmth or tingling.
That's wild.
So that's my intention directing Qi to my palm.
Slicely.
This is fascinating.
But it sounds like Qigong isn't just
about this focused intentional practice.
You're right.
There's another side to it.
What's that?
It's about cultivating a state of emptiness as well.
Emptiness.
Yeah.
Qao is called this Wu way or non-action.
OK.
It's about finding that balance between focused effort.
I see.
An effortless being.
OK.
So we're talking about both directing Qi with intention
and cultivating emptiness.
Exactly.
They might seem contradictory, but they're
both essential aspects of Qigong.
This is making my head spin a little.
It's a lot to take in.
But in a good way.
Good.
We'll delve deeper into those seemingly opposite ideas
a little later.
OK.
And how they actually work together in Qigong practice.
Sounds good to me.
But for now, let's focus on the concept of Yi
and how it plays a role in healing.
All right.
I'm ready when you are.
OK, let's do it.
This is starting to make sense.
Great.
What about you?
Yeah, definitely.
I'm really getting into this.
All right.
Let's keep going.
Sounds good.
You know, thinking about intention and all that,
it makes me wonder how that plays a role in healing.
Yeah.
Specifically, you know?
Yeah.
Is it like directing Qi to a specific place in your body
that needs it?
That's a great question.
And you're actually on the right track with that.
Really?
Imagine if you had a cut on your hand.
You can use Qigong to visualize healing energy
flowing to that cut.
And that can actually enhance your body's natural healing
process.
So it's almost like giving your body's own healing power
a boost.
Precisely.
It's about working with your body's natural wisdom,
not against it.
OK, that makes sense.
Now remember how we were talking about cultivating emptiness?
Yeah, along with that focused intention.
Exactly.
Yeah.
There are actually two really beautiful terms
from ancient Taoist texts that describe
this state of emptiness.
Ooh, I like beautiful terms.
Let's hear them.
All right, the first one is Xinzai.
Xinzai.
Which means fasting of the mind.
Fasting of the mind.
I like that.
It's a great concept, right?
Yeah, it sounds like a much needed break
from all the mental chatter we deal with all the time.
Exactly.
It's about quieting all those thoughts and worries
to create space for inner stillness.
Wow, I love that.
And the second term is Zuowang.
Zuowang.
It means sitting and forgetting.
Wow.
And it describes this state where your mind just dissolves,
completely free from any distractions.
That sounds incredibly peaceful.
It is.
It's a beautiful state.
But probably pretty hard to actually achieve.
You're telling me.
It takes practice.
Yeah.
Patience.
There are no quick fixes when it comes to this stuff.
Yeah, that makes sense.
But the rewards sound pretty amazing.
Oh, they are.
It's a worthwhile journey for sure.
This makes me think about a question we got from a listener
named Paula.
OK, what did Paula ask?
She was struggling with the idea of egolessness in Qigong.
Yeah.
She asks, how do you actually achieve that feeling
of egolessness in Qigong?
That is a great question.
Right.
It really gets to the heart of Qigong.
And it's not about erasing your ego completely.
I see more about transcending its limitations.
Recognizing that who you think you are isn't all of who you are.
It's easier said than done, though, right?
For sure.
Yeah.
It's definitely a journey, not a destination,
to illustrate the nature of the self a little bit better.
OK.
Ken Cohen shared a powerful analogy
from the Indian philosopher Shankara.
OK, let's hear it.
He said, just as a sword cannot cut itself,
nor a fire burn itself, so the subject cannot be
the object of its own knowledge.
Whoa.
It's deep, right?
That is deep.
It sounds like we're almost trying to grasp something
that can't be grasped.
In a way, yes.
It's about learning to trust the unknown,
to surrender to the mystery of who we are.
I like that.
Beyond all our thoughts and labels.
OK, my head is spinning a little bit, but in a good way.
Good.
Look, Len.
I'm curious about the Dantians now.
The Dantians?
Yeah, those energy centers in Qigong?
Oh, yeah.
Can you clarify a little bit about where they are,
what they mean?
The Dantians are basically areas within the body
that have this greater capacity to store and move Qigong.
OK.
Now, they're exact locations.
Yeah.
They can vary a little, depending
on the specific school of Qigong you're looking at.
But the three classical Dantians are pretty consistent
across most traditions.
OK, so let's start with the basics.
All right.
Where are these Dantians?
So the upper Dantian is located between your eyebrows.
OK.
It's often called the third eye.
Oh, yeah, I've heard of that.
It's associated with shen, which means spirit or mind.
So it's considered the center of intuition, wisdom,
spiritual connection.
So when people talk about gut feelings,
maybe they're really coming from this upper Dantian.
That's an interesting way to look at it.
What about the other ones?
OK, so next we have the middle Dantian.
The middle Dantian.
Located in the heart and chest area.
OK.
And this one's connected to Qi, the life force itself.
Right.
And it's thought to play a role in breathing,
emotional balance, and love.
So all those surges of emotion we feel in our chest,
that's the middle Dantian reacting.
Exactly.
And then there's one more, right?
Right.
The lower Dantian.
Which is located about three inches below the navel.
OK.
This is the one most people think of
when they hear the word Dantian.
Yeah.
And this one's associated with jing.
Jing.
Which is our vital essence or primal energy.
So if the upper Dantian is like the mind,
and the middle Dantian is like the heart,
the lower Dantian is like our raw kind of instinctual energy.
Yeah, you got it.
It's also connected to reproductive energy.
Oh, OK.
Vitality and grounding.
So each Dantian represents a different aspect of our being.
Yeah, you could say that.
This is so interesting.
It is.
It's a fascinating concept.
But how does this all connect back
to our everyday experience?
Think about it.
Have you ever noticed how you just get a gut
feeling about something?
Oh, yeah.
All the time?
Well, that's your lower Dantian at work.
Really?
Or when you feel tension or tightness in your chest.
That's your middle Dantian being affected
by stress or emotions.
Wow.
I never thought about it that way.
Or how about that tension you get in your forehead?
Yeah.
When you're trying to focus really hard on something.
Yeah.
That's your upper Dantian struggling to find clarity.
This is starting to click for me.
So we're not just talking about these abstract energy centers,
but something that we can actually feel in our bodies.
Exactly.
That's amazing.
And by becoming more aware of these sensations,
we can actually start to work with our Dantians
to enhance our well-being.
So it's not just about understanding it.
It's about actually using this knowledge
to make a difference.
For example, if you're feeling anxious,
Qigong breathing techniques can actually
help calm your middle Dantian and restore emotional balance.
That's so cool.
I'm definitely seeing the practical applications now.
But you mentioned earlier that different Qigong systems
might interpret the Dantians a little bit differently.
Oh, yeah.
That's true.
Can you talk about that a little more?
Sure.
Some traditions actually view the Dantians
as horizontally aligned.
Horizontally.
Rather than vertically.
Interesting.
And the specific techniques for working with them
will also vary.
Makes sense.
Depending on the lineage.
Right.
But the fundamental principle remains the same.
They're powerful energy centers that we
can learn to cultivate.
Through Qigong practice.
Exactly.
So it's not about finding the one right interpretation.
No, not at all.
It's about understanding the core concept.
And finding the practices that resonate with you.
Precisely.
And remember, Qigong is a journey of continuous learning
and discovery.
That's a good reminder.
You know, I was thinking about Tan Kohen's story
about meeting his teacher, Dr. Huang Hong Kong.
Oh, yeah.
In the bookstore.
Yeah.
It was like something out of a movie.
It really was.
This chance encounter that turned into this life changing
mentorship.
Yeah.
And it speaks to the power of finding teachers who really
embody the principles they teach.
Exactly.
Dr. Huang wasn't just a master of Qigong.
He was also a man of great integrity and compassion.
It sounds like Ken Kohen really learned those qualities
from him.
Oh, he did.
It's so inspiring to see that lineage being passed down.
It really highlights the importance of mentorship.
Yeah, having someone to guide you along the way.
Exactly.
Having that support can make all the difference.
This makes me wonder.
What's that?
Is there a way for our listeners to experience
that kind of mentorship?
Hmm, that's a good question.
Even if they don't have a Qigong master living down the street.
Right.
Yeah.
I think there are definitely ways to cultivate
that sense of connection and guidance even from afar.
How so?
Well, Ken Kohen's books and online resources
are a fantastic place to start.
OK.
He's really good at making these ancient practices accessible
to a modern audience.
Yeah, and there are so many other Qigong teachers
and communities out there.
That's true.
Both online and in person.
Yeah, you just have to find what works for you.
It's all about finding what resonates with you.
Exactly.
It's a good reminder that we're not alone on this journey.
You know, speaking of community, it makes me think about how
we can actually view the Dantians,
not just as these individual energy centers in our bodies,
but as like points of connection within this larger
energetic network that extends beyond ourselves.
Whoa, OK, now we're going next level.
Right.
So we're not just connected to our own energy.
Yeah.
We're connected to the energy of others.
Exactly.
It's like we're all nodes in this vast web of energy.
I love that image.
And our Dantians are like these portals or gateways
that allow us to tap into this interconnected network.
This makes me think about those times when you meet someone
and you just feel this instant connection.
Right.
Like there's an energetic spark between you.
Precisely.
And this interconnectedness.
Yeah.
It's not just some mystical idea.
Right.
It's supported by scientific principles
like quantum entanglement.
Quantum physics and key gong.
I never thought I'd see this two in the same sentence.
It's all about recognizing the interconnectedness
of everything, from the tiniest subatomic particles
to the vast expanse of the universe.
We're all part of this intricate dance of energy.
Yeah.
And information.
This is blowing my mind.
And remember how we talked about the upper Dantian being
associated with the third eye?
Uh-huh.
And intuition.
What if we view intuition as a way
of tapping into this interconnected field
of information?
Like those flashes of insight, those gut feelings.
Yeah.
Maybe there's signals from this larger energetic network.
So we're not just improving our physical health with key gong.
Right.
We're expanding our consciousness
and our understanding of the world.
Exactly.
Who knows what other mysteries and possibilities are out there
hidden within this ancient practice?
It's a journey of endless discovery.
This has been an incredible exploration so far.
It has been.
I feel inspired, but also a little overwhelmed
by all this new information.
I get it.
It's a lot to take in.
Yeah.
But don't worry.
We'll continue this conversation in the next part
of our deep dive.
Sounds good.
I think our listeners could probably
use a little break to process all of this, too.
Yeah.
A little time to digest everything.
We'll be back soon to explore even more
about the amazing world of key gong.
Can't wait.
Welcome back to our deep dive on key gong.
Glad to be back.
I'm still thinking about everything
we talked about last time.
Me, too.
Especially all that stuff about the Dantians.
Yeah.
Acting as portals to this larger energetic network.
It's a pretty amazing concept, right?
It really is.
It makes you see the world in a totally different way.
It challenges our whole idea of what
it means to be an individual.
Right.
We're all interconnected.
Exactly.
Not separate at all.
It's a big shift in perspective.
It is.
And one thing that keeps coming up
is this idea of egolessness in key gong.
I know a lot of our listeners are curious about that.
Makes sense.
Paula, who wrote in with a question about it,
it's such a profound concept.
It is.
And as we talked about before, it's
not about getting rid of your ego completely.
No, it's not about erasing it.
Yeah.
More rep.
It's about transcending its limitations.
Right.
Recognizing that there's more to us than just our ego.
It's about recognizing that our sense of self
is way more fluid and expansive.
So it's not about becoming some kind of emotionless robot.
No, not at all.
It's more about letting go of that need
to control everything.
OK.
And just allowing ourselves to be present in the flow of life.
That sounds amazing, but also really challenging.
It is.
Our egos are pretty good at keeping us
stuck on our comfort zones.
They really are.
So how does key gong help with that?
Well, it gives us tools and practices
that can help us loosen the grip of the ego.
OK, like what?
Well, we've already talked about cultivating emptiness.
Right, through meditation and breath work.
Exactly.
Those practices can help us quiet the mind.
Yeah.
Create space for a more expansive awareness
to come through.
So it's like we're creating this space where we can just observe
our thoughts and emotions without getting swept away
by them.
Exactly.
And by practicing key gong movements mindfully,
we can also cultivate a deeper connection to our bodies
and to our energetic field, which
can help us feel more grounded and centered.
I see.
Less influenced by the whims of the ego.
It sounds like key gong is about finding this balance
between effort and surrender.
You got it.
We're not forcing things to happen.
Right.
But we're not just passively sitting back and letting
life pass us by either.
It's a dynamic dance between intention and allowing.
Yeah.
Between cultivating our energy and trusting the flow.
This reminds me of something Ken Cohen said about courage.
Oh, yeah.
And integrity.
He talked about how it takes real courage
to face our inner shadows, to acknowledge our imperfections,
and to commit to living in alignment with our values.
It's not easy to do that.
It's not.
And he emphasized that real courage isn't
about being fearless.
Right.
It's about being willing to show up authentically, even
when we're afraid.
That's a powerful message.
It is.
It reminds us that key gong isn't just
about physical health or energetic mastery.
You're right.
It's about so much more.
It's about cultivating a way of being
in the world that's rooted in authenticity, compassion,
and courage.
That's beautiful.
And it reminds us that this journey isn't
about reaching some distant goal.
Right.
It's about embracing the process of growth
and transformation.
I love that.
It takes the pressure off.
It does.
And allows us to just enjoy the journey.
Exactly.
Speaking of enjoying the journey,
have you been trying out any of the chi gong practices
we've been talking about?
I have.
I actually started incorporating a simple chi gong warm up.
Oh, yeah.
Into my morning routine.
Nice.
It just takes a few minutes.
But I've noticed a difference in how I feel throughout the day.
Really?
I feel more grounded, more energized,
and definitely more focused.
That's awesome.
I've been playing around with some of the breathing techniques
we talked about.
Oh, yeah.
And I have to say, I'm feeling a subtle shift in my energy
levels, too.
That's great to hear.
I feel calmer, more centered, and less reactive to stress.
It's amazing how these small, consistent practices
can have such a big impact.
They really can.
It's a testament to the power of chi gong.
You know, I have to admit.
What's that?
I was a bit skeptical of chi gong at first.
Really?
Yeah, it sounded a little too out there for me.
I understand.
But after diving into it with you,
I'm starting to see it in a whole new light.
I'm glad to hear that.
It's just some mystical practice.
It's a system of self-cultivation
that's been around for centuries.
Oh, exactly.
And now modern science is starting to validate it.
It's so fascinating how chi gong bridges that gap.
It does, between ancient wisdom and modern understanding.
Yeah, it offers us a path.
To greater health, vitality, and even spiritual growth.
This deep dive has been transformative.
It really has, for both of us, I think.
I agree.
I'm definitely feeling inspired to keep exploring chi gong.
Me too.
And see where this journey takes me.
It's an exciting path.
It is.
Before we wrap up, is there anything else
you want to share about chi gong?
You know, as we've been talking about all
these different aspects of chi gong,
I keep coming back to that question that Ken Cohen asked.
What was it?
Where do you feel chi flowing in your own body?
Oh, yeah.
I remember that.
It's such a powerful question for all of us to consider.
It really is.
It encourages us to look inward, to be curious,
to pay attention to our own experience.
And to embark on our own personal journey of discovery.
Who knows what we'll find along the way.
Exactly.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey
into the world of chi gong.
It's been my pleasure.
We hope you enjoyed it.
I did.
Remember the power to cultivate your chi is within you.
It is.
Keep exploring.
Keep practicing.
And keep diving deep.
We'll see you next time.