Civilizations throughout history have revered animals’ powerful gifts, some traditions have sought to harness their positive qualities through intentional practices. One of these practices originated in ancient China and is known as Five Animal Frolics Qi Gong.

Learn seven recommendations to help you cultivate the ideal Qi Gong practice. All of these recommendations come from master Qi Gong teacher, Lee Holden. By trying out these tips, you’ll be able to discover what works best for you, so you can fully enjoy your Qi Gong experience.

In Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, the forces of nature directly impact our energetic state. Emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors are all consciously and subconsciously influenced by the seasonal changes happening all around you. And if you pay close attention, you can harness these transitions to cultivate the gifts the seasons offer.

Chinese medicine and Qi Gong offer simple yet effective practices to naturally improve your eyesight and overall eye health. These practices are a great way to quickly refresh your eyes and improve your vision. Discover a six-minute routine designed to naturally increase energy circulation to your eyes, helping you to see the world with greater clarity and crispness.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we decided to talk about three important keys to help you cultivate more depth and connection within your romantic partnership. All three of these are based on the principles and philosophy of Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong.

By developing unique exercises, ancient Taoist practitioners discovered how to use your body’s natural sexual energy to promote both sexual vitality and longevity at the same time. When you do these practices, you not only add years to your life, but life to your years.

Learn practical tips for sustaining your New Year’s intentions throughout the entire year, not just during the initial novelty period that wears off by February. All of these tips are based on the principles and practice of Qi Gong.

Breathwork practices allow you to let go of stress and tension so you can experience more energy and vitality in everyday life. In this blog, you’ll learn a brief yet powerful breathing exercise designed to help boost your vitality and release stress.

Use the principles and practice of Qi Gong to relax your body and mind. This will allow you to let go of tension and tightness, and experience a deep sense of peace and tranquility throughout your entire being.

Discover how Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong can help you understand loneliness on a deeper level. Learn how to use simple Qi Gong principles to transform feelings of loneliness and isolation into connection and inner peace.

Discover how to use the principles of Qi Gong to set clear intentions that you follow through with. This ten-minute routine is designed to help you integrate the intention-setting power that Qi Gong offers.

The Qi Gong Winter Routine gives you the opportunity to find harmony within yourself and connect to your deepest truths.

Learn about the qualities that winter and the Water Element offer. Discover three simple yet powerful ways to help cultivate the Water Element this winter season.

Learn three practical Qi Gong tips for maintaining health and vitality while traveling plus a simple, five-minute airport routine designed for long flights or car rides.

Regardless of the holiday challenges you may face, the principles of Qi Gong can help you embrace the season with greater harmony and peace.

Learn three acupressure points that can help improve your digestion with the underlying principles of acupressure.

Three simple yet powerful Qi Gong exercises that can improve your physical balance and help you feel more confident and safe.

Qi Gong is more enjoyable with others. We’ll share three great ways to build community around Qi Gong. By implementing these tips, you can cultivate meaningful connections with like-minded people.

The best way to maintain healthy joints is to engage in a variety of movements that keep your energy flowing and stretch your tissues. Fortunately, there are many wonderful Qi Gong practices that focus on cultivating fluidity and flexibility throughout your entire body. This article offers three Qi Gong exercises to help you cultivate agility and longevity.

Do you crave a quick energy boost but don’t want the unpleasant side effects of caffeine? Acupressure is a simple, powerful way to stimulate key meridian pathways for a boost in energy, alertness, and mood.

Do you ever feel that there’s something holding you back? Maybe, it’s a deep seated fear that discourages you from pursuing your dreams. Or, perhaps it’s a limiting belief about your abilities or self worth that diminishes your confidence. Whatever internal obstacles you might be facing, you’re not

Your Metal Element is responsible for letting go of old energy, boosting your immune system, and helping you feel clear and focused. With so many precious gifts, it’s essential to cultivate strong and vital Metal energy within yourself. There are many different ways to boost your Metal Element, but

Do you ever feel that something isn’t quite right in your body, but you just can’t put your finger on it? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Qi Gong, it could indicate that one or more of your Five Elements are out of balance. In TCM, five distinct elements compose all aspects of wh

Have you ever felt unclear about your path in life or even how you should show up in the world? If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. In fact, just about every human on earth struggles at one point or another when it comes to feeling fully connected and embodied in self. In this blog, you’ll

What if you could “plug in” to an immediate source of energy? Similar to how you plug your cell phone into a power outlet at home? Well, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Qi Gong, you have that same ability within yourself. In this blog, we’ll show you how. TCM and Qi Gong recogniz

Every practitioner loves how Qi Gong makes them feel in the present moment, but what are the long-term benefits of the ancient practice? Like a delicious bowl of vegetable soup, Qi Gong rewards you both now and in the future. In the moment, you feel calm, centered, and energized. In the long term, t

Work can be extremely depleting and exhausting. Long hours in front of the computer can lead to postural misalignment or mental exhaustion. For care professionals such as therapists, work can be extremely emotionally draining. And laborers can experience physical depletion from using their bodies fo

Have you ever noticed that you feel different when the moon is full? Perhaps you have a slightly shifted perspective, or you just feel that “something is in the air.” If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. In Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, the moon’s monthly cycle corresponds to different ener

Do you ever sense that there’s more happening around you than you can see or hear? Well, you’re right. Although your five senses are incredibly powerful, they’re unable to perceive the more subtle qualities of the world you live in. According to Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, an invisible field of en

When your heart is at peace, everything in life just feels better. If your heart energy falls out of balance, on the other hand, it can negatively affect all aspects of your well-being. In modern life, there are many elements that can negatively impact your heart energy. Stress, anxiety, and oversti

Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to reduce your risk of injuries or increase your longevity? Well, in ancient China, Shaolin monks were asking the same exact questions. In the twenty-first century, most exercise routines focus on building muscular or cardiovascular fitness. While those are im

Have you ever stepped into a forest and immediately experienced peace and tranquility? If you’re like many people, the energy of trees infuses you with an unmistakable feeling that resonates to the core of your being. In Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, trees hold profound gifts that you can harness wi

Do your hands or feet ever feel cold, even when the rest of your body is warm? In some cases, cold hands and feet can be a sign that your Qi isn’t flowing properly throughout your body. Fortunately, there’s often a natural way to overcome excessive coldness. Gloves and thick socks can help you feel

Have you ever discovered a practice that changed your life? Perhaps it was a technique that alleviated physical pain and allowed you to enjoy greater physical mobility. Or, maybe it was a practice that empowered you to release stress and return to your center when things get difficult. The Tao Yin f

You may have heard of Lao Tzu as the insightful author of the ancient Chinese text, the Tao Te Ching, but who exactly was this esteemed character? Despite the profound wisdom and influence of the Tao Te Ching, little is known about its revered author. Did he even exist? Was he even a he? There are m

Have you ever discovered an important life lesson that forever changed how you live? Perhaps, the lesson was about relationships, your health, or what you value in the world. There are many different ways that such lessons can come to you, and one of these is through reading. The Tao Te Ching is an

The Summer Solstice is connected to the Fire Element, which means that right now is the perfect opportunity to harness Fire’s gifts of love and joy in the Northern Hemisphere. After all, these qualities are essential for happiness and well-being. In this blog, you’ll learn about the Summer Solstice’

Have you ever noticed how stepping outside on a bright sunny day infuses you with energy? Even from millions of miles away, the sun’s rays have the power to transform your mind and nurture your entire being. In fact, life wouldn’t be possible on Earth without the sun’s constant nourishment and suppo

There are a lot of different styles of Qi Gong, so which one should you try? Even though there’s a lot of overlap between various forms of Qi Gong, each one offers unique benefits. By understanding the different styles, it’s easier to choose the classes and experiences that will nourish you the most

Just like your veins and arteries circulate blood, your meridians are crucial for channeling energy throughout your body. In fact, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your meridians are essential for life to exist. Despite their importance, your meridians aren’t something that can be seen or

Have you ever had a positive experience that shifted your perspective on life? Maybe reading a book opened your mind to opportunities you didn’t know were possible. Or perhaps it was an event that helped you discover your passions or gifts. Whatever it was, certain experiences can have a significant

One of the wonderful things about Qi Gong is that there are so many ways you can practice! This means it’s accessible to everyone, regardless of whether or not someone has physical limitations. Many of the Holden QiGong practices are standing practices, but we also realize that seated routines are m

Have you ever noticed that certain postures deplete your energy and cause pain? Even though you may not think about your posture all the time, how you position your body has a significant role in all aspects of your well-being. This is because your physical posture directly impacts the state of your

Have you ever had a poignant experience that changed the direction of your life? Maybe it was a course you took in college, an impactful conversation with a stranger, or a place you visited long ago. Whatever it was, such experiences can play a significant role in determining your path in life. In t

Have you ever imagined something and then watched it take shape in your life? Perhaps it was a career you wanted to pursue, a place you wanted to live, or an activity that’s important to you. When your imagination comes to life, it isn’t a mere coincidence. There’s a saying in Chinese Medicine and Q

Lee Holden is used to receiving inquiries from high-profile companies and individuals, but last December, he received one that tops them all by far! Until this week, we’ve been under contract not to disclose any details, but we just received confirmation that we can now share this exciting developme

What inspires a person to be kind to others? It’s easy to notice kindness when you see it, but it’s not always clear where it originates from. While each person is unique, according to Chinese Medicine, there are some common energetic qualities that contribute to kindness. In this blog, we discuss t

Western Medicine sends the wrong message about health and healing. It tells you that the healing process is completely beyond your control and that doctors and nurses hold the keys to your healthcare. According to the western medical establishment, all you can do is take pills, sign consent forms, a

When do you think is the best time of day to practice Qi Gong? The short answer is that it’s always a great time to practice. But if you don’t have time to practice multiple times during the day, you may find yourself trying to decide whether or not you should practice in the morning, afternoon, or

The similarities between Qi Gong and Reiki aren’t a mere coincidence. In fact, the two practices are even based on the same concept of Qi , and masters of each offer valuable wisdom to the other. Both share similar principles and are used to cultivate health and healing, among other powerful benefit

Have you ever heard the expression, “Too much of a good thing is a bad thing?” When you think about it, this truth is self-evident. Everyone knows that food is essential for life, but overeating can lead to significant health issues. Similarly, spending time by yourself can help you recharge, but if

Each Chinese new year brings new lessons, and this one invites you to welcome the wisdom of the Water Rabbit. If you pay attention, you can harness the year's powerful gifts of intuition, patience, diplomacy, and more. The Rabbit shows up every twelve years, but the Water Rabbit hasn't been present

Have you ever noticed how a tasty bowl of soup is extra satisfying on a cold winter day? Just as ice cream pairs perfectly with summer, other foods seem to appeal to your appetite more than others during the year’s chilliest months. According to Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, this isn’t a mere coinci

There’s an old adage in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Qi Gong: The mind leads the Qi. In other words, by focusing your mind in a skillful way, it’s possible to transform your internal energy state and experience elevated states of consciousness. And the best part is that you can do this all

Do you ever struggle being around other people or feel chilly when it isn’t that cold? Both of these could be symptoms that your Water Element is out of balance. Fortunately, there is a simple (and fun!) way that you can naturally regain harmony when Water imbalances occur. There are many different

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is in life? When you know what your mission is, you experience a profound sense of clarity and peace. For Qi Gong master Lee Holden, his path to becoming a renowned teacher started long before he stepped in front of the camera and inspired students around the

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by all the wellness practices out there? It seems everyone has an opinion about the best way to tend to your mental, emotional, and physical health needs. While there are some clear benefits to having options, it can also be difficult to decide what advice yo

The New Year is a time for setting goals and intentions for the coming year. Hopes, dreams, and ambitions are all celebrated as we prepare to start a new chapter in our lives. While it’s wonderful to look to the future, it’s also important to reflect on the past so we can integrate the lessons we’ve

Do you ever feel pain or discomfort in your joints? Or do you experience feelings of insecurity or a lack of confidence at times? Although these two challenges may seem unconnected, they’re both signs of a Water Element imbalance. Like each of the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine, the Water Element

Do you ever feel tired and depleted during the day? If so, you know it doesn’t feel good to lack the energy you need to accomplish your goals or feel your best. Fortunately, Lee (a Qi Gong master with 27+ years of experience) has some simple yet powerful recommendations to help you overcome fatigue

When Sean discovered the opportunity to become part of the Holden QiGong team, he knew it would be a great fit. Not only does Holden QiGong’s mission align with his personal values, but it also provides him with the opportunity to channel his unique gifts in a way that truly serves others. In fact,

Wouldn’t it be nice if turning up the heater and hiding under a blanket wasn’t the only way to stay warm during winter? After all, there once was a time when humans didn’t have all of the modern conveniences that allow us to avoid cold temperatures. In those times, many cultures focused on turning i

Have you ever noticed that difficult experiences often lead to a heightened sense of gratitude and appreciation? It may seem strange, but grief and gratitude share a strong relationship within you. By understanding this relationship, you can channel the energy of grief in a constructive and healthy

Have you ever noticed how a full, deep breath of air can calm your mind and relax your body? In fact, the way in which you breathe is so powerful that just a few minutes of breathing practice can completely shift your nervous system. This makes your breath an effective tool for all kinds of positive

Why do some activities make you feel better than others? According to TCM, one of the reasons is that certain fall activities help you find harmony with the seasons’ energy. When you’re able to channel the gifts of the natural world, all parts of your being are elevated. During fall, nature embodies

Have you ever experienced profound grief and sadness that caused you to shift your perspective on life? Although painful, processing grief is a natural part of being alive that everyone encounters at one point or another. Typically, you experience grief when you lose something dear to you, whether i

Do you ever experience pain in your ligaments, tendons, or joints? If you’re like most people, you’ve experienced at least one of these at some point in your life. Over time, the ‘wear and tear’ of daily living leads to aches and pains in different parts of the body. Not only does this feel uncomfor

Do you ever feel like maybe you’re overly perfectionistic or that you have difficulty adjusting to spontaneous plans? If so, it could indicate that your Metal Element might be out of balance. Like each of the Elements, the Metal Element offers its own unique gifts to help you thrive. When the Metal

Do you ever find it difficult to let go of old thought patterns or emotions? In Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, the Metal Element plays an essential role in helping you stay healthy and balanced. When the Metal Element is strong within you, you’re able to gracefully process life’s experiences and let

The autumnal equinox represents a unique balance in the natural world. In planetary science, it’s a point when the northern and southern hemispheres share the sun’s rays in nearly perfect harmony. This occurrence reflects a delicate balance between Yin and Yang energies in Chinese Medicine and Qi Go

Long before Lee Holden became a beloved Qi Gong teacher, his concept of Qi was little more than an intriguing sensation he encountered as a child. Even though he wasn’t able to fully make sense of his experiences, he could tell that there was a mysterious energy that lived within him. In one of our

Have you ever established a wellness practice, only to have it quickly fall by the wayside? Perhaps, life got “too busy,” and you found it hard to find time to practice. Or, maybe the exercises felt too strenuous or difficult, so you lost the motivation. And then there’s loneliness, which a lot of p

There’s almost nothing more important than getting enough rest and good sleep. Not only does resting help you recharge your energy levels, but it’s also essential for all aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health. Unfortunately, modern life doesn’t always encourage the most positive habits w

As one of the five branches of Chinese Medicine, nutrition plays a crucial role in your health and vitality. The food you eat greatly influences all aspects of your well-being, both physically as well as energetically. Therefore, it’s important to make wise choices when preparing your next meal. It

For Jenny Bertram, the art and nature of Qi Gong is a way of life that has been with her for over thirty years. For Jenny, the practice of Qi Gong is an expression of self that lies at the intersection of service, personal exploration, and connection to the natural world. So, when Holden Qi Gong dec

The Fire Element lives in each person. To a large extent, it impacts all aspects of your well-being from relationships, to your energy levels, to how much stress you experience. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the Fire Element to become unbalanced. Additionally, modern life doesn’t teach you ho

According to Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, each person has a unique blend of the Five Elements within them. This blend largely determines many aspects of who you are as an individual, including your personality. If you’ve ever taken one of Lee’s classes, you know that Qi Gong is an exploration of se

Most of us love the long days and sunny skies that summer brings! However, sometimes the season’s heat can feel a bit overwhelming. Therefore, it’s important to know how to stay cool when the temperature goes up. Air conditioning might be a good solution when you’re in your house, but who wants to s

When your body is strong and flexible, it’s easier to be active and self-reliant. However, many people encounter significant physical limitations at some point in their life, especially as they grow older and move less. Even though there are a million different kinds of exercise programs, most of th

We’re quickly approaching the season of summer, which means that the Fire Element is abundant in the world around us. It also means it’s the perfect time to channel the Fire Element’s gifts to experience more joy, happiness, and physical vitality. Each of the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine play a

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have celebrated the summer solstice. According to Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, the natural world holds immense wisdom that you can channel in your own life. When it comes to relationships, the summer solstice embodies the perfect energies to help yo

Humans have long been fascinated with the idea of harnessing the energy of precious metals to create powerful elixirs. Throughout history, people believed that if they could just create the right alchemy of minerals, they could experience spiritual clarity and everlasting life. Through great sacrifi

Having a clear vision for what you want to create in your life can bring you a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. Once you’ve established that vision, it’s important to follow through in order to turn your vision into action. Unfortunately, many people struggle when it comes to combining these two

Everyone has their own unique set of strengths and challenges. When it comes to treating health ailments, no two people are exactly alike. However, Qi Gong is a practice that can be applied to help a wide variety of different physical and mental health conditions. Students often ask Lee Holden how t

With striking beauty and alluring fragrance, flowers have long captivated the senses of humans. Throughout history, they’ve held a special place in countless cultures, often evoking elevated feelings of love, joy, and hope. Recognizing the potent energy of flowers, ancient Taoists sought to understa

When Lee Holden gets in front of the camera and prepares to teach, students see a skilled Qi Gong master. However, what they don’t always see are all the moving parts that support the process… the camera work, video editing, email copywriting, class moderating, customer support team, and numerous ot

As one of the most-watched movies of all time , Star Wars has inspired millions of people around the world with its revolutionary cinematography and captivating storyline. In the decades following its 1977 debut, the movie series continues to fascinate audiences of all ages, establishing itself as a

Western and Chinese medicine are both intended to improve patients’ health, yet they have vastly different approaches. If you walk into a TCM doctor’s office with a non-acute ailment, they might prescribe herbs, an acupressure “massage,” or Qi Gong exercises to do at home. On the other hand, if you

Morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. When you start your day focused and inspired, life feels richer and more enjoyable. Instead of feeling overwhelmed about everything you have to accomplish, you can step into the world with confidence and clarity. For many people, the best way to get

The Earth is our foundation for life. It is a home that provides us with plentiful resources to survive and flourish. While everyone understands the importance of oxygen, water, and food, there is yet another gift crucial to our wellbeing—the energetic wisdom that the Earth has to offer. Earth energ

Spring is the season for growth, inspiration, and renewed vision. In nature, these qualities are reflected in colorful meadows, luscious forests, and in the playful curiosity of newborn animals. As humans, we can channel this potent energy to fuel our creativity and inner vision for the future. In t

It was a rainy afternoon in Santa Cruz, California when Lee received the call. With his baby on one arm and holding a cup of Pu-Erh tea in the other, he answered his phone and was greeted by an unlikely caller: An Oscar Award Winning Hollywood producer. Having worked on movie sets in the past, Lee i

Like each of the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine, the Wood Element plays an important role in maintaining harmony and balance within nature. Since humans are a part of nature, there’s a lot we can learn about ourselves by understanding the wisdom of the Wood Element. This article explores the vari

Even though humans are a part of nature, we sometimes lose touch with the world around us. Instead of respecting and revering Earth’s beauty, our perceived separateness can cause us to engage in destructive behaviors that harm our planet’s precious resources. However, each of us has the opportunity

There’s a reason some places are better than others for recharging your body and mind. When you’re in the right space, it’s easier to let go of stress, find your center, and cultivate nourishing energy. So, it’s a good idea to pay attention to where you choose to practice Qi Gong. This article provi

Home is a sacred place. It’s where we go to rest, relax, and seek rejuvenation for our mind and body. For those of us who work from home, it’s also a place for creativity, collaboration, and focus. Given its importance, shouldn’t you seek to enliven your home? This blog offers four simple tips you c

Long before the development of Western medicine, people relied on their own innate healing potential to treat sickness and disease.In China, practices such as Qi Gong, acupressure, and self-massage played a crucial role in health and well-being. In the twenty-first century, a lot of people have forg

Lying awake at night isn’t fun. After a long day, your mind and body need rest, so it can be frustrating when you find yourself tossing and turning beneath the covers. Fortunately, Qi Gong can provide some helpful tools to help you improve your sleep at night. In this blog, we discuss the nature of

It’s the Chinese new year, which means that new energies are emerging within and around us. Today, February 1st, we turn the page in the Chinese calendar and prepare to welcome the year of the Water Tiger. Every twelve years, we get to experience the Tiger. However, it’s only every sixty years that

There are many reasons to practice Qi Gong, and one of them is to cultivate loving kindness. When we’re able to truly get in touch with these feelings, it becomes easier to experience gratitude and compassion for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world as a whole. In this blog, we’ll talk about the