Tapping Into Vitality: Master Chia & Qi Gong Bamboo Sticks
After years of exploring yoga and Indian philosophy, I finally had the chance to dive deep into Taoist practices with a master of Qi Gong and Taoist wisdom: Grand Master Mantak Chia. This training in London opened my eyes to a fresh approach to vitality and healing, blending what I love about yoga with the profound techniques of Qi Gong, a Chinese practice that shares many principles with yoga but approaches the cultivation of life force, or Qi (pronounced "chi"), in unique and impactful ways.
Highlights from My Week with Master Chia
The week was intense, but the wealth of insights was worth it. Each day focused on a different aspect of Qi Gong and Taoist practices, including Sacro-Cranium work and the Inner Smile Meditation. We ended each day with powerful evening lectures, and I was particularly inspired by Master Chia’s talk on "Tao Vitality for Healing & Immunity." Through his teachings, we learned about foundational Taoist practices designed to nurture body wisdom and sustain life force (Qi)—with practices that target specific areas of the body and mind.
Some highlights included:
Inner Smile Meditation: This simple but transformative meditation invites you to “smile” inwardly to each organ, releasing tension and cultivating warmth and gratitude for your own body.
Micro-Cosmic Orbit: A circulation of energy along a small internal pathway in the body, which helps keep the Qi flowing smoothly.
Six Healing Sounds: A fascinating technique that involves making certain sounds to help release stuck emotions from different organs.
Golden Elixir Qi Gong and Healing Love: Practices for cultivating energy in the lower belly (Tan Tien) and transforming sexual energy, an often-overlooked but potent source of life force.
Me and Master Chia
At 80 years old Master Chia is still travelling the globe teaching thousands of students and sharing the wisdom of qi gong and Inner Alchemy. It was a privilege to finally meet him and receive energy transmission as well as learn so much.
Taoist and Yogic Parallels
As someone who has trained extensively in Yin Yoga, I was excited to find deep parallels between Taoist practices and the Indian yogic philosophy I know well. Yin Yoga itself draws from both traditions, blending long-held postures with a focus on meridians—the energy channels in the body recognized by Taoists and yogis alike. Taoists speak of Qi, while in yoga, we speak of prana, but both traditions regard this life force as precious. Both philosophies emphasize conserving and wisely channeling this energy rather than letting it be depleted by stress, negative influences, or unhealthy habits.
Qi Gong Tapping: An Eye-Opening Practice
One of the standout techniques I learned was Qi Gong tapping with a Bamboo Hitter. This technique uses gentle yet rhythmic tapping to stimulate the meridian lines and unblock stagnant energy throughout the body. By hitting specific areas of the body with a Qi Gong Bamboo Hitter, you can release emotional blockages and stimulate the flow of Qi, which supports your overall health and well-being.
How to Use a Qi Gong Bamboo Hitter:
Start with Gentle Tapping: Begin by tapping lightly on areas like the arms, legs, and torso. You can start with one area and move through the body systematically, tapping each region several times.
Build Gradually: As you feel more comfortable, you can increase the strength of the tapping slightly. Master Chia advised paying particular attention to the back and shoulders, where stress often accumulates.
Focus on Energy Pathways: While tapping, try to visualize the energy flowing through each meridian channel, moving any stuck Qi to flow more freely.
Be Mindful of Breath and Intention: Just like in yoga, the mind plays a role. As you tap, breathe slowly and imagine stagnant energy leaving your body with each exhale.
When to Avoid Tapping
Although Qi Gong tapping is generally safe, there are some contraindications to keep in mind:
Avoid sensitive areas: Do not tap over the face, throat, or joints too aggressively.
Pregnancy and certain health conditions: Avoid using a bamboo hitter if you are pregnant, have cancer or have certain health issues like high blood pressure, acute injuries, or inflammatory conditions. Always consult with a qualified instructor or medical professional if you’re unsure.
If it feels uncomfortable: Listen to your body—if tapping feels too intense or painful, ease off and try a gentler approach.
Bringing Qi Gong Tapping Into Your Daily Routine
If you're curious to try Qi Gong tapping at home, a Qi Gong Bamboo Hitter can be a simple and effective addition to your routine. You can find quality bamboo hitters here for less than £6 (use my link, and I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you!). With regular practice, tapping can help you feel more balanced, energised, and connected to your body.
In Taoism, just as in yoga, energy flows where attention goes. So, why not give it a try and tap into your own life force? This simple practice could be the key to unlocking greater vitality, resilience, and joy.