Zhan Zhuang class – 2025.03.20

Zhan Zhuang Qigong – movement within stillness

This Zhan Zhuang Qigong lesson has optional captions (English, French & Spanish).

These recordings are of the Zhan Zhuang Qigong classes. The lessons are set out in the form of a course. They begin with the basics, the physical stance, breathing, etc. before focusing on the Internal movement of the Qi. It is recommended that, like with so many other things, you start at the beginning.

Zhan Zhuang is a system of Passive Qigong that is known by many names. Among these are: Standing as a Column, Standing on a stake, Standing Qigong, Standing Like a Tree and Post standing.

Practice is in a fixed stance using the Yi to guide the Qi so that any movement sensed is the movement of the Qi.

This method was first practiced millennia ago by Taoists who, having experienced Qi during Active Qigong, wanted to explore and investigate at a deeper level.

In this Zhan Zhuang Lesson

Using the Back stance

• Daoyin preparation.
• Arm loosening: Shoulder Nest and Upper Back Kua.
• Posture 4: “Standing in a Stream”. Creating buoyancy. Maintaining awareness.
• Posture 1: “Wuji”. Arm Yang, awareness of flow.
• The Billowing Sail: Back stance. Posture, sinking and rooting.
• Posture 2: “Holding a Cloud”. Arm Yin. Choice of stance, alignment and posture.
• Posture 3: “Big Belly”. Awareness of Du Mai.

 

There is a misconception of Zhan Zhuang that you are standing still and doing nothing. Try that and your head will rapidly fill with random thoughts. Then, as you try to ignore these thoughts are you still doing nothing? No, you are doing something……… but it is the wrong something. You are not here and now, your focus and attention is split and you are fighting a losing battle with those random thoughts.

Irritability, tension and frustration will settle in. That will lead to tension in the muscles and stagnation in the Qi. Your stance will suffer and you will not progress.

To the external observer you are standing still. Internally, however, there is movement and you need to have awareness of it.