With regal beauty and calm power, white cranes move gracefully throughout river wetlands and grassy marshes. If you’ve ever observed one in nature, you know that they’re one of those majestic creatures that easily inspire the minds of humans. As such, it’s not surprising that Taoist masters have long sought to harness the unique gifts that white cranes offer. One of these is the ability to increase spine flexibility.
While humans may never grow wings, we can still learn how to cultivate the grace, flexibility, and flow that these creatures embody. Through ancient Qi Gong practices, we can channel these qualities into all aspects of our lives.
What Is White Crane Qi Gong?
White Crane Qi Gong is a powerful Qi Gong style developed by Taoist masters in ancient China. Like other animal sets in Qi Gong, White Crane came about by observing these creatures in their natural environment.
When Shaolin monks looked deeply at the white crane, they saw that the creature embodies the qualities of balance, grace, and flow. The white crane is quiet yet confident. Much of the time, it stands silently in shallow water, often resting on one leg. At other times, it spreads its powerful wings and takes flight with majestic beauty.
Inspired by the white crane’s unique qualities, Taoist practitioners started mirroring the creature’s movements. Over time, they discovered practices for cultivating the white crane’s energy, which they then distilled into a set of exercises that became known as White Crane Qi Gong.
White Crane Qi Gong focuses on circulating Qi throughout the body’s primary energy channels. Like some other forms of Qi Gong, there are both Hard and Soft styles of White Crane Qi Gong. Although they’re based on similar principles, each is oriented around a different intention.
White Crane “Hard” Qi Gong
White Crane Hard Qi Gong is a martial practice that strengthens the muscles and tendons in various parts of the body. In ancient times, it was often used for combat training and self-defense by Shaolin monks.
Many Hard exercises focus on cultivating energy (Qi) in the legs and arms. Although the Qi naturally moves inward and nourishes the internal organs, it is primarily a practice for external power.
White Crane “Soft” Qi Gong
White Crane Soft Qi Gong focuses more on cultivating internal power. Many of the exercises in Soft White Crane use slow, flowing movements to move energy throughout all parts of the body. One of the most important energy channels in White Crane is the Microcosmic Orbit.
The Microcosmic Orbit is a circular pathway of energy that runs from the lower abdomen up the back of the spine to the head, and then down the front of the body until it returns to the lower abdomen. As energy circles through the Microcosmic Orbit, it flows between three important energy centers, which we call the Three Treasures.
Using White Crane Qi Gong to Increase Spine Flexibility
Because the back is an important part of the Microcosmic Orbit, many White Crane exercises focus on cultivating flexibility and strength within the spine.
Unlike traditional forms of exercise, White Crane Qi Gong blends the qualities of movement and relaxation. Instead of seeking to ‘accomplish’ something, White Crane practitioners experience the greatest nourishment through effortless flow. Slow, graceful movements such as Spinal Waves lead to a feeling of inner peace, a sense of lightness, and increased spine flexibility.
For this reason, White Crane Qi Gong is a wonderful practice for anyone who wants to experience greater suppleness and physical mobility. Also, those who suffer from back pain may experience relief through White Crane exercises.
If you’re interested in learning more about White Crane Qi Gong, be sure to check out the White Crane Qi Gong Workshop.
White Crane Qi Gong Workshop
On December 12th, 2021 at 1:00 pm Pacific Time, Lee Holden is leading a special online workshop called White Crane Qi Gong Workshop.
In this workshop, Lee will teach the entire White Crane Qi Gong form to help students cultivate grace, power, and flow throughout mind, body, and spirit. These are the same practices that Shaolin monks and Taoist practitioners learned by observing the white crane in nature. Lee said he’ll likely teach a blend of both Hard and Soft styles, but mostly the Soft style.
The workshop is a 3.5-hour live event from 1 – 4:30 PM Pacific Time. Because it’s an online workshop, you can enjoy Lee’s teaching from the comfort of your own home. If the time doesn’t work for you, you’ll receive a replay you can access for life.
Click this link to learn more about how White Crane Qi Gong can help improve the health of your spine in only 30 minutes a day.