Qi Gong

My deep connection with Qi Gong began twenty years ago, when my massage teacher suggested that I add it to my self-care routine. I had been cancer-free for 5 years and was looking for ways to stay healthy and reduce stress. As I incorporated it into my daily routine, I noticed that I felt more flexible and relaxed in body, mind and spirit; I felt lighter. I was stronger and pain-free in spite of whiplash, arthritis, scoliosis and bursitis. In 2014, my passion for Qi Gong led me to further my studies by becoming a Qi Gong Instructor.

Qi Gong is a moving meditation which works with qi or chi (vital life force energy) to enhance good health. The origins of Qi Gong can be traced to China and founded on the principles of the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine in which healing starts from the inside out. In the body, there are three energy centers (also known as Tan Tien) where qi is accessed and stored. The three Tan Tiens are inter-connected and related to the physical, mental and emotional bodies. Ancient sages created Qi Gong exercises to harness, activate, circulate and purify qi to calm the mind and train the body to move with fluidity and ease. When all three Tan Tiens are in balance, the result is optimum health.

There are many health benefits to practicing Qi Gong. Some of the benefits include:

• Straightening and stretching the spine
• Stretching and toning the muscles
• Improving balance, coordination and flexibility
• Relieving pain and stress and promoting calmness and peace
• Increasing vitality and reducing insomnia
• Improving mental clarity and focus
• Strengthening the immune system and all the bodily systems

As the Chinese philosopher, Confucius advocated, “Flowing water never stagnates, and the hinges of an active door never rust.” “This is due to movement, and this is what we want to create in our bodies.”

My goal as a Qi Gong Instructor is to share these powerful self-healing practices with my students so that they can feel strong and healthy even into old age.