Longevity QiGong Program

Shaolin monks understand how vital breathing and energy flow is and they practice this in their temples always. Each time they move, when they kick or punch, they are doing so in combination with their Qi. Shaolin monks are world renowned for their martial arts prowess, also for their advanced health and longevity due in large part to the Qi exercises known as Qigong.

The first part of the Qigong process is to learn to use your consciousness, breath, posture, and movement to affect the transmission of energy within your system. And energy and information are very close, almost synonymous. As you become more skilled in being able to move information around in your own system, speak to your own internal system, you can also then learn to start transmitting into another person.

A worthwhile longevity qigong program covers all the bases, when it comes to a daily self-hygiene practice. (Of course, you also need to pay attention to appropriate diet, your environment and other external factors for a complete health program.)
Some qigong teachers have emphasized one aspect of qigong over another, but I consider it unwise not to cover all the bases when the methods are there for you to access.
A good qigong longevity program will include cultivation of the following skills and habits:

Movement. Which should include tapping, shaking, pumping, coiling, twisting, squatting, stretching, flexing, joint rotations, walking, and spontaneous, playful dance-like releases. Movement will range from the very vigorous to the very tranquil.
Handwork. One of the distinguishing characteristics of qigong is the use of the hands, as off-the-body “magnets” to affect and redirect energy flow within and around the body. These self-carressive hand patterns complement the use of sensing and consciousness to cultivate stronger energy.
Breathwork. Qigong returns us to the innate breathing skills we possessed as small children, correcting the impact of stress-induced shallow breathing and other breath-related health challenges.
Posture. Qigong teaches skills for optimizing posture for “stillness” practices, both standing and sitting. These usually involve careful use of sensing and attention to cultivate energy while physically still.
Consciousness. Qigong cultivates and refines the skill of awareness and attention to both guide energy and attain deep meditative states.
Sensing. Cultivates the skill of “feeling” and affecting energy flow.

Find a good qigong teacher (or at least start studying available literature and DVDs) who can help you cultivate all of these skills. Develop a daily qigong program for yourself that addresses every aspect of your health—and you every chance of extending your life, while reducing the impact of the aging process.
A thorough qigong program will act to:

Cleanse you of toxins.
Elevate and balance hormone levels.
Accumulate, restore and maintain your energy.
Build a physically strong, limber, vibrant and resilient body.
Help you rest and recuperate, to avoid unnecessary depletion.
Protect you better from disease, whether it be an internal or external threat.
Restore all your internal organs and systems to optimal functioning.
Help you master tension and relaxation.
Balance your emotions—crucial for long-range good health.
Enhance your ability to meditate and to grow spiritually.
Build presence and the ability to be truly “in the now”.