Embryology Qi: Embryological Mesoderm and the Middle Dantian

Pre-Recorded online course. No embryology or qigong experience needed!

Six 80 minute classes, with additional material.

Embryological Mesoderm and the Middle Dantian

Recorded February 20th – March 27th, 2023

Description

We will consider our embodiment of space. During the early embryological process, mesoderm was created in the polarity of the endoderm and ectoderm. A two-layered embryo disc transformed into a three-layered disc. The mesoderm forms our vascular system, muscles, bones, and connective tissue. The center of our vascular system resides in the heart. The middle dantian, middle energy center, is in the area of the heart and relates to the sense of emotion in feeling and expression.

Blood originates in the mesoderm. As a yin tissue, it offers us a sense of grounding and connection with the earth; iron in blood has an affinity with the iron in the center of the earth. Embryologically, development of channels and vessels support the movement of blood which swirls and creates the heart center. The heart resides at the center of spirilic movement, clarity, and rejuvenation.

Embryologically, positioning and development of the heart precedes and guides organization of the brain. Development of the thoracic diaphragm and heart are also deeply connected. Coordinating breathing and heart rhythms can lead to deep serenity and One-ness.

One intention of cultivating qi is developing relationship to the physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of our being. Developmental, movement and embryological principles of Body-Mind Centering© will be applied to simple-to-do qi-movement forms, breathing, and practice.

Original embryology illustrations are included with the live course.

Curriculum

Class 1: Mesoderm. Arising from interplay of endoderm and ectoderm to become extraembryonic mesoderm and intraembryonic mesoderm.

Class 2: Primitive Streak. The primitive streak gives rise to the notochord and the foundation of the early heart.

Class 3: Blood Islands. Blood islands form in the mesoderm of the connecting stalk and yolk sac. Vacuoles form and coalesce to create channels and early blood vessels. These early vessels have an inherent peripheral pulsation.

Class 4: Heart Formation. The heart forms outside of the embryo and draws down into its home in the center of the cathedral of ribs. This is the seat of the middle dantian.

Class 5: Thoracic Diaphragm. The heart and thoracic diaphragm are formed of tissues from several origins. Breathing and heart rhythm have an early embryological connection.

Class 6: Bone Marrow. Blood is eventually formed in the bone marrow and balances the energy expended in the brain and upper dantian.


Your Instructor


Bob Lehnberg
Bob Lehnberg

In 1990, Bob Lehnberg received his certification as Practitioner of Body-Mind Centering® (BMCsm) and in 2002 Teacher of Body-Mind Centering. Since then Bob has received teacher certifications for BMC Yoga, Integral Yoga and Supreme Science of Qigong. He has been teaching in schools of massage therapy and programs of somatic training since 1990 and has had the good fortune to teach BMC and somatic practices throughout the US and internationally in Europe, Canada, China, and Taiwan.

Bob is a co-founder of Kinesthetic Learning Center in Durham, NC and has been on faculty teaching and coordinating the BMC Somatic Movement Educator (SME) and Practitioner certification programs since 2007. He is coordinator of SME courses for Esprit en Mouvement in Montreal, Canada and is Co-director of the SME program in Taitung, Taiwan.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The live online course starts Monday, February 20, 2023 and runs for six weeks every following Monday. The classes are from 10:30-11:50 AM EST.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
How do I participate in the course? Does the course require any special equipment?
To participate, you will need: • A well-lit area so that you appear clearly on the screen • A quiet area large enough where you can stand and freely swing your arms • Simple comfortable clothing allowing unrestricted movement • A chair or stool for sitting with your thighs parallel to the floor • Internet and computer with webcam for Zoom meeting

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