Daoist Bigu Fasting: The Best Investment
in Your Health and Long-Term Wellness
辟谷养生、祛病强身、 延年益寿
Kevin W CHEN， Ph.D. MPH
- Do you feel like your life is a bit chaotic and in need of a reset?
- Have you heard about miraculous stem-cell therapy but find it unaffordable?
- Could your digestive system benefit from a thorough detoxification?
- Are you searching for an effective way to lose weight without side effects?
- Do you want to slow down the aging process and regain your youthful vitality?
- Are you looking for affordable ways to enhance your appearance?
- Do you want to activate your self-healing potential to address chronic conditions?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we invite you to join us for a five-day Daoist Bigu workshop, where you can potentially achieve all of the above!
For the fifth year we are offering the teaching of an ancient Daoist practice — Bigu (避谷 energetic fasting) — both on-site at Elliccot City (MD) and online by Zoom, in response to the overwhelming demand for better health and longer lifespan. This is probably the best way for you to invest in your own health and longevity through Bigu and mind-body integrative training.
What is Bigu?
Bigu (避谷), also known as energetic fasting, is an ancient practice deeply rooted in both Daoist and Buddhist traditions. Unlike other fasting practices, Bigu’s essence lies in avoidance of grains and meats on one hand, while opening latent channels of gaining energy by Qi, light, and energizing meditation, instead of complete starvation. This distinction is crucial to dispel misconceptions and alleviate fears surrounding Bigu.
Contrary to popular belief, Bigu is not merely about abstaining from food; it represents a holistic way of living with alternative energy-intaking. By steering clear of grains and cooked foods and harnessing alternative methods to obtain energy, practitioners can experience detoxification, immune system enhancement, and increased vitality.
One significant difference between Bigu and conventional fasting is the absence of feeling hunger during Bigu. Through alternative energy-gathering techniques, practitioners can fulfill their bodily needs without experiencing hunger pangs.
Following is a documentary by CCTV (China’s official TV station) to showcase an event that the 108 selected practitioners completed a 28-day Bigu chanllege (of world record) in a remote mountrain area 2017 under the surveilance of reporters and audience. It is credible and really inspiring:
Gulping-Qi Bigu is the most popular and the best way for a layman to do Bigu in reality. Qigong Bigu refers to absorbing the energy of nature, collecting the energy of light waves in the universe, and swallowing the qi or essence from nature through information, qi extraction and mind relaxation. Gulping Qi Bigu for health was recorded in the literature unearthed from the Han Dynasty (2000 years ago) tomb in Changsha. In the Bigu workshop, Qigong Bigu will be the main method, though the other two methods of Bigu will be explored as well.
The Remarkable Health Benefits of Bigu
Modern scientific research has shed light on the remarkable health benefits of reduced calorie intake and fasting. Studies indicate that fasting can significantly slow down the aging process, detoxify the body, rejuvenate the immune system, cleanse the digestive system, and enhance bio-energy balance. The groundbreaking research of Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, recipient of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Medicine, highlights the role of fasting in promoting cellular autophagy—a process crucial for cellular cleansing and renewal.
A systematic review of fasting in scientific literature (Longo & Mattson 2013, Cell Metabolism) came to the conclusion that “fasting has the potential to delay aging and help prevent and treat diseases while minimizing the side effects caused by chronic dietary interventions.” A relationship was discovered between long-living calorie-restricted mice and the types of microbes living in their guts. The finding, published in 2013 Nature Communications, suggests that one can live longer by establishing the right kind of microbes in the gut through a low-calorie diet.
In June 2000, a conference was held at Penn State University that explored the health benefits and scientific research of Qigong Bigu with 500+ attendants. http://www.scribd.com/doc/40294944/Bigu-Conference-Report-PennState-June-2000
Since 2000 more and more scientific studies have been carried out to explore the healht benefits of fasting, and its underline mechanism. A recent review has revealed such a dramatically increased trend:
In 2020 even the top medical journal NEJM published a review on the effects of fasting on health, aging and diseases. The conclusions are overall very positive: Studies and clinical trials have shown
that intermittent fasting has broad-spectrum benefits for many health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and neurologic disorders. (de Cabo R, Mattson MP. Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(26):2541-2551. )
aome recent studies (Cheng et al. 2014; Brandhorst et al. 2015) reported that fasting can regenerate the entire immune system. Brandhorst et al (2015) claim that “a periodic diet that mimics fasting promotes multi-system regeneration, enhanced cognitive performance, and lifespan. In other words, fasting is probably the most powerful way to activate the body’s self-healing potential.” http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(15)00224-7
In summary, the research-supported health benefits of Bigu may include:
- Detoxification – especially of the digestive system, and the entire endocrine system;
- Activate autophagy in immune calles, and reboot immune system
- Weight-watch through a metabolic system reboot (not the main goal, but it’s a safe and effective way to lose weight)
- Spleen and stomach tonification – 80% stomach disease get cured after one Bigu practice
- Facial beautification and wrinkle reduction through self-melting, and increased micro-circulation
- Purification of the blood and softening of the blood vessels (due to increased metabolism and autophagy)
- Anti-cancer (more oxygen, less glucose, less stress and increased body-heat during fasting)
- Repairs the body to get rid of chronic diseases (self-healing & self-regenerating)
- Slows down the aging process and returns youth (prolongs cell life)
- Cultivates wisdom – one thinks more clearly and more sensitively after fasting
- Increased survival ability
- Builds willpower and positive energy
- Great way to start mind-body cultivation and spiritual practice (Bigu boosts your sense of happiness)
Highlights of Our Online Bigu Workshop
With years of personal experience and study of Bigu, Dr. Kevin Chen has started teaching this ancient form of healing and wellness practice since 2014. This November he will offer his unique teaching of Daoist Bigu (fasting) and alternative ways to gain energy at Ellicott City Wellness Center, as well as online, through Zoom platform. The workshop will teach and offer practice in the following aspects:
- The Bigu mindset — how to synchronize with the higher power, the immortals, and Gods
- Physical and mental preparation skills for Bigu fasting
- Information and energy field leading to Bigu status (信息辟谷）
- introduction to basic Daoist practice and tradition
- Specific Qigong techniques of Bigu, include turtle breathing, skin-breathing meditation, gulping Qi fasting (服气辟谷), Daoist Gathering qi qigong, energetic walking meditation, Sixteen gold nacks Qigong, Daoist Qi-gathering Qigong, energetic walking meditation, energy exchange with trees, and other Qigong exercises
- How to make and take Bigu pills
- Acupressure for fasting and pain-relief
- How to assess if you are doing it right and what to do if you feel very hungry
- How to train your mindset during Bigu process
- How to break the fast (resume normal eating)
- How to keep the positive outcomes after Bigu workshop;
- Daily Q&A session
Dr. Chen will share techniques on how to cleanse and purify your body, including your heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen, how to generate and practice Jing (essence), Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit) during Bigu fasting, and lead a daily qigong practice during the training; as well as explain where life-energy comes from when you are not eating food. Cleansing your body and blood of toxins with Bigu helps balance your energy! The class will not only make your fasting easier, but it will also inject some ancient wisdom on diet and detoxification into your daily life. With appropriate guidance and careful monitoring, Qigong Bigu or fasting can be a safe and effective way to encourage health and healing and increase the benefits of Qigong practice.
The Bigu workshop promotes a tradition of health and wellness, mind cultivation, stress management, and peace and happiness on life’s journey.
When: November 6-10, 2024 (Wednesday to Sunday)
- Nov 6 (Wednesday): 7:00–9:00pm EST — Introduction, opening ceremony, Q&A
- Nov 7 (Thursday): 9:30–11:30am (EST) Qigong practice; 7:00–9:30pm (EST) Lecture & Q&A, key issues for Bigu practice.
- Nov 8 (Friday): 9:30–11:30am (EST) qigong practice and 7:00–9:30pm (EST, Lecture + Q&A) note: we start later so that people from West coast can attend easily)
- Nov 9 (Saturday): 9:30–11:30am (EST, qigong practice) and 7:00–9:30pm (EST, Lecture + Q&A )
- Nov 10 (Sunday): 11:00am –1:30pm (EST) — how to break the Bigu, and how to maintain the positive outcomes and lifestyle modification.
Note: (1) you have the option to start Bigu on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, depending on your schedule and availability; so Thursday morning qigong is optional. (2) if you have to miss 1 or 2 classes due to work or other commitments, we will have video-recordings of all classes available.
Where: Ellicott City Wellness Center, Ellicott City, MD
We will hold this Daoist Bigu workshop at Ellicott City Wellness Center (as well as available online by Zoom platform), a beautiful place next to the historical city, after offering it online in past five years during pademic. Participants are encouraged to attend the workshop in person so as to meet with the instructor and follow students, and enjoy the beautiful scenary. In addition to the regular contents you get in online classes, here are some additional bunus for participating on-site:
- Exposed to the strong Qi-field energy generated by Dr. Chen, and the group (feel more energetic);
- Get a bottle of Bigu pills from Dr. Chen, who made it personally based on ancient literature and formula ($30 values)
- Get personal energy add-on and qi adjustment by Dr. Chen during the workshop ($300 values, but not available in market)
- Get a beautiful Tai-chi suite designed for Qigong/tai-chi practitioners, free of charge (a $49 value),
- Away from the refrigerator, away from the daily stressors with much better Bigu outcome.
- Have close interaction with Dr. Chen and follow participants even after classes (priceless)
If you plan to attend the workshop in person, please register early and let us know, we will help participants out of town with an affordable place to stay through Air BnB or other local hotels.
If you decide to attend the workshop online, from the comfort of your home, you will need a computer (desk-top or laptop) with multi-media capabilities (camera, speaker and microphone) or an iPad (or other tablet) to attend the Zoom sessions and to see the Power Point presentations. If you don’t have computer, a smart phone can also be used. Please email us for more instruction later.
Download the Zoom app here: https://zoom.us/
Cost & Registration:
On-Site Cost:
- Early-registration before October 20, 2024: $440 ($280 for redturned students)
- Regular registration after Oct. 20: $500 ($320 for returned students)
- $50 deposit required (to reserve your spot) to register, which can be used for tuition in this or future workshops.
- 10% discount offered to UMB employees, students & seniors 65+
Coat for Attending Online:
- Early-registration before October 20, 2024: $300 ($150 for redturned students)
- Regular registration after Oct 20: $360 ($180 for returned students)
- 10% discount for UMB employees, students & seniors 65+
- Pre-registration required, class is limited to 36 new participants to ensure quality of teaching
- Group discount available: 2 persons registering together 10% off; 3 people together 5% off; 4 or more registered together, get 20% off. (making a deposit first, then find out the final due later).
- Registration closes on Nov 5, or when the class limit is reached.
You can register online with a credit card by clicking on the following link (it is recommended to make deposit only when not sure if you are qualified for any discount.
Click HERE to download the Bigu_Registration_Form; return the signed registration form with payment to register (Note: limited up to 36 new participants, so please register early).
About the Instructor: Dr. Kevin W Chen:
Dr. Chen is an adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is the deputy secretary-general of the World Academic Society of Medical Qigong. Professor Chen is actively engaged in the research and application of medical qigong in the United States, with a focus on the role of TCM wellness and qigong cultivation in stress management, drug addiction, and cancer rehabilitation. He is the associate editor of the college textbook “Chinese Medical Qigong” (London: Singing Dragon, 2010)
Professor Chen has studied with several Daoist masters and practiced Qigong Bigu for many years. Since 1999, he has practiced full Bigu for 2-3 times a year; each time lasting 7-14 days, and the longest time lasting 21 days (whilst going to work and attending classes as usual). He is passionate about sharing the Daoist secrets and spirit through teaching the Bigu technique and method.
Note: Bigu Qigong fasting is not recommended for people who currently:
- Have psychotic disorders, or a history of psychotic illness
- Have extreme physical weakness, or serious illness.
- Patients with the following severe symptoms: internal bleeding or vomiting blood, ulcer perforation, recent heart attack, severe heart disease and angina pectoris, severe kidney disease, and the stage 2-3 pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Patients who have long-term use of insulin or epinephrine, or liver, kidney and other organ transplant recipients.
- Children under 16 and adults that weigh less than 85 lb.
Please email Dr. Kevin Chen at Qigong4us@hotmail.com or Jeri Hemerlein at jerihemerleinqigong@gmail.com for more information or if you have any questions. Thanks!
You may join the FREE Facebook group for discussion and updates:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/635356703642836/
This workshop is part of our annual Qigong program in Maryland, when travel restrictions are eased. At the moment, Dr. Chen is based in China. You may also be interested in Dr. Chen’s Online Weekly Qigong for Health class every Sunday morning at 9am EST (go to http://yang-sheng.com/?p=12020 ).
The planned Bigu workshops in 2025 include (to be finalized later):
- Spring Bigu Workshop: March 2025
- Summer Bigu Workshop: July 2025
- Autumn Bigu Workshop: November 2025
With 20+ years of personal experience and study of Qigong Bigu, Dr. Kevin Chen is offering his qigong training and teaching in the Baltimore area when conditions permit, currently available online by Zoom.
Selected Testimony from previous participants:
“Since the fast, I have only taken 3 half doses of my blood pressure medication. My pressure now runs between 115-135/51-75 without medication….. I lost my taste for high carb/high sugar foods that I know are not good for me. — M.C.
“I liked the fasting workshop online. It felt like a refresher course for me and an inspiration to practice consistently.”
“I really enjoyed the Bigu class. It was a great success! Thank you so much Kevin!” “I lost 10 lb. from 131 to 121 although it was not my goal. My blood pressure is lower than before. From 134-130/86-85 to 125-118/84-76. Every day is different. I feel good and lighter. I did it for 7 days instead of 4 days. It’s good. It’s not as difficult as I thought would be. I will do it again in the future for self-detoxification. It’s a great way.” —– P. Y.
“I felt incredibly at peace, happy, energized, healthy and upbeat. No chatter in my brain. I felt energized and comfortable in my skin and felt like I could finally get enough air. My stomach stopped hurting…. The shoulder, neuropathy pain, and tingling in the feet and hands went away. Afterwards, I was shocked that I was able to increase my range of stretch on my radiated side much more. The skin on my face looked bright and felt extra soft. I also noticed that some stubborn keloids that I had on my lower left abdomen healed in the center so that I had an inch of healthy healing in the middle of a very long keloid scar…. I felt wonderful during the fasting.” — F.H.
“This has changed my mind about water fasting. I have fasted with fresh vegetable juice many times before; now I can clearly see definite benefits of water fasting. The teachers were very informative, they helped me to release fears!” — C.W.
“Very interesting challenges. It lets you get in touch with yourself, appreciation for water, breathing and qigong exercises, and their role in healing…. (my) allergies were less, feet were better, and feel clear headed.” — M.F.
“Digestion better; mindfulness improved; meditation more focused…. If you take the principles offered in the class, a person’s health will vastly improve.” — R.D.
“Very nice experience… My joint pain in hips & shoulders has been much less.” — P.T.
“I felt this fast was extremely successful! It was my first time and I actually fasted for a week, because I felt so good during the fasting. I had a wonderful time and it was mind-opening. It broke a lot of my assumptions about food and the body and was a lot of fun in the group setting.” — F.H.
3 Responses to Five Days Rebuild Your Mind-Body & Restart Your Life with Daoist Bigu (E-Fasting)