July 2026 Bigu Retreat Details

Dear Fellow Bigu Practitioners,

A heartfelt welcome to you—you’re officially registered for our July 8-12, 2026 Daoist Bigu Workshop! ! I’m thrilled you’ve chosen to embark on this journey of mind-body renewal, and I want to emphasize one non-negotiable truth upfront:

Daoist Bigu is NOT simply abstaining from food. It is a 2,000-year-old skill of gathering Qi (life-force energy) by alterative sources to eliminate hunger, nourish your body, and unlock deep healing. The difference between a smooth, transformative Bigu experience and a struggle lies in your preparation. To thrive—not just endure—you must start practicing the Daoist techniques now that will let you “feel full with Qi, not food.”

  • Below is your guide to preparing intentionally. 
  • Please read this carefully, and let’s build the foundation for a safe, powerful retreat.

The #1 Priority: Start These Qi-Gathering Practices TODAY

Bigu’s core is “no hunger when Qi is full”—and these practices train your body to absorb and store Qi, so you won’t crave food during the retreat. Begin them immediately (10–12 days before March 11) to build your energy reserves:

1. Master Gulping-Qi (Turtle Breathing) – Your Anti-Hunger Superpower

This is the most critical Bigu technique—read about it below, watch the video, and start practicing it two weeks before the event to avoid discomfort later. The date to start is: Wednesday, June 24.

  • Practice 3x daily: Start with 12 slow, intentional “gulps” each session. Inhale deeply through your nose, drawing Qi into your lower abdomen (imagine filling a balloon); hold for 2 seconds, then exhale gently through your mouth.

  • Gradually increase: Add 3 gulps per day until you reach 36 gulps per session by July 8.

  • Test it out: To find out if your Qi Gulping is working, skip a meal after gulping qi to see if the exercises. If you can do this easily without hunger, then you have achieved the goal of Qi Gulping.

  • Learn from the video: Not sure how? Watch my step-by-step tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kUBc1DI7Gw

  • Unlock your Ren Meridian first: Before each gulp, do 3 rounds of “Qi-opening breathing”: Inhale through your nose (expanding your belly), exhale while silently making the sound “her” (feel the vibration in your chest), and visualize Qi flowing down to your lower dan-tian (belly button area). This opens your energy channels to absorb Qi more efficiently—you’ll feel fuller, faster.

2. Tongue Position & Saliva Cultivation – Nourish with “Qi Fluid”

Do this anytime, anywhere—it activates Qi flow and nourishes your body without food:

  • Keep your tongue gently touching the upper palate (roof of your mouth) throughout the day.

  • When saliva builds up (it will!), swallow slowly, sending it down to your lower dan-tian. This “golden fluid” is rich in Qi and supports digestion, even during fasting.

3. Skin-Breathing Meditation – Absorb Energy from Nature

Train your body to “eat Qi” through your skin—this is Daoist Bigu’s secret:

  • Meditate for 10 minutes daily: Sit quietly, close your eyes, and imagine your entire body “breathing”—inhaling Qi from sunlight, fresh air, and nature; exhaling toxins.

  • This practice primes your body to thrive on alternative energy sources, making the transition to Bigu seamless.

Key Retreat Updates (July 8-12)

  • Start Date: We begin on Wednesday, July 8 (not Thursday) to cover more Daoist wisdom. I encourage you to try a full 7-day Bigu (a Daoist “complete life cycle” for deep detox and renewal), but you can still choose a 3–4 day fast (starting Friday, July 10) if that fits your schedule—we’ll support you either way.

  • Read FAQs First: Dispels myths and answers your questions—read them before the retreat.

  • WhatsApp Group: If you’re not already part of our daily discussion group, send your phone number to Allwyn (our technical support/teaching assistant: alja78@aol.com | +1 443-559-4517) immediately. This is where we troubleshoot, share tips, and build community—critical for first-time practitioners!

Must-Watch Videos to Deepen Your Understanding

These videos reinforce why preparation matters—and inspire confidence:

 Final Reminders

  • Referral Rewards: We still have a few spots open! Invite friends/colleagues to join—you’ll earn 20% reward per new participant (refer 3, and attend for free!).

  • Trust the Process: Bigu is not starvation—it’s a upgrade to your body’s energy system. By practicing these techniques now, you’ll arrive on March 11 ready to “thrive on Qi,” not just survive without food.

Need Help?

If you have questions about the practices, preparation, or logistics, reply to this email or reach out to me directly at Qigong4us@hotmail.com. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

I can’t wait to guide you on this sacred path. Remember: The more you prepare now, the more profound your Bigu experience will be. May Qi flow freely, and may you arrive on March 11 ready to unlock your body’s natural ability to heal and renew.

With peace, Qi, and blessings,

Kevin Chen Ph.D., MPH 

Former Faculty, University of Maryland School of Medicine

P.S. For extra science-backed inspiration, check out these research videos on fasting: