Magic Pearl Qigong: Medicine Ball Exercises

 Magic Pearl Qigong: A Tai Chi Medicine Ball Exercise Routine and Meditation Technique.

By Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.
   
Part I, Movements 1-8
Part II, Movements 9-16


The Magic Pearl Qigong is a body/mind movement art practice that was developed in 2009 by Mike Garofalo.  He studied the Chen style Taijiquan medicine ball (Tai Chi Ball) exercises, the Yang Style Taijiquan medicine ball exercises, qigong forms, and general gym styles of medicine ball exercise routines.  He has practiced Qigong and Taijiquan since 1985. 

The psychological, symbolic, magical, esoteric, and meditative aspects of the Magic Pearl Qigong involve Taoist, Buddhist, and mythological lore from China and worldwide.  Followers of Dragon motifs and lore will enjoy the associations found in this form.  Suggestions for related meditations on the concept of the Cosmic Sphere, World Egg, Magic Pearl, Casting a Magick Circle, and Sacred Circles are also provided. 

For more information on general training with a medicine ball take a look at the Medicine Ball Exercises webpage. 

The Magic Pearl Qigong exercise routine was designed for use with a medicine ball while holding the ball in two hands, so as to allow for the use of heavier medicine balls.  This exercise routine can be done indoors and does not require much space for the practice. Use a medicine ball weighing from 2 to 6 pounds to begin practice of this qigong form. 


A brief list of names of the first 8 exercises in the Magic Pearl Qigong has been provided (1 page, .pdf format).  A brief set of instructions for doing the first 8 exercises of the Magic Pearl Qigong has been provided to facilitate learning and encourage daily practice (2 pages, .pdf format).


Valley Spirit Qigong Website

[This article was originally posted to the Cloud Hands Blog on February 6, 2011.  Back in 2009,  I taught the Magic Pearl Qigong to my Taijiquan and Qigong classes at the Tehama Family Fitness Center in Red Bluff, California, and some variations to my yoga classes.  I enjoyed teaching mind-body movement arts for nearly 20 years.]