小周天 “Xiao Zhou Tian”

A Traditional Chinese Medicinal Qi Cultivation Method for Health and Longevity, offered Remotely via Zoom – Learn ancient Chinese health secrets in the comfort of your home.

In Ancient Chinese Medicine, the cultivation and flow of Qi (energy) in the body is central to the health of an individual. There is a simple, fast and effective method for awakening and circulating Qi in the body that has gained widespread popularity in mainland China. Commonly known as Small Universe Circulation or Microcosmic Orbit, this ancient method was popularized by modern Chinese doctors as an effective and easy to learn method to stimulate the flow of Qi in the body.

By using a series of breathing techniques, light qigong movements, intention and internal energy work, one can learn to stimulate the flow of Qi and circulate it through the primary energy channels of the body, the Ren and Du meridians (also known as the Functional and Governor channels, respectively). This qigong exercise is simple to learn and in just 9 days of intensive training, people are able to rapidly make their Qi move along this route, down the front channel and up the back channel (spine). In the Small Universe Circulation, the Qi constantly circulates through the body, clearing energetic blockages and stagnation, instilling the practitioner with increased energy and well-being and activating their body’s innate healing capabilities. This can lead to vast improvements of long-standing weaknesses such as chronic fatigue and loss of appetite, poor digestion, insomnia, fatigue, and low immunity.

If you have chronic diseases, have taken medication for a long time and are seeking outside medical treatments that are yielding unsatisfactory results, learning to clear the Ren and Du meridians can help restore your body’s vitality.

This dynamic set of exercises begins with rapid and simple movement exercises, focusing of the mind and regulation of breathing. The process is easy and can be done by anyone from 18 to 80 years of age. Cultivating true Qi and clearing the channels promotes cellular metabolism and improves circulation, enhances immune levels, and strengthens the innate abilities of the body and mind, leading to several natural therapeutic effects, from disease prevention to intellectual enhancement.

In order to help more people learn and practice the Small Universe Circulation Qigong Method of traditional Chinese medicine remotely, the Los Angeles Tai Ch & Qigong Holistic Center is offering online intensive short-term training courses in addition to regular classes. Students will practice from the comfort of home and connect under the same sky, discovering and fostering resonance between the small universe within and the vast universe outside, clearing blockages and encouraging optimal health.

Details of the online class are as follows.

1. Date: The first 3 days of free Zoom training will take place Friday-Sunday, TBD, 2024.
2. Time: Class will be held Friday from 8am-9am, Saturday from 10-11am and 6-7pm, and on Sunday from 10am-11:30am and 6pm-7:30p. Students may participate for the whole class or a portion, depending on their comfort level. After this free program, students should continue practicing daily and those who wish to continue the program and complete Step 3 (detailed below) must register and pay the course fees for the remaining 6 days (2 additional weekends tbd) 
3. Preparation: Before practicing, one should relax and stay away from negative emotions and worries. It is recommended to practice the posture in a normal sitting position conducive to natural relaxation. Please prepare a suitable chair. After sitting down, the legs can be 90 degrees. Students should find a quiet and solitary area or room to focus and avoid interruptions. Roomy, comfortable, natural fiber clothes are recommended. Avoid being overly-full or hungry before practice.
4. The teacher will explain the three-step method for compelling the Qi to pass through the spine, beginning with breathe work and concentration.
   • The first step: relax, concentrate, and harmonize the body (this takes about one day) 
   • The second step: attract, return to Dan tien (energy center), and gather Qi (takes about two days). 
   • The third step: break through the ridge (takes about 6 days) 
5. The first two steps will be taught for free (that is, you may participate in the practice for free during the first three days). The third step is the process of self-therapy, moving one’s own energy, which needs to be carried out under the guidance and supervision of the teacher in order to avoid deviations. Once students feel comfortable with the first two steps, they may register to continue and complete the Small Universe Circulation Qigong Method. 
6. While intensive courses in China run for 8 hours a day, 9 days straight, this course aims to be more flexible for modern life. Students are encouraged to practice on their own as often as possible. Self-discipline is key for effective results.
7. Students who are still not confident enough to continue the training can return and participate in the next free course for the first three days of the next period. Students are encouraged to take notes on their own auspicious physical and mental feelings during and after practice. The teacher will be available to answer any questions that may arise.
8. The teaching content includes the philosophical and medical background of the Xiao Zhou Tian/Small Universe Circulation and related knowledge ; answering questions and clarifying the exercises one-on-one according to the physical condition of the students, and promising to achieve the effects of connecting the Du and Ren channels. A recording of the course will be made available for review after completion.
9. Fees: The first 3 days of class are free. Tuition for the entire 9 day Zoom class is $300, due after the 3rd class. If a student has not successfully achieved the Small Universe Circulation after the final class, then they may retake the program free of charge. 
10. In order to create the best environment during the 9-day intensive practice, we recommend the following:
    • Get plenty of sleep, light diet, moderate work. Maintain a calm disposition and reduce stress as much as possible. Temporarily abstain from sexual activity, let go of troubles, and devote yourself wholeheartedly. People with mental illness or epilepsy are requested to obtain their doctor’s approval before participating.

About the Instructor: Qichen Guo was born and raised near Chenjiagou, the birthplace of Taijiquan (Tai chi), and has practiced Tai chi & Qigong for more than 50 years. He has repeatedly won gold medals in national and international Wushu tournaments in China and the United States. In 1998 he traveled to the famous Wudang Mountain to learn Taoist Qigong. Mr. Guo currently teaches Tai chi & Qigong both for health and martial applications in Los Angeles. His teaching method emphasizes the fundamental principles and correct body mechanics for Tai chi & Qigong. He continues to search for scientific and logical explanations for principles and for ways to train more efficiently so that practitioners can shorten the time needed to attain a level of competence. Up to now, he has taught thousands of students in the US. His full understanding of the theory of Tai chi & Qigong, incorporation of theory and techniques, and methodology of teaching have been well received by many.