Qigong, like many martial arts, is transmitted through “lineages” that develop as masters teach disciples who in turn go on to become masters who teach their own students. This has traditionally often been something that moved within families – from parent to child – but has also happened outside of blood family bonds.
The lineage I primarily practice within is called Jin Jing Gong, or “Tendon Strengthening” Qigong, which was taught to me by Heiner Fruehauf, PhD. Heiner learned Qigong from his teacher, and our lineage holder, Master Wang Qingyu, as he sought to improve his own health following a shocking cancer diagnosis in his young adulthood. He credits Qigong as part of the foundation that allowed him to beat his cancer without more intensive or invasive biomedical oncology treatments. It also changed the trajectory of his life as he turned away from academic sinology as such, and began to explore all the many ways his sinological training could be practically used for the benefit of others.
You can learn more about Heiner and Master Wang by using the links above, but you should also read more about the lineage including watching video interviews with Master Wang, at this link.You might also be interested in the following episodes from the True Nature Radio podcast: “The Inspiring Life Story of Chinese Qigong Master Wang Qingyu.”