Guide to Qigong Bouncing

Each and every Qigong school has its own way of doing things, its own practices, preparations and teachings. One such practice is known as “Qigong Bouncing”, which is something that makes a regular appearance at the Spring Forest Qigong Center, performed during retreats and seminars, and taught in online courses. If you have been lucky enough to attend one of these retreats then there is a good chance that you have performed this beneficial practice already. If not, then we’ll show you how you can use bouncing to improve your daily practice and to get your body moving and your mind stimulated.

How to Practice Qigong Bouncing

Bouncing serves as a warm-up exercise prior to sessions during retreats. It’s also a common practice at the beginning of guild meetings and practice groups. To perform this exercise, follow these simple steps:

1. Raise your arms in the air.
2. Slightly bend your knees.
3. Begin to jump, but your feet should not leave the ground.
4. Focus on “bouncing” on your heels, finding a gentle and steady rhythm that is easy on your joints.

Bouncing should be an easy practice suitable for almost everyone. However, if you are unable to stand or jump, there’s an alternative, which can be equally beneficial. As Master Lin explains, you only need to “Visualize yourself jumping. Take 30 seconds and, in your mind’s eye, truly see yourself jumping.”

Why Bounce

There are several instances when bouncing can be beneficial. What’s wonderful about this practice is that it’s short and simple, making it easy to incorporate into any other practice or your daily routine. The Spring Forest Qigong Centre recommends bouncing at the following times:

1. Before a meditation or exercise session.
2. Prior to a healing session, such as those taught in the Qi-ssage Healing program.
3. Upon waking in the morning to invigorate your body.
4. As a means to break up periods of inactivity, ensuring your blood and energy keep flowing.
5. Before going for a walk, run, or gym session.

No matter when you choose to practice bouncing, its benefits remain consistent. This practice aims to stimulate your body, helping you to loosen up and ensuring the free flow of your blood and energy. Think of it as a gentle warm-up before a workout, transitioning you from a state of inactivity to activity, making you more limber, agile, and ready. Skipping this step could leave you ill-prepared for your exercises, resulting in fewer benefits than you would gain with a pre-bounce warm-up.

Qigong Master Chunyi Lin’s Perspective

Master Lin, the creator of this practice, has shared insights about bouncing. As one of the most respected Qigong masters globally, his endorsement carries weight. He encourages keeping the legs active and states, “You want to keep your legs as active as you can… Bouncing, like we do in our classes, is very good for you.”

Master Lin’s support is often all that’s needed to convince many students of the practice’s efficacy. After all, if it works for one of the world’s leading Qigong masters, it can certainly work for anyone.

The true testament to bouncing’s worthiness lies in your experience. Try it for yourself, whether as a prelude to a session or to infuse more activity into your day. Once you witness its benefits firsthand and realize how it can improve your overall health, you’ll find all the reasons you need to make bouncing a part of your routine.