HEALTH & BEAUTY
KUNG-FU AT KARUNA
Qigong retreat with Master Iain Armstrong This last full-moon, Kung Fu Master Iain Armstrong brought his knowledge and experience to host a residential Tong Ling Qigong at the Karuna Retreat Centre nestled on the Southern face of the Picota Mountain, Monchique. The weekend course was attended by an international group of 16 participants of all ages who were joined by several Monchique residents. WHAT IS QIGONG? Qigong, also known as Chi Kung, Chi, meaning energy, breath, air or gas and Kung, the work of practice, is the ancient Chinese practice of cultivating the energy of breath in the body. It complements traditional Chinese medicine and is at the core of Chinese martial arts, particularly, Kung Fu. ELEVEN EXERCISES FOR LIFELONG HEALTH At 6am, the group gathered for an introduction to the Tong Ling system of Qigong, “Clearing diseased chi from your body, enhancing smooth flow of blood and positive chi”. They learned about the body’s vessels and meridians, the importance of air quality and the Tan Tiens, energy reservoirs that correspond to Chakras in the Indian tradition. Overlooking the foothills, practical training began with whole body and abdominal breathing, the first exercise of the sequence. For each of the 11 exercises, Master Iain gave a demonstration and talked through breathing, benefits and energy movement, giving every participant personalised input on how to improve. Seven auspicious repetitions and several breaths later, previously clueless students learnt the 15 to 45-minute-long anti-ageing practice to maintain health and prevent disease for life, in one morning. The groups favourite, Circulating the Big Universe, is a movement-rich, full-body stretch known for energising the mind and relaxing neglected parts of the body.
instrumental in developing the “calm and confident non-confrontational posture required in many situations”. Stressed at work or in class? Qigong practices such as stimulating the meridians with deep breathing or with a face massage can be easily adopted. When angry or anxious, by directing one’s chi down, one can reverse “hot headed” and “fiery” responses. Additionally, the five step Shuang Yang routine and walking meditation are two tension-based relaxation practices to complete ones’ mental, physical and spiritual toolkit. A (NEW) WAY OF LIFE For those who know Karuna, it is remarkable how it has risen from the ashes of the August 2018 fire. Along with freshly cooked vegan food prepared by Ana, Nuno and Michael, participants tasted a selection of Thai and Chinese teas and received an autographed book, “Get Your Health Back FAST with Chinese Chi Kung”. Everyone was encouraged to practice every day, remembering, in Chinese compromise-friendly fashion, that “done is better than perfect”. IS THERE MORE TO LEARN? With a last cup of immortality tea Jiaogulan, Master Iain graced the group with a demonstration of the Sun Frost White Crane Soft & Gentle Art (internal kung fu). When performed to perfection, this impressive 66 move sequence, reflects mastery of a way of life. The Thai-based Master is looking at bringing the martial practice to the Algarve’s mountains. Monchique may have a Kung Fu Training Camp in the near future. From the October 12-19, Master Iain will be returning to Karuna to present a weeklong Kung Fu course.
+INFO: www.chikungretreat.org FULL MOON CHI KUNG At 11.15pm under a brilliant moon, students gathered in silence to repeat the sequence learned by day, followed by a solo meditation in Karuna's gardens. Participants recounted the surreal experience of feeling the effect of the moon on their energy levels, emotions and behaviour, putting Master Iain’s invitation to “Go beyond language, go beyond thought," into perspective. BENEFITS Since body language affects perceptions of confidence significantly more than tone and language, the practice of Qigong can be
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