 Classes
& Workshops
Qigong
The word Qigong (pronounced ‘chee-gung') is derived from
two Chinese characters. Qi (or Chi) refers to our vital energy,
life force or breath. Sometimes translated as “the vapor of
the finest matter”, its character represents the steam that
rises from a grain of cooking rice, symbolizing distilled essence.
‘Gong' means practice or cultivation. Qigong, then, is
the cultivation of the vital energy the Chinese call Qi, the force
that animates every living being.
Practicing the art of Qigong opens the flow of Qi not only in the
area we are moving, but throughout our bodies. When balanced and
strengthened by Qigong practice, our Qi keeps us fit and healthy
all our lives. Though Qigong has been studied by physicians of traditional
Chinese medicine for thousands of years, western scientists in both
China and the U.S. have only recently begun to apply the scientific
method to the practice. Initial studies of Qigong and the related
Qi-cultivating exercise Tai Chi show that regular practice lowers
blood pressure, improves heart function, eases addictions, significantly
reduces falls and fractures in the elderly and reduces fatigue,
anxiety, tension, depression, and mental confusion at any age. Qigong
has been popularly associated with astounding acts by masters who
move objects simply by pointing their fingers, illuminate light
bulbs merely by holding them in their hands, or dissolve tumors
without even touching a patient's body. Enthusiasts believe
that the practice cures a variety of illness from heart disease
to arthritis, asthma to aids. Though recent research has aimed to
measure QI via bioluminescent imagery or chart the effects of Qigong
of illness, the vital force of Qi has yet to be fully grasped with
conventional methods.
 Given
the growing popularity of Eastern medicine in our country, it is
likely that by the time western science is finally able to chart
and describe all that Chi does, millions of people worldwide will
have already experienced the power of this vital energy.
Of the four major branches of traditional Chinese medicine; acupuncture,
herbal medicine, Qigong and massage, Qigong is the most easy to
practice as a self healing technique. With the exception of external
or medical Qigong, which relies on a practitioner who emits Qi and
moves it through your body, no one else can do Qigong for you. All
you need is Qi!
When you practice Qigong, you perform a set of graceful movements
and postures that are like a simple dance, one designed to balance
the vital energy throughout your body. The practice also includes
meditation and visualization, self massage and the expression of
sounds. When you practice Qigong regularly, your health and fitness
are in your very own hands. Subtle yet powerful, the results of
your practice will astound you
Group qigong sessions: 60 min., $12.00 USD per person per session;
Private one-on-one Qigong class, 60 min., $55.00
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