Aknanda Blog is a space for those who want to explore Qigong and Taichi beyond technique. Guided by Bharu, it offers updates on the benefits of these practices together with teachings on TCM, internal martial arts, and Taoist and Buddhist philosophy. This mental wellness blog also explores energetic cultivation, mindful movement and zen inspired ways of living, inviting readers to enjoy a more balanced, embodied and present life.
Zen Buddhism grew from the same philosophical soil as Taoism — and then grew in a different direction. For practitioners already familiar with the Dao, Wu Wei, and the cultivation of Qi, Zen offers a recognizable landscape with unfamiliar terrain. This guide explains what Zen is, where it came from, how it connects to Taoist practice, and what it asks of the practitioner who approaches it for the first time.
The Yi Jin Jing (易筋經), the Muscle and Tendon Changing Classic, is one of the sacred foundational texts of the Chinese internal arts — and one of the most misunderstood. It is not a stretching routine, not a set of strengthening exercises, and not a fitness system. It is a principle: the systematic process by which Qi initiates a structural transformation of the muscles, tendons, and fascial network from within. This article covers its origins at the Shaolin Temple, the core principle behind its practice, the 12 postures, and how the Aknanda Method applies it from the very first movement.
On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica lies one of the rare places in the world where people consistently live longer, healthier lives. The Nicoya Peninsula — home to Nosara — is officially recognized as a Blue Zone. But this longevity is not a mystery formula or a secret diet. It is a way of living. A rhythm. A relationship with land, purpose, and community.
If you searched for when International Qigong Day or Taijiquan Day is celebrated and got different answers, that’s not a mistake: there are now two official, distinct celebrations. This article explains what they are, why they emerged separately, and what they mean for practitioners around the world.
Practiced for centuries to harmonize body, breath, and spirit, Ba Duan Jin—also known as the Eight Brocades of Silk—is one of the most enduring and accessible forms of Qigong. In this article, we explore its origins, internal principles, health benefits, and why it remains essential in both traditional and modern practice.
Neidan, or Taoist internal alchemy, teaches how to cultivate and transform your inner energy through the refinement of Jing, Qi, and Shen. A practice of grounding, clarity, and deep inner change.
Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear excess Fire, Artemisia annua became the key to curing malaria. The herb inspired a Nobel Prize — and remains a vital part of global medicine today.
Neigong is not a technique, but a quiet path into the center of being. Within the body as a temple, we cultivate the invisible: essence, energy, and consciousness.
“When people ask What are the 5 elements of nature?”, most think of Earth, Water, Air, Fire — and maybe Ether. But in Chinese philosophy, the answer is different — and deeper. Discover Wu Xing: the Five Phases that shape emotions, organs, and the energy that flows through your body and breath.
Plan your trip to Nosara, Costa Rica with a guide designed for travelers seeking beaches, surf, wellness, great food, and nature. From where to go and what to do to how to prepare, this Nosara Travel Guide gives you everything you need for a smooth, meaningful, unforgettable visit.
A new clinical trial shows that both mindfulness and tai chi can help improve mood and emotional health in people with cancer — including those with breast cancer. These gentle, evidence-based practices may support mental well-being as part of a complementary therapy plan.
In this article, we explore the concept of vital energy as understood in Chinese, Indian, and Japanese traditions—known respectively as Qi, Prana, and Ki. We’ll discover how practices like Qigong help us cultivate this life force to restore balance, health, and connection with our true nature.
Circles are among humanity’s oldest symbols. They suggest wholeness, unity, and the infinite. In Eastern philosophy, two circles stand out: the Yin-Yang of Taoism and the Ensō of Zen Buddhism.
The Three Treasures—Jing (精), Qi (氣), and Shen (神)—are the essence, energy, and spirit of human life in Taoism. They appear in classical texts and remain central to Qigong practice today, guiding the cultivation of health, balance, and spiritual growth. In Taoist philosophy, the expression “Three Treasures” can carry different meanings, and understanding this distinction helps clarify both internal cultivation and classical teachings.
Wu Wei, often misunderstood as “doing nothing,” is a central concept in Taoism. It means effortless action in harmony with the Dao. This guide explains its meaning, its roots in classic texts, and how it connects to Qigong and daily life.
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