Five Days to Cellular Renewal: Reboot Your Health with the Ancient Daoist Bigu Retreat

The Alchemy of Absence: Why Daoist Bigu is the Ultimate Reset for Your Modern Life

辟谷养心、祛病强身、 延年益寿

Kevin W CHEN， Ph.D. MPH

In our hyper-connected, fast-paced world, our bodies and minds are under constant siege. We feel depleted, overwhelmed, and in desperate need of a “factory reset.” But what if the secret to a profound internal cleanse and metabolic reboot wasn’t found in a new supplement or a grueling starvation diet, but in an ancient wisdom now validated by Nobel Prize-winning science?

Welcome to the world of Daoist Bigu (避谷)—the art of energetic fasting.

We invite you to join us for a transformative five-day Online Daoist Bigu retreat July 8-12, 2026, where you can discover the profound answers to these questions and more….

Beyond Starvation: The Bigu Difference

Most people hear the word “fasting” and immediately think of hunger pangs, low energy, and deprivation. Bigu is different.

Deeply rooted in Daoist and Buddhist traditions, Bigu is not about “not eating”; it’s about changing your source of fuel. While you avoid grains and meats, you learn to open latent channels to absorb energy from nature—Qi, light, and vibration—through specialized meditation and “Gulping Qi” techniques.

The most remarkable part? You don’t feel hungry. By mastering alternative energy-gathering techniques, you fulfill your body’s needs from the universe itself, allowing your digestive system to take a much-needed vacation while your energy levels soar.

Following is a documentary by CCTV (China’s official TV station) to showcase an event in which the 108 selected practitioners completed a 28-day Bigu challenge (of the world record) in a remote mountain area in 2017 under the surveillance of reporters and audience. It is highly credible and really inspiring:

Ancient Wisdom Meets Nobel-Winning Science

Why does this work? Modern science is finally catching up to what Daoist masters have known for millennia.

• Cellular Housekeeping (Autophagy): Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi won the 2016 Nobel Prize for his work on autophagy—the process where your cells “clean house” by recycling damaged components. Fasting is the most powerful trigger for this deep cellular renewal.
• Immune System Reboot: Recent studies (Cheng et al. 2014) show that prolonged fasting can actually regenerate the entire immune system, shifting stem cells from a dormant state to a self-renewing state.
• Gut Microbiome Mastery: Research published in Nature Communications suggests that calorie restriction promotes a healthier gut microbiome, which is directly linked to increased longevity.

To understand more about Bigu fasting, read our previous blog post covering Questions & Anwers about Bigu.

What Can Bigu Do for You?

Practitioners of Bigu report a wide range of transformative benefits, including:

• Radiant Appearance: Increased micro-circulation often leads to brighter skin and a youthful glow.
• Systemic Detoxification: A deep cleanse of the digestive and endocrine systems.
• Metabolic Reboot: A safe and effective way to reset your metabolism and manage weight.
• Mental Clarity: “Cultivating Wisdom”—many find they think more clearly and sensitively after a fast.
• Chronic Issue Relief: From blood pressure stabilization to joint pain reduction, Bigu activates the body’s self-healing potential.

Read more about the health benefits of Bigu fasting backed by science: https://yang-sheng.com/?p=13117

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.

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 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. )

Some 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.”  Read More.

In summary, the research-supported health benefits of Bigu 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)

Join Our Transformative 5-Day Online Retreat: July 8-12, 2026

I invite you to join me for a unique, live online experience where I will share the secrets of Daoist Bigu that I have practiced and taught for over 25 years.

What You Will Learn:

• The Bigu Mindset: How to synchronize with higher energy fields.
• Gulping Qi (服气辟谷): The ancient technique of “swallowing” nature’s essence.
• Turtle Breathing & Skin-Breathing: Specialized Qigong for energy absorption.
• Acupressure for Fasting: Techniques for pain relief and appetite control.
• Safe Transitioning: How to break the fast and maintain your results.

I will share techniques on how to prepare for Bigu fasting, how to cleanse and purify your body, how to generate Jing (essence), Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit) during Bigu fasting, and lead a daily qigong practice; as well as explain where life-energy comes from when you are not eating solid food.  Cleansing your body and blood of toxins with Bigu helps balance your energy! The workshop will not only make your fasting easier, but also inject some ancient wisdom on diet and detoxification into your daily life. With appropriate guidance and careful monitoring, Daoist Bigu fasting can be a safe and effective way to promote health and wellness, and increase the benefits of Qigong practice.

ellness, mind cultivation, stress management, and peace and happiness in your life’s journey.

Retreat Details:

• When: July 8 – 12, 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)
• Where: Live on Zoom (Participate from the comfort of your home)
• Recordings: All sessions are recorded if you miss a live class.

Special Offers:

• Early Bird: Register before June 8 and save 15% ($323 instead of $380).
• Returning Students: Special rate of $190 ($161 with early bird).
• Group Discounts: Bring friends and save up to 30%!

Space is limited to 36 new participants to ensure personalized guidance.

REGISTER & SECURE YOUR SPOT HERE

Don’t just survive the modern world—thrive in it. Give your body the gift of the “Alchemy of Absence” and discover the vibrant health that lies within.

Please email us if you need help setting up Zoom.
Download the Zoom app here

http://daosecrets.net/bigu-registration

About the Instructor: Dr. Kevin W Chen:

Dr. Chen was 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.

Here is a short video on Dr. Chen’s doing Daoist Bigu in Mountain Zhong-nan:

Note: Bigu fasting is not recommended for those with following:

• 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 12 and adults that weigh less than 85 lb.

Please email Dr. Kevin Chen at Qigong4us@hotmail.com or Allwyn at alja78@aol.com for more information or if you have any questions. Thanks!

You may Join the FREE Facebook Group for discussion and updates.

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=12654 ).

The planned next Bigu workshops in 2026 include:

• Summer Bigu Retreat: July 8-12, 2026
• Autumn Bigu Retreat: November 4-8, 2026 (both on-site and online)

Selected Testimony from previous participants:

“Since the Bigu fasting, 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 Bigu 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.

Register Online