Touch Yourself
So where can someone go to learn how to touch themselves (in an appropriate way- of course)? Well since I didn’t know what Qigong (pronounced “Chi” and “Gong”) was in the first place, I sure wasn’t prepared to be doing a self breast massage or pelvic trusts in a room with other ladies but I was pleasantly surprised. Qigong means vital energy work and is achieved through self acupressure, meditation, and massage.
In a Woman’s Qigong class (like I was in) you focus on bringing blood and energy to the breasts, uterus, cervix and ovaries – yeah!!! It is said to improve sexuality and relationships as well as reduces stress, improves immune function, and can accelerate healing.
Search for a Qigong class near you and be pleasantly surprised by your experience. In addition to self breast massage, we encourage you to Check Your Self once a month. A special thank you to Fay McGrew, M.A., QTP- certified Qigong teacher, for letting me touch myself in public!
Amanda Nixon
Young Survivor Advocate
The Keep A Breast Foundation
2251 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Article in October The Life Connection Magazine We live in such a Yang world, male-oriented stressful lifestyle. Our earth suffers. Women’s health is suffering. Extra stress is placed on women wishing to be whole—balancing profession, home life, relationships, service, and personal growth. For the first time women are dying more from heart disease than men, as symptoms are more subtle for women. Breast cancer is epidemic, although survivor’s rates are improving. There are more reported cases of depression and lack of libido, yet many more unreported cases of sexual trauma. Women’s Qigong addresses all these modern concerns by developing strong Yin energy, a concept foreign to the West as we think of strength in male Yang terms. Feminine strength does not push or control, rather its power comes from compassionate wisdom and offers a perfect compliment to its Yang, masculine counterpart. We are blessed that many mind body practices are available which simultaneously reduce stress improve health, strengthen self-healing abilities, and expand consciousness through gentle exercises, meditations, sounds, and breathing techniques to cultivate our life force energy called “Qi” in Chinese and “prana” in Hindu. Through these traditions, we aspire to unite in the highest level of energy when completely devoid of our body. We are grateful these practices have been preserved through the centuries, predominantly by men. The physical aspects of these traditions however are geared to the male or androgynous body, with little or no consideration of a women’s life cycle including menstruation, pregnancy, birthing & recovery, as well as going through peri-menopause and menopause. A woman’s and a man’s energy body are mostly the same therefore these practices are greatly beneficial to women. Yet they do not address major energetic difference between the sexes which is a woman’s ability to support the life of a fetus. This might seem like a small difference. But based on some studies proclaiming we have over 90% the same DNA with fellow creatures on the earth, thus less than 10% differs us from reptiles! What is qigong? Qigong pronounced “Chee-kung” means life force energy cultivation, and is preeminent historical mind body exercise from China. In modern times, it is a clinically proven science of self-healing, and a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture). Yin and Yang energy Yin and Yang is a concept unique to Chinese culture. It is the transformation of polar energies; the yang energy white (or red) and yin is black. The Taiji symbol is not stagnate as one might think, but in constant harmonic motion. Yin is associated with the feminine, receptive, emotional, earth, front of body; yang is the masculine, aggressive, intellectual, heaven, back of the body. Men and women both have yin and yang energy. Qigong is a practice to achieve inner harmony in connection with heaven and earth, the balance of yin and yang within us and around us. What is women’s qigong? Women’s Qigong is a unique empowering journey of self-realization in health, healing, sexuality, and relationships. I will never forget the transformational experience of my first women’s Qigong class, like I was drinking water in a beautiful Oasis after being so long in the desert of neutral or male venue to these arts; my inner truth was discovered. The exercises are gentle graceful and fluid addressing the distinctive energetic constitution of women, so natural to our being, and therefore easy to learn. The meditations and guided imagery are geared to the divine feminine within. Self-acupressure and massage techniques release blocked Yin Qi, bringing life saving energy and blood to the breasts, uterus, cervix, and ovaries. Experienced in sisterhood of practioners, a unique strong Yin energy field is generated to nourish, enlighten and empower feminine true nature. This supplemental practice to standard Qigong, yoga, and/or other mind body traditions, provides the missing link for a woman to progress more quickly in those modalities. Women’s Qigong Practice 1. Meditations for the Heart center (Tanzhong, Middle Dan Tien or Heart Chakra) the true energy center for women, not the lower Dan Tien/hara, belly area. Because women have the ability to support the life of a fetus, we energetically have the ability to develop very quickly. Women are ruled by love and compassion, harmony, and combining intelligence with wisdom of the heart. 2. Exercises to open the Pathways (meridians) of Yin Energy in the body include: Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) this is the most important meridian and significantly different for the sexes because it is the one that supports the life of a fetus. Therefore, the energy stays in that vessel for women, and flows freely through for men. Belt meridian (Dai Mai) circles around the hip, and is used in classical Chinese medicine for ob/gynecology. Conception Vessel (Ren Mo), intersection of Yin Channels of the body on midline of front side of the torso. Spleen/pancreas meridian (nurturing energy) Liver meridian (movement of the blood), Kidney meridian (reproductive system) 3. Self-Massage Women need to be massaged mostly in the front torso, yin side, of the body. Since this is legally prohibited, self-massage is necessary. Kua – lower abdomen area between the thighs – brings more blood and Qi to lymph nodes, cervix, vaginal, and ovarian area. Breasts - in a gentle and meditative way, sends blood and Qi to the breast tissue and surrounding lymph nodes without emphasis on looking for lumps. Please note it does not matter if you have had surgery or not, the energy of the organs and tissues remain. Scar tissue needs to be nourished. Origins of Women’s Qigong In the West, Kuan Yin is often referred to as the Chinese Goddess or female deity who is mostly associated with Buddhism. Yet it is the Daoist Queen Mother of the West, Xi Wang Mu, who is more significant in Women’s Qigong. A teacher to the Yellow Emperor who developed Chinese Medicine over 5,000 years ago, Queen Mother is referred to throughout all lineages. The famous Daoist Master, Lady Sun Buer, co-founder of the School of Complete Perfection from the Song Dynasty (960- 1279, CE), is credited with immortal techniques for women. The practices she developed are documented only in poetry, hidden under heavy symbolism. Daoist Sexual Energy Longevity Practices presented many solo cultivation exercises for men and women including important self-massage. This is not to be confused with Tantra focusing on dual cultivation with a partner. As a holistic being, sexuality is included in overall health and modern integrative medicine is supporting this premise. More recently the Nudan (female alchemy) texts from the 17th century were discovered in China with details of Qigong practices for women created centuries before. In the repressive era of neo-Confucianism, small groups of women were permitted to practice at home; no following of male teachers was allowed. During these times only women of privilege had access to this information. In modern times, Master Liu Yafei, physician, Director of the Medical Qigong Clinic in Beidaihe, China developed Nuzi Qigong based on the techniques described in the Nudan documents. This form was widely acclaimed when presented at UCLA’s Female Meditation Techniques in Late Imperial & Modern China international conference I attended in 2008. Over the past 5 years there has been an emergence of female Qigong teachers introducing different lineages of women’s Qigong. Like me, we have practiced for decades but are only recently empowered to share this precious jewel to our students. Yin Qigong: A Sacred Dance of Healing Based on my 20 years of study and practice, I combined 3 women’s systems into Yin Qigong. These include: Basic Yin Qigong modified N¸zi Qigong a series of gentle easy to follow movements and self-massage. Very powerful with clinically proven effectiveness for gynecological health. • Dan Tien Fong Heung Gong “Elixir field — Emitting Fragrance Work” lovely dance like form, originated by Lady Sun Buer, School of Complete Perfection. • Three Bracelets Encircle the Moon a gentle stretch and waist twisting sequence to harmonize Qi. Good for weight loss. • Jade Egg - vaginal & pelvic floor exercises with specially designed sanitized Jade Egg to strengthen pelvic floor; prevent/heal incontinence & vaginal dryness; rejuvenate sexual organs; reduce libido; preparation for and healing from childbirth; invigorate natural flow of essential hormones. Although secret for many centuries, Women’s Qigong is now emerging, at a perfect time to be part of an integrative approach to women’s physical, emotional and spiritual health through cultivation of feminine energy, empowerment, and self-discovery.
Fay Explains Yin QigongTM
Fay McGrew, MA, QTP (Medical Qigong) has been teaching Qigong in San Diego for past 16 years specializing in integrative medicine establishing Qigong at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSD Medical Center, and San Diego Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Research Institute. To promote women’s health during Breast Health Awareness Month, Fay is offering many Yin Qigong free introduction classes, as well as workshops, series, and special classes throughout San Diego, some co-taught with medical professionals specializing in women’s health. www.yingqigong.com, www.qigongwithfaymcgrew.com 760 729-1102.
How to Reduce Stress and Be Happy
Anything taken too much is bad for the health. A little stress is actually good, as it could serve to help you function at your best. However, stress that seems a little too much could take a physical, as well as mental, toll to your body. Stress today is a leading cause of heart disease and is often linked to cancer. Using Yin Qigong practice, you should be able to managed depression or anxiety from stress.
So how should you do it then? The following are tips and advice to help manage stress.
Write it out, schedule it out.
It is best to write down everything that seems to be overwhelming. You will find a things-to-do-list much easier to manage than having errands all crumpled up in your head. Writing down the tasks, and putting a specific schedule and time to do them, helps anyone manage activities one chunk at a time. Crossing out an activity that has already been accomplished is very rewarding and could actually help you feel more relaxed when doing the other tasks at hand.
One at a time works.
Focus and put all your attention specifically on one task at one time. It does not help to feel panicky about the other undone or to-do tasks. Thinking about them only adds unnecessary stress and could even hamper in doing the task you are attempting to accomplish at present.
Relax and take it slow.
At least, try not to expend too much energy on activities that are currently not priorities. This is in order for your energy to be not easily expended on the tasks that are not that important, at least for now.
Delegate, delegate, delegate.
You need not do everything all at once, and you need not do everything on your own. Ask for help, get help, or pay for help. When there is a feeling of being overwhelmed that is cropping up, hire someone to mow the lawn or get a sitter for your children. The feeling of being pressed to finish something on time will somehow be eliminated if tasks are delegated. It takes a load off unnecessary worry and anxiety. Moreover, it is easier checking up on how things are, than worrying yourself sick doing everything on your own, all at once.
Give yourself a reward.
You deserve it. Acknowledging your accomplishments, no matter how big or small, is an effort that is necessary before getting on to the next tasks and activities. It reduces stress and could even make you happier in doing the next task.
Give yourself a break.
You need it to be more productive. A ten to fifteen minute break during your work is necessary. Do a Qi Gong break, take a quick brisk walk, or do anything to put your mind off work, at least for a while. This is necessary to refresh and recharge. Believe it or not, you can also stay in your work and sit with your eyes closed as you visualize a peaceful landscape or a relaxing scene. This frees the stress from your muscles and your mind.
Relax and be cool. Doing so makes you healthier, happier, and a lot more productive.
Fly-fishing for breast cancer survivors and Yin Qigong's
TRIPLE BRACELETS ENCIRCLING the MOON
Some medical discoveries are very simple and until “verified” remain on the outskirts of medical acumen. Ten years ago a physician in the Northwest of the US realized that the motions of fly-fishing have a therapeutic effect on breast cancer survivors, especially those suffering from lymphedema. Lymphedema is a side effect of breast cancer, a painful swelling in the arms and upper body that can lead to permanent loss of mobility. About one in five women who’ve had breast cancer will get lymphedema, but exercise is one way to prevent it or lessen its impact.
Fay McGrew has been teaching various forms of Qigong at the Cancer Institute in North County San Diego. She has reported that many cancer patients in chemo therapy have been able to have the amount of toxic chemicals used reduce since taking some of her classes. Currently she is working on getting a grant to do more scientific research to confirm these patient reports. The connection between stress reduction and simple exercise is very important in facilitating these necessary body invasive treatments.
The arm movements of fly-fishing and Yin Qigong's TRIPLE BRACELETS ENCIRCLING the MOON are very similar. The difference being the ability to do Yin Qigong at home or in a class while fly-fishing requires travel, equipment and wading boots to practice. The secret to Yin Qigong or any Qigong is continual practice and exercise. The ability to exercise on a daily or weekly basis is important to any therapy especially one involving the functions of the lymphatic system.
Yin Qigong is now being offered in various locations through out San Diego county by Fay McGrew. Women interested in improving their health and well being are invited to attend these classes. You can get more information concerning Yin Qigong and other forms of Qigong by contacting her at info@qigongwithfaymcgrew.com.
Yoga & Meditation = QiGong
The majority of people who practice both Yoga and meditation often misunderstand how QiGong is a combination of ingredients taking the best of both practices. Yoga tends to be more strenuous and physical where Qi Gong which uses fluid body movement in gentle and slower pace. Meditation is the practice of the mind and relaxing the body usually without any movement. QiGong merges the two practices together allowing the practitioner
the ability to move the body's energy by using the mind.
What is more important is that Yin QiGong focuses movement for the key energy pathways and centers of the woman's body; including the heart, breasts and sexual organs. Modern medicine is increasingly "discovering" the need for today's women to find ways to take care of these neglected portions of their bodies. They know the medical reasons for this but not the energetic for these important needs. The increase in heart disease, breast cancer, and depression are the pathological signs of lack of energy focus by women today.
Yin QiGong few simple and elegant exercises to draw the Qi into these energy centers. Most Yoga,
although practiced mostly by women, is fundamentally based upon the neutral or male energy body. The need for proper energy flow in the woman's body is exasperated by male oriented exercises. The foundation of Yin QiGong is to nurture a woman's physical and energetic body so health can be maintained and flourish. Women who have started to practice Yin QiGong report feelings of positive energy and renewed vitality in both their heart center and sexual organs. The reason why is the energy flow being created is specifically designed for a woman's body providing what her body needs in manner that is in harmony with the universe and herself.
7 Habits of Successful Qigong Practice
- Practice everyday. Set aside sometime time for yourself.
- Confirm your intention that Qigong is important to your health and well being.
- Find a space that you like and feel comfortable in to do your practice.
- Select a form or group of forms that you like and resonates with you.
- Keep a journal of your experiences what you feel before and after the practice
- Qigong Masters stress practicing a form for 100 days in a row. You will eventually not have to think of your movements just flow with them.
- Stay in touch with your teacher and breath deeply and relax.
A Valentine's Gift for a Woman Yin Qigong In Qigong, there are 3 major “energy” centers called dan tiens, one is by the naval, for the physical body, another is the center of the chest for emotional body, the third center in the head for mental and higher consciousness. Most Qigong practice is where men focus their energy behind the navel for physical health. Yin Qigong focuses on the upper dan tien, an area between the nipples near the physical heart. Fay McGrew's years of study revealed that the most common “energy” center referred to in Qigong exercises is the lower Dan Tien. Fay states, “That for women it is the middle Dan Tien that is the true “energy” center for women, our emotional energy, our natural intuitive process. This energy center is ruled by the heart chi and corresponds to the heart chakra and needs specific attention for health and happiness that only Yin Qigong can provide for women.” The same point nourishes the physical heart and breasts, harmonizes emotional energy..... interesting to note that these are the 3 major health concerns for western women today heart disease, number 1 killer of women -- breast cancer 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with this, and depression.. Fay's Qigong focuses on nourishing the heart center , and clearing the pathways of chi supporting all aspects of women's physical, emotional and spiritual health. Yin Qigong is a Valentine's Day gift to yourself, all year long. Please come expereince it and practice it with Fay McGrew. Tell your friends about it and share this energy from the heart for women.
These classes are the result of sixteen years of study by Fay McGrew and involve practices developed in China over three thousand years ago.
Fay
McGrew, M.A.,
State Certified Qigong Instructor, Adjunct Faculty Palomar College with over 30
years experience studying various ancient mind body meditation practices with
Masters from the Orient, Fay effectively conveys their modern meaning to
Westerners. For over a decade, she has introduced Qigong to San Diegoeans, initiating classes
at Scripps: Center for Community Health & Advocacy, Center for Integrative
Medicine; University of California San Diego Medical Center and Medical School, and San Diego Cancer Center
Research Institute. Fay has studied Qigong, Women's Qigong, Tai Chi, Taoism and Zen
for over 16 years in the United States, Japan and China. Fay has a M.A. from the New School
University, New York, and worked as a professional media archivist and curator
at major museums, universities, and production companies before devoting
herself full time to the teaching of Qigong. She has a studio in North County San Diego.
Yin Qigong what it is
Qigong is a clinically proven modern health exercise and meditation practice
based on centuries old Chinese longevity techniques. In the US, Qigong is
regarded as a branch of Chinese Medicine which includes acupuncture,
acupressure, herbology, therapeutic massage (tuina), and nutrition. With its
simple emphasis on stress reduction, gentle exercises, and natural deep
breathing, one's core health improves: immune system strengthens,
circulation increases, and healing process quickens. The simple fluid
exercises may be done standing and/or seated in chair; no floorwork like in
yoga.
There are different kinds of Qigong. Most are familiar with Tai Chi, which
is martial Qigong. Other kinds are very physical, some are more meditative,
and others are used like physical therapy for specific health challenges.
Qigong, like most other mind body practices, is presented in a male or
gender neutral way.
There are several classical Qigong systems created by women masters for
women recently revealed. A portion of the practice is regular Qigong for
overall health, and specific exercises for gynecological and breast health
resulting in:
-
regular menstrual cycle
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peri-menopause without hot flashes, night sweats, and hormona adventures
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menopause energy rejuvenation for a juicy new you
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increase libido
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recovery from health challenges of the reproduction system includingbreast & ovarian cancer, and hysterectomies
Women's Qigong cultivates the unique female energy body, centered around the
reproductive system no matter where she is in her life cycle. Exercises bring more blood into
her lower abdomen
and breasts, open key meridians of vital energy supporting women’s
health,
and meditations cultivate the heart center of feminine inner alchemy.
According to the ancient classic texts on Nudan (women's inner
alchemy), the breasts and
heart area is the feminine energy center. It is interesting to
note the 2 major health
challenges facing women today in the US are heart disease and breast cancer;
Women's Qigong
is ancient remedy to this modern problem.
Examples of women's Qigong:
-
NUZI QIGONG a clinically proven system created by Dr. Liu Yafei, Medical Director of the Medical Qigong Clinic in Beidaihe, China which she based on the ancient Nudan (women's inner alchemy practice).
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TRIPLE BRACELETS ENCIRCLING the MOON exercise to slender the waist, spinal health, weight reduction, & stimulate lymphatic system.
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WILD GOOSE (Dayan Qigong) a 1600 year old practice of graceful movements introduced to the public in 1987 by 27th Generation female Grand Master, Madame Yang Mei-Jun.
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WHITE TIGRESS FEMALE CULTIVATION includes breast & ovarian self massage,techniques to improve libido, and specific meditations for women from the classical White Tigress practice.
All women benefit from Women's Qigong, for those who are already practicing yoga, tai chi, qigong, meditation, etc. Women looking to add the missing attention to the unique feminine inner alchemy. Those looking for a simple easy to learn mind body practice addressing women's health. Women recovering from serious illness wanting to live a long, healthy, juicy life!
Taught by Fay McGrew, MA, QTP (Medical Qigong), Certifed Qigong Teacher.
Website www.yinqigong.com or email info@qiqongwithfaymcgrew.com
