Water and Fire Method Qigong

While both Water and Fire methods come from the same source knowledge, the interpretations of what energetic cultivation is and how it should be practiced are typically quite different. Not only are there significant differences in the theories and practice of Water and Fire methods but also within each of these categories, the myriad of styles developed also tend to have their own individual interpretations of yogic and alchemical theory.

The virtually endless source for such theory comes not only from great and well-known teachers such as Laozi (Lao-Tzu) and Buddha but also the many other masters, teachers, scholars, yogis, etc who have shared their thoughts and practice with humanity.

It is such with all forms of yogic practice and indeed most any topic one can think of. Many opinions espoused by many people. As I see it, there are many paths heading towards the same destination. The Qigong path that works best for me is a modern Water method that supports both Daoist and Buddhist purification paradigms.

Generally speaking, Fire methods, as I see it, are more active in their pursuit of energetic cultivation while Water methods are passive. Water methods are passive because they rely upon the natural inertia of energy moving towards its most refined state without using physical or mental force to aid the progression.

Since the primary focus of my Qigong practice is now health, longevity, peace and happiness I espouse the use of Water Methods. I have practiced Fire methods in all categories of Qigong for many years and I still believe they have their place. However, if one is searching for health, happiness and a sense of well-being, I believe, Water Methods are the most simple and effective.

Following the classic statement, “When the Qi descends, the 10,000 diseases disappear (Attrib.: Dr Zhu Dan Xi 1380AD),” Water Method Qigong uses the natural descending flow of Qi to liberate the body's energy and tissues from tension, stress, stagnation and disease.

The clearing effect of descending flow naturally leads to unwinding and expansion. The expansion creates space and a physical sense of lightness. This lightness eventually leads to a shining or radiant effect that not only heals the mind, body and spirit but also leads to a deep sense of universal connection, peace and joy.

In Western terms it can be said that the practice of Water methods move the physical body from the Stress Response to the Relaxation Response. The Relaxation Response encourages mental and emotional health and also allows the immune system to function properly to better fight disease.

WARNING: Water Methods can be challenging. The release of stagnant disease energy from the body while in a state of cognitive detachment leads to a natural healing response in the body. While the sensations of natural healing are normal and healthy they can be intense and therefore challenging for the modern, societal trained, over-active and overly-empowered discriminating mind. It takes allowing, perseverance and time to release the toxic energies stored within.

The combination of a relaxed body and a relaxed mind allows the all-knowing-mind, spirit or true-self to return to the body thereby bringing about integration and harmonization of the mind, body and spirit. Correctly practiced, Water Method Qigong leads to healing on many deep and profound levels.

In 2009 my interest in Water Methods lead me to Master Yap Soon Yeong and his system of Healing Qigong called Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong (CFQ). While some may well call this a water method, I should also point out that Master Yap makes it very clear that CFQ allows the practitioner to ultimately tap into the source energy of emptiness or void. Thus CFQ cannot be classified in Yin/Yang or Water/Fire terms as emptiness/void comes before the separation of Yin and Yang, the 5 Elements and the myriad of things.

For more information please go to: Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong