Unlock Your Health Potential with Daoist Bigu (Energetic Fasting)

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of a strong immune system during public health crises. As the pandemic continues, investing in our self-healing potential and overall health resilience becomes increasingly vital. Now is the time to prioritize our well-being and longevity by embracing the ancient practice of Qigong Bigu (energetic fasting).

For the fifth year we continue offering the teaching of an ancient Daoist practice — Bigu (避谷 energetic fasting) — online by Zoom platform, in response to the overwhelming demand for better health and deep mind-body connection. This is probably the best time for you to invest in your own health and well-being through Qigong Bigu (energetic fasting) and mindset 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 selective avoidance of grains and meats, rather than 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. 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 hunger during Bigu. Through alternative energy-gathering techniques, practitioners can fulfill their bodily needs without experiencing hunger pangs.

Gulping Qi with Qigong skill 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;
• Boosts immune system (the immune system reboots after 72 hours of fasting)
• 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% of those with 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 at University of Maryland School of Medicine has started teaching this ancient form of healing and wellness practice since 2014. This March he will offer his unique teaching of Qigong Bigu (fasting) and alternative ways to gain energy online, through Zoom platform.  The workshop will teach and offer practice in the following aspects:

• The Bigu fasting 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）
• 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 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, 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: Next Workshop on July 10-14, 2024  (Wednesday to Sunday)

• July 10 (Wednesday): 7:00 to 9:00pm EST — Introduction, opening ceremony, teaching of Daoist Bigu qigong, Q&A
• July 11 (Thursday): 9:30 to 11:30am (EST) Qigong practice; 7:00 to 9:30pm (EST) Lecture & Q&A, key issues for Bigu practice.
• July 12 (Friday): 9:30am to 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)
• July 13 (Saturday): 9:30am to 11:30am (EST, qigong practice) and 7:00–9:30pm (EST, Lecture + Q&A )
• July 14 (Sunday): 10:45am –1:00pm (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 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 the classes available.

Where:  Online Workshop with Zoom Platform

You 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 PowerPoint presentations.  If you don’t have computer, a smart phone can also be used (just not easy to see clearly, especially when you learn the qigong exercises.)

Download the Zoom app here:  https://zoom.us/ 

Cost & Registration:

• Early-registration before June 29, 2024: $300 ($140 for redturned students)
• Regular registration after June 29: $360 ($180 for returned students)
• $50 minimum deposit required (non-refundable) to register; registration fee can be used for part of the tuition in this or future workshops.
• 10% discount offered to UMB/UMROI employees, students & seniors 65+
• Pre-registration is required, class is limited to 36 new participants to ensure quality of teaching and better interaction
• Group discount available when registering together: 2 people registering together get 10% off; 3 people together get 15% off; 4 or more registered together, get 20% off. (Please register by making the deposit first, then figure out what the final amount due will be).
• Registration closes on July 10, or when the class limit is reached. Drop-in students are not allowed.

You can register online with a credit card by clicking on the following link:

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 will become part of our annual Qigong programming 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 (go to http://yang-sheng.com/?p=12020 ).

The other planned Bigu workshops in 2024 include:

• Autumn Bigu Workshop: November 6~10, 2024 (Wednesday to Sunday)

With 20+ years of personal experience and study of Qigong Bigu, Dr. Kevin Chen will offer his qigong training and teaching in the Baltimore area when conditions permit, including the yearly fasting workshop.

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.

Register Online….