Zhineng (Chilel) Qigong: Overview and Foundation Methods

Master teacher Hou Hee Chan offers a rare insight into the concepts and methods of Zhineng Qigong--introduced to the West as Chilel Qigong by Hou Hee Chan and his brother, Luke Chan, who have both published works on Zhineng Qigong. This book is unique in that it offers exceptional and in-depth explanations of the basic practices of Zhineng Qigong, originally written in Chinese by Dr. Pang Ming, whose extensive writings include a nine-book series on Zhineng Qigong. As Master Chan has observed, no one can translate Dr. Pang’s books as they are written; all one can do is interpret them as closely to the original as possible. Combining his understanding of both the theories and methods of Qigong, Master Chan gives us an opportunity to explore the depths of this ancient Chinese tradition and brings Qigong into the 21st century with his interpretations of these methods for a healthy body and a relaxed, clear mind. Relieve the stress of modern life by taking a journey into the practices of Zhineng Qigong! Master Chan’s translation of the foundation methods of Zhineng (Chilel) Qigong offers a balanced and informed approach that will appeal to a wide audience of readers. Other books on Qigong are often intended for the specialist with a focus on the martial arts aspects of related practices, but this book is written to introduce the general public to the art of Qigong and to a specific type of Qigong aimed at creating a healthy and vital lifestyle. The standard spelling of Chinese terms (Pinyin) is used for ease in reading and pronouncing Chinese throughout the book. Both Chinese characters and Pinyin are used for technical terms in the main text or when the terms first appear. There is also a helpful glossary for use in finding and understanding terms. This masterful work is divided into three sections: a succinct overview of Zhineng Qigong; an in-depth explanation of the foundation methods of this practice; and a much needed translator’s perspective that interprets and illuminates the practice methods based on Master Chan’s years of personal experience as a teacher in the U.S. and abroad, and his study in China. Qigong is both an ancient and an evolving art, and this book captures the essence of these qualities through Master Chan's interpretations that help deepen our understanding of this dynamic art form.

In the 1990s, Hou Hee Chan Laoshi and his brother Luke Chan were among the first teachers to officially introduce Zhineng Qigong, a medical Qigong famous in China for healing thousands with "incurable" diseases, to students in the United States. They named their organization Chilel (meaning Qi Therapy) Qigong with the approval of Dr. Pang Ming, founder and grandmaster of Zhineng Qigong. Drawing from over 40 years of training and practice in Taiji and Qigong and his background as an engineer, the hallmark of Chan Laoshi's teaching is his ability to explain to his students HOW and WHY a movement is performed in terms that they are able to understand. Chan Laoshi's philosophy is that Qigong is not something that is mysterious. He defines Qigong as "physical therapy or exercise with mindfulness." Qigong is what we practice once we become aware of our body and aware of how we move our body. To complement the physical forms of Qigong, he teamed up with Eva Lew, M.D. who provides insights into the mental and emotional parts of Qigong practice as well as the relationship of Qigong to Western Medicine. Their collaboration resulted in the release of "Medicine Begins with Me: a Holistic Approach to Healthcare." This program is designed to train healthcare providers as well as the general public in effective, easy to learn Qigong techniques.