Qigong and Tai Chi
Qigong (pronounced chee-gung), is the practice of energy cultivation, Qigong consists of exercises developed 2000 years ago in China for the health of our bodies, minds, emotions and our spiritual natures. Slow,meditative exercises stretch our bodies, soothe the nervous system, lowers stress levels, boosts the immune system, connect us more to ourselves and the rest of the world and brings peace to our minds.
Tai Chi (pronounced tie-chee), is a slow, choreographed dance like form of Qigong that focuses on balance and harmony for our bodies, and in our everyday lives.
Both Tai Chi and Qigong are ancient Chinese exercises that promote optimal health, vitality and longevity. The exercises greatly reduce stress of all kinds and gives the practitioner a sense of peace and happiness. Qigong and Tai Chi improves physical health, mental, emotional health and balance.
"When you cultivate balance and harmony within yourself, or in the world -- that is Tai Chi. When you work and play with the essence and energy of life, nature and the universe for healing, clarity and inner peace -- that is Qigong."
-Roger Jahnke
The 4 components of Qigong, and Tai Chi are:
- Mindful movements, synchronized with the breath, gently exercise and stretch the body.
- Meditation relaxes and centers the body, mind and spirit.
- Self-applied massage of hands, feet, neck, ears and scalp stimulate acupressure points to improve organ function , the immune system, circulation and energy flow.
- Deep breathing slows the heart rate and lengthens the breath to promote the body's natural healing.
Class Descriptions
Qigong classes concentrate on optimal health, longevity, vitality and healing the body and emotional mind. The exercises reduce stress and improve the practitioners' overall health and sense of well-being. Exercises can be done seated, standing or lying down, thus, they are an excellent practice for those who are recovering from surgery illness or injury as well as those who want to maintain and improve their health.
Tai Chi Easy™ classes combine movements with meditation, bringing balance, harmony and alignment to the body and mind. The Tai Chi Easy™5 movement form and the 9 Movement Integral Form are carefully developed methods and approaches to Tai Chi that makes it easy, beneficial and fun -- right away. Students learn beautiful movement practices designed to emphasize the cultivation of inner strength, improve balance, calm the mind and restore the body to its natural state of health. We also practice 5 Element Tai Chi and Wudang Tai Chi.
Qigong/Tai Chi classes are a relaxed combination of the best of Qigong and simple Tai Chi forms
Explorations of Tai Chi: This session 7-week session we will learn Wudang Tai Chi, a beautiful and meaningful 18-movement form. The class will begin with warm up exercises that prepare our bodies and minds for the slow, meditative movements of Tai Chi.? We will end the class with a guided meditation. This class improves balance and harmony in your body and in every aspect of your life and may be taken standing or seated. No experience is necessary.
Health and Wellness:This class will focus on exercises that will keep you healthy and well for the rest of your life. The class includes gentle stretching to keep your body and joints strong and flexible, and balance exercises for fall prevention. We will practice techniques that improve circulation, control pain and boost your immune system. Meditation and breathing exercises will help to control stress and calm your mind. Bring Yoga mats. The exercises may be done seated or standing and will stimulate your mind and imagination. You are never too young or too old to start practicing these techniques.