Ernst Michael Beck – Shenjing-Qigong-Institut in Hannover (Germany)
I was born in 1953 and I am originally from the Saar region. For 20 years now I am a resident general practitioner specialized in methods of natural healing, acupuncture and homoeopathy in Hannover (Germany). During my specialist training as a doctor for natural healing methods, I learned both autogenic training and the technique of hypnosis alongside with getting the opportunity for an introduction into the art of breathing by Ilse Middendorf. Authorized for specialist training by the German Medical Association (Ärztekammer), I instructed young colleagues in my own surgery as well as acting as chairman of the professional organisation of medical natural healing practitioners for several years.
During some long-term stays in Peru, I got the chance to get to know the local practice of herb medicine while being introduced into the practice of shamanism by the practitioners themselves.
Already in early youth I got involved with Buddhism, an engagement that lasts to this day. Important impulses that formed my understanding came from the works, the advice and the initiations of Chhimed Rigdzin Rinpoche and the 14th Dalai Lama.
My first steps into the world of Qigong were accompanied by Dr. Josephine Zöller (Berlin). In 1988, I met my main teacher of Qigong, Prof. Jiao Guorui from Beijing. With him I have learned the art of Qigong in China and Germany until his death in 1997. In the process, the experience I had gained in long years of Asian martial arts training proved to be very helpful.
In 1991, the Medical Society for Qigong Yangsheng (Medizinische Gesellschaft für Qigong Yangsheng e.V.) was founded in Bonn. Its aim was to teach and to spread Qigong Yangsheng according to the teaching of Prof. Jiao Guorui throughout Germany. As one of the societies’ founding members, I was an active instructor since 1991, being in charge of the formation of course instructors. Since 1991 I also give both weekly and weekend courses for patients with ailments or disorders and for other interested persons. For many years now, I organize 14-day in-depth seminars for intensive training, in Germany and Switzerland alternately. Since 2010 I teach Qigong Yangsheng in my own institute, the Shenjing-Qigong-Institut in Hannover, where I also offer a complete formation for Qigong course instructors and Qigong teachers.
Themes: The three pillars of Yangsheng:
Movement, Breathing, Meditation
Patient-centered Exercises for common ailments
Movement – The 1st pillar of Yangsheng
Patients often seek advice because of acute or chronic movement-related diseases and complaints. In this workshop I will show some exercises, which are also accessible for the „untrained“ and which can independently be practised at home.
The breath of the dragon
We will take a look at the 2nd pillar of Yangsheng – breathing.
By means of varied basic exercises, we will explore different breathing techniques.
Meditation – The 3rd pillar of Yangsheng
You can find Yin and Yang in Meditation as well – awareness and visualisation. We will practice single techniques and their combination.
Author: Ernst Michael Beck
Images: Ernst Michael Beck and Taiji Forum