Shibashi Qigong Newsletter - Issue V.3 Fall 2005

Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Video is Going Online

Due to popular request, I have decided to post the entire Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi video online. I hope more people can access it and benefit from this amazing qigong exercise.

Since July last year, I have given out more than 2,500 Video CDs. I was happy to receive so many positive testimonials from people describing how they had benefited through practicing Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi. If you already have a copy of my Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi video and would like to make copies of it to distribute to those that are unable to view my video online, you are welcome to do so under the following conditions:

1. That there are no additions or deletions to the original content of the video;

2. That the title, producer and website information are clearly printed on the front of each CD;
i.e.
- Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi
- By Sifu Wing Cheung
- www.taichi18.com

3. That the video is not sold for monetary gains.

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For the month of September, all proceeds generated from the sales of the VHS video will be donated to The United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina rebuild their lives.  Click here to see the receipt of donation.

I am currently producing the 2nd set of the Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi video. The 2nd set of Shibashi Qigong is more focused on building up one’s nei jing (internal power). It should be available sometime in Jan/Feb next year.

There will be a forum on this website that will give qigong practitioners the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences while learning the Shibashi Qigong. It will be really helpful for those who are just beginning to learn and practice qigong. Please feel free to post any questions that you may have about qigong or tai chi in this forum.

Many people from all over the world have expressed an interest in my qigong workshop.
Some are willing to travel, some can only travel thus far, and some prefer to learn qigong during the spring break or over their summer vacation. It is quite difficult for me to pick a place and time that suits everyone’s needs. Thus, this forum will give those who are interested in my qigong workshops, a chance to meet with like-minded individuals to organize a qigong workshop that best suits your needs.

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In this newsletter, I would like to address some frequently asked questions and common mistakes made by students when they practice the shibashi qigong.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. How fast should I practice this qigong?
A. The speed should depend on the length of your breath. The average time to complete this qigong is about 15 minutes. I purposely did it a bit faster in the video because I found that most beginners have a difficult time coordinating their breathing with movements when they are doing it slowly. As your lung capacity improves, you will find that you will be able to do it slower. It usually takes me at least 20 minutes to finish this qigong.

Q. Would I be able to increase the number of repetitions for each movement?
A. It would be more beneficial to do the entire set 2 times instead of increasing the number of repetitions for each movement. However, if a particular movement makes you feel really good, you can repeat that movement a few more times.

Q. Why should we step forward with our left foot and not the right one for the 11th -13th movements?
A. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, the left side of our body governs the blood while the right side governs the qi. Since blood travels much slower than qi, we step forward with the left foot. If you are doing this qigong 2 times in a row, you can use your right foot to step forward during your 2nd set of movements.

Q. Can I do reverse breathing instead of normal abdominal breathing?
A. Yes, just do whatever feels more comfortable and natural for you. Reverse breathing is a breathing technique where you contract your lower abdomen during the inhale and expand your lower abdomen during the exhale. This kind of breathing is very common among Taoist qigong.

Q. I sweat a lot after this qigong exercise. Is it normal?
A. Many people think that since this qigong exercise is so slow, the amount of workout must be minimal. This qigong is an exercise for your internal organs. Your internal organs are gaining energy while you are doing these exercises. As your internal organs become healthier, you will sweat less. Just remember not to drink cold water or take a shower within 15 minutes after doing this qigong.

Q. Is there a ‘best’ time to do this qigong?
A. Not really. Personally, I like to do it during early morning. That’s because it is quiet and the air quality is good. Doing it before you sleep is another good option because it should improve the quality of your sleep. However, a few individuals may have a difficult time falling asleep if they practice it during late evening. If that’s the case, then just do it earlier.

Q. How often should I do this qigong?
A. Do the entire set twice in the morning and twice in the evening is enough. If you have plenty of time, then spend more time on the wuji stance (the opening position). This stance is really good at allowing qi to circulate throughout your entire body. Sometimes I remain in this stance for over an hour. Those who have a busy schedule should do this qigong at least once a day, especially during the first 100 days in order to build up a bigger storage of qi.

Q. Should I close or open my eyes while practicing qigong?
A. You can try practicing with your eyes half opened. It is hard to do the movements that involve standing on the balls of your feet with your eyes entirely shut. Many people have a problem with maintaining their balance. Moreover, your mind should remain in Alpha mode (relaxed but alert) with a brainwave frequency of 8Hz - 14Hz during the entire exercise.

Q. What if I need to stop while doing the qigong?
A. It is not advisable to stop during the qigong exercise. However, if you must stop, then just skip to the last movement and repeat that at least 3 times. It will gather the qi back to your Dan Tien.

Some Common Mistakes:

1. Shoulders not relaxed enough
Most beginners have a difficult time relaxing their shoulders. You should constantly remind yourself to relax your shoulders. When they are relaxed, the other parts of your body will be relaxed too. A technique to relax your shoulders is to breathe in deeply then breathe out quickly and letting your shoulders sink down at the same time.

2. The stance

Almost 90% of the beginners have a difficult time lowering their body properly. Some place too much weight on their knees while some place too much weight on their bottom. When you are doing the stance correctly, the weight should be on your thighs. A proper stance is very important. Placing too much weight on your knees can lead to knee injury.

In order to check whether your stance is correct, stand beside a mirror and start to lower your body until the angle between your thighs and calves is less than 160 degrees. Now, look at the mirror. If your knees go beyond your toes, you are placing too much weight on your knees. If your bottom sticks out, that means you are placing too much weight on it. Check the photo for details.



There are generally 6 levels a practitioner can achieve with doing this qigong. They are: tranquility, relax, through, transport, absorb and release. Some people think that once they know how to release qi, they can become a qigong healer. This is a big mistake!  Doing this can cause a lot of damage to your body. So, at what stage can you start to become a qigong healer? I will talk about this in detail in the upcoming newsletter.

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