Qigong with Cris Caivano: June 9 - 15, 2025
The Eight Extraordinary Vessels
One of the most fascinating concepts in Chinese medicine is that of the energy pathways in the body called meridians. Research is beginning to explain what, exactly, these pathways are. While scientific proof is important, we can relax into knowing that, even if we don’t completely understand how they work, we can use the meridians to replenish and direct the energy within our body, mind, heart, and spirit. There’s an inexpressible mystery to these energetic pathways as deep as nature itself. As the first line of the “Tao Te Ching” says, “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.”
Here's a quicky overview of the meridian system: Most acupuncture points are located on the twelve main meridians that flow like rivers along and just below the surface of the body, carrying energy into our organs, nervous system, blood, etc. Deeper than those are the eight Extraordinary Vessels, which are perhaps even more powerful than the other twelve. You can think of these Extraordinary Vessels as valuable reservoirs of energy, available to support the other twelve whenever they become depleted.
You may already be familiar with the Governing Vessel (Du) which runs from the tip of the tailbone up the spine and over the front of the face, and the Conception Vessel (Ren), flowing down the front of the body. (Those are the meridians we open with the “microcosmic orbit” exercise.) We’ve studied the Belt Meridian that rings our waist and kind of holds us together. This week we’ll “play” with the Chong Mai meridian, located in the center of the body. Its branches flow upward, and downward, and connect to basically everything in a deeply integrated way.
If this strikes you as way too much information, don’t worry. Just think of your body the way a Taoist would, as a garden. The twelve main meridians irrigate and nourish all the parts of your garden. The eight Extraordinary Vessels are the deep lakes that replenish the whole system. By practicing Qigong every day, you can be assured your body’s qi will keep flowing, flourishing, and creating just the kind of energy you need to be your best and healthiest self.
Schedule Notes for June and beyond:
IMPORTANT SCHEDULE CHANGE: Class is cancelled on Tuesday June 17 and Thursday, June 19 as I will be out of town.
Live, in-person/ Zoom Qigong at Millbrook Library: Fridays, June 13th and 27th, 10 -11AM Open to all, and beginner friendly. Please contact millbrooklibrary.org to register and receive the link if you are joining on Zoom. Once you register, you will receive biweekly email reminders for future classes.
Qigong for Summer: Hotchkiss Library, Sharon CT, June 28th, 10:30 -12. Contact the library for more info and to register for this free workshop. We'll practice outside, weather permitting. (Hotchkisslibraryofsharon.org)
Save the Date: Experiencing the Tao de Ching, Qigong, and Innisfree: Ideas, Movements, and Spaces. Join me and Innisfree landscape curator Kate Kerin for a fascinating walk through the garden. We’ll do easy- to- follow Qigong movements inspired by the seminal Taoist poem, the Tao Te Ching, and learn how Chinese gardening philosophies influenced the design of the gardens themselves. Saturday, July 12, 10:30-12:30. Register at innisfreegarden.org
Save the date: Harvesting the Energy of Trees, Kripalu. July 20-23, Sunday-Wednesday. I would love you to join me and my colleagues John and Mary Platt for four rejuvenating, relaxing days in the beautiful Berkshires. Learning, meditating, practicing Qigong, sharing experiences, and hanging out together in such a gorgeous setting is a true Qi tonic! This year’s course includes a few new, fun, and interesting elements. To book online, visit kripalu.org/calendar