Ep #09 Is Qi Gong Good For You? With Lee Holden

Welcome to the How to Die Happy podcast, where we explore the deep questions and issues surrounding life and death, introducing practical utilities for living well. Our hosts, Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson, are joined by the one and only ⁠⁠Lee Holden⁠⁠, the international Qi Gong and meditation instructor, TV personality, and author, who was largely instrumental in bringing Qi Gong and other ancient Taoist teachings to Western culture. This episode is one you won't want to miss!

Qi Gong, which translates to "cultivating energy," is an ancient Chinese practice that dates back thousands of years. It is a holistic system of coordinated body postures, movements, breathing, and meditation that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Qi Gong is based on the principle that life force energy, also known as "qi," flows through the body, and by practising Qi Gong, we can cultivate and balance this energy for improved health and vitality.

Over time, Qi Gong has evolved into different styles and schools, each with unique practices and teachings. Some popular styles include Medical Qi Gong, Taoist (or Daoist) Qi Gong, Buddhist Qi Gong, and Martial Arts Qi Gong. While these styles may differ in their approach and philosophy, they all share the fundamental goal of cultivating energy for healing and vitality.

As interest in Eastern spiritual practices began to grow in the West in the 20th century, Qi Gong gained popularity outside of China. In the 1980s, Qi Gong became an officially recognised part of the Chinese healthcare system, and the Chinese government began promoting its practice as a means of improving public health. This helped to popularise Qi Gong further worldwide, and today it is practised by millions of people worldwide.

Lee Holden is one of the leading voices in the global Qi Gong community. He has been teaching Qi Gong for over 30 years, and his teachings have helped to make this ancient practice accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Through his books, DVDs, and online courses, Lee has helped to spread the practice of Qi Gong around the world, inspiring countless individuals to cultivate more energy and vitality in their lives.

In this episode of the How to Die Happy podcast, Lee shares his insights on the power of Qi Gong, the transformative effects of breathwork, and the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. He provides listeners with simple yet effective practices that they can incorporate into their daily routines, even if they're short on time. But what makes this episode truly special is Lee's storytelling. He shares personal tales of how Qi Gong has transformed his own life and the lives of his students, providing valuable insights into the mind-body connection and how we can use Qi Gong to tap into our innate healing abilities.

So whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to Qi Gong, this episode is a must-listen. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of the power of life force energy and the global movement that Qi Gong has become, as well as practical tips and insights to help you cultivate more energy and vitality in your own life.

Tune in to episode #09 of the How To Die Happy podcast and discover the transformative power of Qi Gong with the legendary Lee Holden.