For thousands of years, Qigong has been a practice that taps into the body’s own healing potential.
From a traditional standpoint, Qigong is the basis of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. We firmly believe that having a strong foundation in it is necessary to be the best possible Chinese Medicine practitioner.
What is Qi? Qi translates as ‘Energy'. Everything in the universe is made up of energy. That includes all physical matter - both inanimate objects as well as all living things; invisible forces such as the wind, temperature, electricity or magnetism; and even thoughts, emotions and intentions. Since everything in the universe has this underlying basis of qi, there is the potential for all phenomena to affect each other.
What is Qigong? Pronounced "Chee Goong, " Qigong is the foundational practice for all other practices we teach, including Tai Chi, Ba Gua and Meditation.Qigong translates literally as “Energy Skill” and is about learning how to control and balance your own energy – promoting correct flow, gathering and storing, feeling and staying connected, cleansing or purifying, or even projecting it.There are literally thousands of styles of Qigong, but they all have as their basis correct posture, correct breathing, staying relaxed, and simple gentle movements.
Who can practice Qigong? Qigong can be practiced by people of all ages, degrees of health and religious/belief systems. Physical postures can be modified if you have a handicap, disability or injury. Unlike Western exercise regimens that push you beyond your capacity, qigong works to increase your capability in a slow and gradual process that does not risk injury. Why practice Qigong? Practicing Qigong can benefit your physical, mental or emotional health or help you on your spiritual quest. Specific Qigong methods can be used to heal the body from physical injuries or health conditions, such as asthma and high blood pressure. Qigong helps to build your immune system so that you don't get sick. It can provide stability and strength to cope with stress and release negative emotions. And if you are interested in spirituality, Qigong and meditation can help give you the strength to observe, experience, and recognize who you really are and manifest who you truly want to be.
Why study Qigong at The Acupuncture Office? Qigong is taught by professional Chinese Medicine practitioners with extensive( 50+ years combined) and varied backgrounds in Qigong. Since they have studied more than one style and one tradition, they recognize that there is no one way for every individual. They also have the knowledge and ability to recognize and correct energetic problems if they arise, and to modify qigong practices according to a student's physical ability or energetic capacity.
For each student's benefit, we require all to either attend our “Basics in Qigong” or "Intro to Tai Chi & Qigong" class or demonstrate the ability to do all things taught in the class before registering for more advanced classes. Basic concepts and abilities are essential to preventing problems with incorrect practice and injury and are necessary for further development.
Group and private instruction are available. Group classes are more general in content, but limited in size in order to provide personal attention to each student. Private instruction focuses on the student's unique and individual health and wellness needs. Basics of Qigong and Intro to Tai Chi
You cannot do Tai Chi without Qigong. Why? Because Tai Chi is a martial art based on Qigong.To ensure correct practice, and to obtain optimal benefits from Tai Chi, you should understand the principles of how the body cultivates vital energy and works with it. For this reason, Intro to Tai Chi includes the course content of Basics of Qigong, plus some beginning movements of a Tai Chi form.This is the course for those wanting to pursue studies in Tai Chi. Please note that the course focuses on its health benefits rather than the martial/self-defense aspect. For those interested mainly in a practice for physical, emotional and spiritual health, Basics of Qigong is a good starting point.
Level 1 Qigong Having covered the fundamentals in Basics of Qigong, the weekly classes will offer a more in depth study of this health maintenance system. You will learn methods to sense, cultivate and balance your own Qi as well as learn basic Taoist meditation, and the first part of the 18-Movement Qigong form.
Level 1 Tai Chi This 6-week course will cover the 1st segment of Yang-style 24-form in a unique way that emphasizes Qigong principles and practice. Specific guidance is given in working with the Yin and Yang energies and promoting inner strength, balance, and relaxed movement.
Qigong for Healthy Spine (Basics or Intro class is pre-requisite) The spine's health is vital to overall health. Learn easy and gentle practices to improve and maintain a healthy spine. If you have neck or lumbar problems, this is the workshop for you!
Clearing Stagnation (Basics or Intro class is pre-requisite) ‘Qi Stagnation’ can manifest as a variety of symptoms in the physical, emotional or spiritual levels. If you complain of pain or stiffness, have unpleasant emotions that are hard to release, or are unsatisfied with your life, this workshop is right for you! Learn to relax and release with Taoist meditation practices and simple, fun Qigong movements. This class can be the beginning of profound life changes for you!
BENEFITS OF ALL THERAPIES
Stress relief
Increases attention/focus
Improves circulation Improves joint mobility
Lowers blood pressure (if needed)
Reduces pain/inflammation
Improves sleep
Lessens menstrual complaints
Aids digestion
Eases headache
Clears mind
Balances emotions
Reduces anxiety
Increases energy
Energy. Strength. Nourishment. Flow. Breath. Intention. Spirit. Mind. Qi is each and all of these. The study and practice of Qigong enables you to develop these as a means of improving your health and life.
