Wu Dang 5 Elemental Animal Qi Gong Workshops

This style is called "Wu Xing Yang Sheng Gong" which means "Five Forms Practice to Nourish Life". Wu Xing Yang Sheng Gong is one of the most important exercises practiced by Wudang Daoists. Historically, the monks and nuns were required to practice these five forms daily as part of their spiritual cultivation, for health maintenance, and to supplement their martial arts training. This practice is comprised of five major forms derived from some of the most powerful and treasured creatures of Daoist culture, with each of the forms relating elementally with one of the five elements (Wu Xing 五行). It is a mystical qi gong practice based on the philosophy of the 5 elemental phases of energetic transformation. The complete practice is composed of 5 qigong forms that harmonize and strengthen the five elements in the practitioner by embodying the movements, character, and one might say "spirit" of  these 5 totem animals which each represent one of the 5 elements, and thereby the internal organs and their related qi meridians. By practicing these forms, we can bring the body’s internal organs and meridians into balance with the 5 elemental phases that make up the natural cycles of the day and year. Practicing the 5 animal qigong also helps us to cultivate the virtues and realize the potential of the five animals/elements in our lives and essential nature.

As the 5 Animal Qigong forms are based on the observations of the animal’s behavior and physical attributes, with time, the practitioner not only develops the movement qualities, but also the mental and spiritual attributes of these animals and their associated element which can bring deep healing to the physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual aspects of the associated element within the individual.

Practicing the 5 animal forms each once or twice a a day is a great way to maintain overall health and support the inner and outer harmony of the 5 elements in your life.

Workshop Dates

Fire Crane : 8/11/24 3-5pm

Earth Tiger: 8/24/24 3-5pm

Metal Snake: 9/7/24 3-5pm

5 Animal Qigong is currently taught seasonally in workshop format

Wood/Spring: Dragon

Fire/Summer: Crane

Earth/Transitions: Tiger

Metal/Fall: Snake

Water/Winter: Tortoise