The Chinese art of qigong -- which means "energy cultivation" -- involves slow, gentle whole body movements, breath work and a relaxed but focused mental awareness. Performing qigong effectively can take years of practice. Although "quickie" certification programs exist, most qigong instructors train for years in a traditional school under a master. Typically a master will only allow a practitioner to instruct others after he achieves a high level of proficiency.
Context
If you've tried qigong and experienced some of its effects -- such as warm hands, a tingling sensation or a sense of peace and relaxation -- you might be under the impression that it's easy to teach. A thorough understanding of qigong takes skillful practice, developed over an extended period of time, notes Ingrid Reuther, doctor of acupunture and co-author of "Medical Acupuncture in Pregnancy." A qigong instructor must be able to observe her students, note any tensions they are holding in their bodies, help them to focus their minds, and work with their qi or vital life energy to help them achieve balance.
Potential Problems
To a casual observer, it might seem that it's virtually impossible to injure yourself doing qigong. However, adverse reactions to qigong, called "deviation of qigong" or "deranged flow of qi," are common. Symptoms can include emotional upset, loss of balance, dizziness, panic, shortness of breath and tremors, according to Xiancai Xu, president of the Great Wall International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and author of "Qigong for Treating Common Ailments." An inexperienced instructor who lacks an understanding of the principles of traditional Chinese medicine might not know how to resolve these issues. Good qigong instructor training includes lessons in feeling qi, knowing the subtle energy channels of the body, the causes of deranged qi flow and how to resolve them.
Certification
Although some organizations claim to offer qigong instructor certification, your best bet for learning how to teach qigong is to find a master with whom you can work for many years. Seek out an instructor who will put you through a rigorous course of training and hold you to a high standard of performing qigong and working with students before allowing you to teach on your own. Each qigong student's path is different and moves at a different pace. If you encounter a seminar or workshop that promises to make you a qigong instructor in a predetermined and brief period of time, chances are its standards are relatively low, and the quality of instruction you'll be able to offer your own students will be lacking.
Process
The more you work with the energies, breathing techniques and mental focus of qigong, the easier it will be to view instruction as a natural extension of your own practice. Before you're ready to teach, you can observe as your instructor corrects others in the class and practice correcting your fellow students. Ask your master if you can help those who are new to qigong with their practice. Above all, don't rush the process. Giving yourself small breaks and being patient as you train is one of the best ways to make sure you have a firm foundation in qigong, advises Bruce Frantzis, qigong and martial arts master and author of "Dragon and Tiger Medical Qigong." Because qigong is a very deep and nuanced practice, the learning process is highly individualized. All you can do is learn to the best of your abilities and offer help for those who are a little bit behind you on the path.
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