Yi translates as mind and Chuan as fist; therefor as you practice these exercises you are
creating a “mind fist” This is the mental focus we cultivate to direct Qi and manifest goals.
There is an ancient Qigong proverb stating that “Where the mind goes, the Qi will follow” – and
it is precisely at the root of the Yi-Chuan walking and standing exercises. The ultimate goal of
this particular Qigong practice is to concentrate our mind’s intent in order to create balance.
Thus the practice of Yi-Chuan exercise creates physical/energetic strength and stability through
honing the intention of your mind - commonly known as “mind intent”.
In practical life terms: Yi-Chuan fosters the ability to:
respond naturally to whatever life might throw your way.
concentrate the spirit and stabilize the mind
have greater awareness, leading to more self-healing power and improved behavior with
self and others
stimulate, develop and brings forth natural instinctive ability
maximize health and longevity
During Qigong practice don’t push yourself in anyway. Qi behaves like water, it can’t be pushed
- but it can be led. If you push Qi it becomes flooded into the wrong pathways. When Qi is led
from a gently, patient mind intent it flows smoothly and without stagnation
How to “Stand Like a Tree”:
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your hands an inch above your
eyebrows with palms downward. Arms in an arc, fingertips facing each other,
with relaxed elbows. Look out into the distance and pick a spot to focus on, but at
the same time concentrate on yourself. Breathe in and expand your belly,
breathe out and contract your belly. Expand your entire body on your inhalation
and contract your body on exhalation – expanding and contracting with each
slow, rhythmical, natural deep breath. Repeat for 5-20 minutes
As you continue to practice this exercise you will slowly begin to integrate your:
mind with your body
Yi with your Qi
mind and your energy
When your Yi is strong, your Qi will be strong. The first sign of a strong mind is the feeling of
inner calm. You will begin to see things more clearly and not get easily distracted. You will
experience a tremendous amount of focus and concentration not only during your practice of
“Standing Like a Tree” but also in daily life.
By learning first to use the mind, the body becomes stronger, leading to an increased ability to
handle daily life challenges, stress, aggression or injury. This helps you to find the appropriate
response that is in harmony with yourself and your surroundings. You build a life in which action
stems from inaction and stillness is the base of each movement. Your actions will be done from
a turtle’s place of deep calm and balance.
Shoshanna Katzman, L.Ac., M.S. is an acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist and director of Red
Bank Acupuncture & Wellness Center in Shrewsbury, NJ for over thirty years. She is author
of Qigong for Staying Young: A Simple 20-Minute Workout to Cultivate Your Vital Energy
(visit www.qigong4.us) and co-author of Feeling Light: The Holistic Solution to Permanent
Weight Loss and Wellness. Shoshanna has taught tai chi and qigong for over 45 years and
is a 6 th generation lineage holder of the Guang Ping Yang Style Tai Chi Form. She is
preparing to release a Tai Chi Tutorial soon and is presently offering qigong and tai chi
classes via Zoom and tai chi classes outdoors weather permitting.
For more information call 732-758-1800 or send an email to info@healing4u.com.