Chinese Xiang Gong

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This short movie is a condensed version of a videotape which teaches Chinese Xiang Gong. Xiang Gong is a Chinese exercise which has proven most helpful in the recovery in many ailments. The whole Xiang Gong has two levels, the primary level and the advance level. Each level has 15 lessons covered by one video cassette tape.

This web page will be updated with a new lesson every other week, that the whole course will take about one year to complete. You can buy the video cassette tape in our Video Pro online stores.

This movie has been shortened from its original for optimum viewing on the Internet. The complete movie is available for purchase in our online store.

Chinese Xiang Gong (Primary Level)

Preparation and Opening

Relax the whole body. Wear a smile and stand naturally with your feet shoulder-width apart, with the feet parallel to each other.

1. Relax the shoulders. Let the hands hang down naturally at your sides, but the arms should nor be pressed against the body.

2 When you relax and hang your hands loosely at your sides, the thumbs and fingers will curl slightly and naturally, forming the shape or a "duck's bill".

3) Breathe naturally. (Natural breathing is adopted throughout the whole Xiang Gong exercise.) Stand naturally on level gound."With the centres of your palms facing each other, move your hands laterally sideways and bring them back to the orignal position 5 to 10 times in front of your solar plexus."

Points to notes:

(1) After standing naturally and ensuring that the fingers are relaxed, raise the hands slowly until the forearms and upper arms are at about right-angles to each other, and with the forearms about parallel to the ground or floor.

(2) When the hands are extended to the left and right, they should be at about 45 degrees (to the body).

(3) When the hands are moved back to the front position, the distance between the palms should be about 10 cm (4 inches), or a natural distance apart.

Lessen 1. Jin Long Bai Wei: Golden Dragon Wags Its Tail

"Bring both hands together with the fingers lightly touching each other (zhi shi zhang xu) in front of the solar plexus, fingers pointing forward in the form of a pair of horizontal prayer hands, but with a hollow between the palms. Move the hands first to the left and then the right, each to 45 degrees, swinging horizontally 36 times." (Attention: Don't move the upper body. Move only the forearms, which will lead the upper arms.) .

Points to Notes:

( 1) Zhi shi zhang xu literally means "Firm fingers hollow palms" i.e. the fingers are lightly touching each other. The edges of the palms may be lightly touching or may not be touching at all.

( 2) Don't move the shoulders.

(3) Your arms should not be pinned against your upper body. Nor should they be deliberately kept away from the body. Just let them hang loose naturally.

( 4) The routine of turning to the left and then to the right counts as one time (Repeat 36 times).

A Brief Introduction to Chinese Xiang Gong

This document is written by a famous Xiang Gong Master Mr. Lam Kwan, at (416) 328-1129 in Toronto.

1. History
It is believed that Xiang Gong (literally meaning "Fragrant Art") is over 2,000 years old and was first developed by an enlightened Buddhist monk. It used to be transmitted by the master to his disciples only on a one-to-one basis for each generation. Currently, people in some 30 countries and regions are practising the exercise.

2. Name of Origin
The full name of Xiang Gong means "Chinese Buddhist Fragrant style of Intellectual Knowledge Qigong". Its abbreviation is "Chinese Xiang Gong" where 'Xiang" means fragrant and "Gong" means art or technique. After practising Xiang Gong for a period of time, some may experience the releasing of fragrance from the body. There is no link between Xiang Gong practitioners and religion. The main purpose of practising Xiang Gong is to strengthen and heal one's body. (Translator's Note: Qigong or chi kung are Chinese exercises, which may be still or moving, of controlling the smooth flow of qi or chi, the vital "life energy" inside one's body for health, longevity, illness-prevention, therapeutic, performance-enhancement, martial arts or spiritual development purpose.)

3. The Advantages of Xiang Gong
1) Simple and easy to learn. The senile and the weak can do it while seated or even in wheel-chairs.
2) Can be practised anywhere at any time, such as on a ship or plane while travelling. Can also be practised while watching TV. The exercise can be done indoors when it snows or rains.
3) Quite effective against a wide range of illnesses, since it was designed to improve blood circulation and gently massage specific acupuncture points and internal organs. It has a postive impact on almost all kinds of ailments and diseases. Wear a genuine smile on your face while you practise. If you are in a group, form a circle and chat amongst yourself while practising. There is no need to enter into a quiet, meditative state, as you don't have to use your yi, mind or thought, to lead the circulation of energy inside your body. There is no risk of deviations (harmful effects), and he exercise will not cause headaches or any other discomfort (if the instructions are followed). 4. The Healing

4. Effects of Xiang Gong
There are reports in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Canada where individual practitioners of Xiang Gong have experienced improved health. According to Dr. Simon Chow Shi-cheung of the Vegetarian Society of Hong Kong and author of the bilingual (Chinese/English) book 'The Joy of Xiang Gong', "Among the reported cases are quick recoveries (i.e. within months, if not hours) of several kinds of cancer, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, frozen shoulder, stroke, paralysis, prostate problems, diseases of the stomach, liver, eye, nose and ear, sore throat, joint inflammation, sciatica, mobility problems, general malaise, recurrent colds, depression, emotional instability, insomnia, polyurea during the night, and psychological disorders." In addition, it is said that Xiang Gong is effective for the treatment of constipation, hemorrhoids, numbness of the feet or hands, and so on.

5. The Bases of Healing
Usually, those whose medical conditions have greatly improved are people who:
1) practise diligently, two or three times a day, particularly those in a small group where both the magnetic field and the atmosphere is good;
2) constantly practise deeds of charity and kindness -- when your give gladly and help others freely you are happy and contended; and
3) have also made other changes, such as in their diets, life habits, postures and carriage, etc.

6. Some Aspects of Xiang Gong
(1) There arc three levels in Xiang Gong: Primary, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level has 15 forms and each form should be performed 36 times. Primary level: 15-18 minutes (depending on the tempo of the exercise) Intermediate level: 17-20 minutes (depending on the tempo of the exercise) Advanced level: Not taught openly
(2) After practising the Primary level for three to six months and building your body on a good, solid foundation, then your can proceed to the Intermediate level. The Primary level of Xiang Gong can be performed standing or seated. Those who are wheelchair bound, physically challenged, or have had a stroke can still do the qigong exercise which is mainly hand movements. However, the Intermediate level must be done in a standing posture since both the hands and feet are used.
(3) Xiang Gong is a form of Moving Qigong, and may not be suitable for all people. If after practising this for a period of time you find that this exercise doesn't suit you, you should try some other kinds of qigong. If you have any questions while practising Xiang Gong, you are welcome to phone Mr. Kwan Lam at (416) 328-1129 in Toronto.
(4) You should never rely solely on Xiang Gong to heal yourself or an illness. You should at the same time consult your doctor (and continue with your current medication or treatment, if any). For every illness, there are both internal and external factors. The former addresses the health state or otherwise of your body, mind and spirit while the latter addresses bacteria, viruses, organisms, or environmental factors and medical treatment.

7. Points to Note
(1) Don't practise under the following conditions: When there is thunder and lightning flashes; when there are interruptions; within 30 metres of high-voltage power pylons; beside rivers, lakes or the seashore (you may fall into the water); when it is very windy, foggy or cold; or when you are emotionally upset or angry, etc.
(2) After you have started practising Xiang Gong, you should stop the practice of other types of qigong because the principles are different. However, since there is relatively more emphasis on physical training in Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chu an), Taiji and Lui Tung Chuan (Six Combination Fist), these can still be practised provided they are practised at least 30 minutes apart from yourXiang Gong exercises. When you do the Taiji (Tai Chi) exercise, we recommend that you do not use your yi or thought to lead your energy.
(3) You should not practise 20 minutes before or after a meal. Do not practise if you have taken wine, beer, or liquor.
(4) The following categories of people should not practise Xiang Gong: Women who are more than six months pregnant, children under five years old, patients in the final stages of cancer, persons with very series heart conditions, acute types of inflammation, mental cases, rabies patients, persons bitten by poisonous snakes or hyperactive individuals.
(5) Xiang Gong trains a person's shun yang qi or "pure vital-energy" (which is masculine, bright, warm, from heaven etc. in nature). Therefore, you should not practise outdoors after dark (after sunset) or before 5:30 in the morning (before sunrise). When you practise at night indoors you must have a light on. Do not practise in the basement, which is predominantly yin (feminine, dark, damp from the earth, etc. A person has in his or her body both interdependent yin and yang energies which govern all living things and which are in balanced, harmonious equilibrium when one is healthy).
(6) There is no restriction on the venue for practice, however you should choose a pleasant, pollution-free and safe environment. To guard against the possible risk of zhi fa gong or "self-introduced involuntary body movements', you should always keep well away from roof-tops, balconies, terraces, river banks, lake shores and the sides of roads or highways.
(7) You should normally practise a minimum twice a day, but not more than three times a day. The actual number of practices should be adjusted according to your physical condition and comfort level.
(8) You can do the Primary level and the Intermediate level of exercise together. Doing these two levels together counts as doing the exercise "once". If you haven't learnt the Intermediate level yet, you can just do the Primary level.
(9) Every form may be performed 36 to 54 times. 36 times is standard. For the very weak and feeble, or beginners, one can perform less than 36 times for each form, but one should gradually build up the number to 36. Even if you are healthy, you should not do more that 54 for each form in the 15 movements.
(10) For seniors, the tempo for each form or movement should not be too fast or too slow.
(11) Persons with heart conditions or hypertension (high blood pressure) should place their hands below heart level for certain movements.
(12) WhiIe your are practising, if you have to answer phone or the door you must first do shou gong or "closing" before stopping. Then, you can continue with the exercise where you have left off. Ideally, however, you should use the answering machine (if you have one) to avoid disruptions.
(13) While performing the exercise, the 15 movements (for both Primary and Intermediate levels) must be performed in the order given, i.e. Opening, Forms Nos. 1 to 15, and then Closing. You should not change the sequence of the forms.
(14) Doing the exercise in a group formed into a circle provides the best magnetic field, and any healing effects will be maximized. It is thus best to practise in a group.
(15) When practising in a circle, you can chat among yourselves, but for the last movement in both the Primary and Intermediate levels (Praying Hands, and Three Sages in Seated Meditation respectively), it is best for you to be quiet. You should avoid any sudden interruptions or shocks during the practice. If you experience any jing gong or "shocked practice", just be calm, relax and repeat the form slowly.
(16) While practising in a circle, any latecomer can join the group but he or she must not start midway to synchronize with the group's inovement. He or she should start from the beginning on his or her own.
(17) It is quite normal if you have any of the following sensations or reactions while practising: Itchy skin or head, yawning, rumblings in the stomach or intestines, teary eyes, flatulence (passing gas), sweating, joints making a sound, feelings of numbness, fullness, coolness, wariness, ants walking on skin, pins and needles; and Qi Chong bing zhao or "vital-energy impacting sick or injured sites": a temporary recurrence, sometimes with added intensity, of old or latent symptoms in the diseased or wounded part of the body; these will come to pass shortly and the body part is then truly and completely healed.
(18) The underlying principle of Xiang Gong is "0" (or "zero"), a circle. It is ceaseless, ever moving. From the endless movement, you should try to understand or know intuitively its real meaning.
(19) The five key words in Xiang Gong are: Xin -- "Faith": have faith in the effectiveness and power of Xiang Gong; Lian -- "Practice": practise diligently; De -- "Virtue": Be virtuous. "Virtue is like water, your ability, the boat. The boat raises whenever the water level raises. Virtue is thus the source."; Wu -- "Understanding": to experience and practise It, ask questions and try to understand the principles of Xiang Gong; and Zhuan -- "Propagation": to talk about the beneficial effects of and teach others about Xiang Gong, on a voluntary basis.
(20) Grand Master Tian says "Set your mind at constant practice, but be mindless (patient, non-anticipatory) about results. Success then comes naturally whenever your gong (mastery) is complete."
(21) Xiang Gong doesn't emphasise the underlying principles, concepts or the wherefore, why or how it works, but individual practitioners may be able to use his or her intellect or knowledge from experience to try to explain the various manifestations.
(22) Grand Master Tian says "Copy the (drawing of a) gourd likewise." In other words, any similar (though not identical) movements would be acceptable.
(23) Always remember the three words of: Song -- Be "Relaxed" in body, movements, mind and spirit; De -- "Virtue": be charitable and virtuous; Kan -- "Diligent": be diligent in daily application.