Zhan Zhuang Training Journal #1

I first learned about Zhan Zhuang (though under a different name/purpose) at Wing Chun class in July 2008. Since then I practiced it every so often before Wing Chun practice and occasionally felt some amazing things.

That was not enough to really incite me into daily practice.

Zhan Zhuang is a form of Qigong (Chi Kung) and literally means 'Standing Like a Tree'. It is fascinating form of exercise because it involves remaining completely still. Despite this, practitioners can raise their heart rate by 2X or more as well as their body temperature. It allows you to get an amazing workout without taxing your lungs.

Even though I have 3 of Lam Kam Chuen's books on Zhan Zhuang, I had not really practised in earnest. About 3 weeks ago I found Stand Still Be Fit on Youtube and decided to do a video per day for 10 days. This is because I have recently been doing a course which encourages massive change through small changes in habit on a daily basis.

So I figured this would be my in-road into daily Zhang Zhuang (and eventually kung fu) practice. Well it worked - I have missed one day in over 3 weeks and tonight I experienced something almost miraculous.

I had a goal to stand in Wu Chi (Wu Ji) for 20 minutes. I managed about 21 minutes, but toward the end of this time my breathing suddenly become extremely deep. As if my diaphram was literally pumping the air in and out of my lungs. I have never felt anything like it. My breathing was deep, peaceful and I felt like I must be getting more oxygen than I ever had.

Also around that time I felt something crawling up my leg - like a spider. I resisted looking and trusted that it is just the sensation of Chi moving in my legs. Sure enough, when I finished, I checked and no insects in sight. Very strange how real it felt.

Usually after about 5 minutes of standing my hands feel very heavy, laden with blood. Lately I notice around 10 minutes my hands start to feel very cold. This time, around the time my breathing changed, my hands sudden felt light and empty - completely the opposite of the heavy feeling above.

It was simply astounding. If you haven't tried Zhan Zhuang yet, you SHOULD. Click on the youtube link above and give it a go. I'm not saying you'll feel this immediately but stick with it.

ZZ is an activity in which you really need to have faith. Just stand in the recommended position and be aware of your body. Try to relax with a purpose. And be curious. You WILL feel amazing things. You just need to be a little patient.

Balance. Calm. The Middle Way.