Translated as Squash Qigong, this is a form designed to boost and maintain defensive energy (the immune system) in the body. The oldest Taoist name for qigong is “Bao Qi Ping – conserve the Qi in a bottle.” In ancient China, dried gourds were used as containers for hot water, tea, or hot wine during the winter. Because they retained the taste and temperature of what they held, gourds were also used in Chinese medicine to hold herbs. This vegetable became a metaphor for the body since the gourd’s form and function are similar to the form and function of the human body as it practices qigong. The concept of “Squash Qigong” originated in the Liu family as well as with other Taoists.
In this Qigong form, students also learn to walk on the Ba Gua (eight trigrams), which symbolizes different elements of spirit energy and smooth transitions. The regular practice of this form is beneficial especially during the cold and damp winter months. Practicing Squash Qigong supports your Wei Qi “defensive Qi or immune system” while increasing and maintaining your body’s energy, recharging your vitality, and protecting you from the cold damp winter wind that causes us to catch cold easily.
This is a standing form consisting of 5 movements (the last one is walking the Ba Gua).