Qi Gong
What is it?
Qi gong (pronounced "chee-gong") is an ancient healing art and physical practice that blends intentional movement, meditation, breathing techniques, sound, and energy therapy. With roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Daoism, it is based on principles of simplicity and effortless, natural action. The word ‘Qi’ refers to the universal vital life force; the essential energy that animates all living things and flows through the universe with infinite abundance. ‘Gong’ means to work with or practice. Thus this practice of working with the Qi is both a physical and spiritual practice which optimizes energy flow throughout the body to promote healing, balance, and overall well-being.
What to Expect...
In a typical Qi Gong class, we move through 3 stages: Cleansing and Clearing, Creating Healthy Flow, and finally Replenishing and Tonifying. Generally Qi Gong is a practice of supple and gentle movements and intentions, though occasionally there may be some vigorous exercises used to build and move heat or remove energy blockages. Pairing the breath with our slow and purposeful movements, each set is repeated several times to cultivate a meditative flow.
Everything in a Qi Gong practice should be done within comfortable limits. In a culture that often feels hard and forceful, Qi Gong stands as the antidote to balancing this dynamic: it teaches us to move through the world with respectful groundedness and a resonance that connects us with our true nature.
Anticipated Results…
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Throughout the class we typically feel a sense of letting go, a lightness and ease that enters our bodies and overall lives. When we create healthy flow we feel our sense of freedom and gentle liveliness return and increase. Finally in the last stage - Replenishing and Tonifying - we often experience a sense of relaxed strength. There is a prevailing sense of belonging, interconnectedness, and grounded kindness to one’s self and all living things in our classes. The bright vitality that breathes life into the world will saturate, enrich, and nourish you.
By the end of a Qi Gong set we feel more grounded, centred, and easeful. The more regularly we practice, the more we cultivate and expand this wellness in our lives, and the stronger we grow.
Who can benefit the most from Qi Gong?
Commonly we can feel so disempowered and rushed in our lives and health. Very often we struggle to practice things like meditation or restful activities, even though we know it’s likely just what we need to cultivate balance and wellness. It may feel too jarring or uncomfortable to go from the common pace of hustling and bustling throughout the day to stillness and quiet.
Qi Gong is that missing step.
It’s a practice that allows for a gradual change of pace and recentering through movements, intentions and breath to bridge the gap between hyperspeed and tranquility.
Qi Gong is an effective complement to all healing modalities and treatments, though it is not meant to be a replacement for any health care methods or approaches.
For anyone looking to improve their health, increase vitality, and nourish their love of life, Qi Gong is the right choice. As a gentle practice, it is appropriate for all fitness levels and age groups. A variety of class types are offered to meet your specific age and wellness levels and intentions.