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January 2026
Qi Greetings!
May the coming year bring balance to your body, clarity to your mind, and harmony to your spirit. Through steady and mindful practice, may your Qi remain stable, your awareness deepen, and your daily life become an expression of your noble heart.
Master Liu He reminds us that true Qi refinement arises from patience, gratitude, and simplicity. As we enter 2026, she encourages students to listen inwardly and to place greater emphasis on the quality of practice rather than quantity. When the heart is calm, Qi flows naturally, and transformation unfolds in its own time.
January 25th or 26th marks the Laba Festival (腊八节), which in Daoist and traditional Chinese culture is regarded as a precious opportunity to align with nature and harmonize the body and mind. This time falls in the depths of winter—the twelfth month of the lunar calendar—a pivotal moment in the annual transition between yin and yang and one of the coldest periods of the year. During this season, all things enter a state of closure and conservation, and the body’s yang energy turns inward deeply. It is therefore an ideal time for quiet contemplation, nurturing the spirit, and storing energy in preparation for the upward surge of yang energy in the coming spring.
On this day, one may engage in dietary practices, meditation, and simple rituals to experience the ancient wisdom of the “correspondence between the celestial realms and humanity.”
Dietary Nourishment · Harmony in the Number “8”
Daoist traditions place great importance on numerology. In the symbolism of the Yi Jing (Book of Changes), the number “eight” represents the earth element—carrying, harmonizing, and embodying inexhaustible vitality. The culinary customs of Laba reflect this principle:
Laba Congee/Porridge
Prepared from eight different grains and ingredients (such as rice, millet, red dates, lotus seeds, red beans, longan, barley, and peanuts), this congee/porridge symbolizes “harmony from all directions and nourishment” It warms and strengthens the spleen and stomach, supporting the balance of yin and yang.
Laba Garlic
Eight cloves of garlic are soaked in vinegar and sealed for eight days. Begin on this day and after the eigth days, eat a little each day. Garlic has warming and dispersing (疏通) properties, while vinegar is sour and astringent. Together, they create a balance of “dispersing warmth while gathering and preserving,” allowing yang energy to circulate smoothly without being depleted. This practice helps dispel cold and fortify the body.
The number “8” is an earth number, symbolizing the virtue of carrying all things and harmonizing the myriad beings. In Daoist thought, “eight” is not merely a numeral but a symbol of balance and cyclical continuity, it helps the body and mind return to their natural rhythm, eliminating the roots of illness and nurturing vitality. Although regarded as the ultimate earth number, “8” also contains boundless life force. Just as the Eight Trigrams revolve endlessly and the eight winds blow from all directions, the “eight” of Laba transcends quantity—it represents the harmonization of all things.
Master Liu He’s upcoming Spring Series begins on the Laba Festival, January 25th. Join her at the Eastern Mansion to
welcome the renewal of spring.
In the year ahead, the Ling Gui International Healing Qigong School will continue to offer regular Qigong classes, ongoing self-cultivation and teacher training programs, as well as special-topic courses designed to support students at every level. These offerings provide opportunities to strengthen foundational skills, deepen understanding, and experience the benefits of guided practice within a supportive and nurturing community.
NEW COURSE SERIES
2026: The Grand Energy Return
Full Moon Course – 12 Classes with Master Liu He (Livestream)
In this special year-long offering, Master Liu He will present The Twelve Peak-Yin Full Moons: Amplifying Celestial Qi Through the Twelve Meridians. This 12-month course consists of one 90-minute class held each month on the day of the full moon.
The first class is held in Lunar Month One and takes place on the Lantern Festival Full Moon; THIS CLASS WILL BE OFFERED AS A FREE CLASS TO EVERYONE (read below for details on upcoming offerings and enroll in the free class).
We look forward to practicing together in the year ahead. Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, peaceful, and harmonious 2026.
With Qi,
Ling Gui International Healing Qigong School
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