Qi-gong
“Cultivating Energy”
Qi-gong (energy practice) brings stability, strength, and flexibility to body, emotions, and mind. Qi-gong is a gentle movement that is suitable for people of any age, in any physical condition. There are many different versions. Some of the ones we teach include:
Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade [video here]
Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance [video here]
Standing Like a Tree
Swimming Dragon
Whole Body Breathing
How to Learn
We offer qigong as part of our Calm and Clear Workshops.
We also offer individual coaching for beginners and for experienced practitioners.
Our Approach
George first explored tai chi and qigong with Tao Ping-Siang, Richard Aries, and the Five Willow Tai Chi Society. He learned the eight pieces of brocade and an internal neigong practice with Ken McLeod. He learned a modern therapeutic Tai Chi for Better Balance from Suman Barkhas, and shibashi from Franz Moeckl. What he practices and teaches has been influenced by what I've learned from Jeff Bickford (Feldenkrais) and Gail Gustafson (movement analysis).
Rather than follow a particular lineage or strict form, the intention is to help people move with awareness so they can bring health, flexibility and balance to their daily life.
“I want to help people to make the impossible more possible, the possible more pleasant, and the pleasant more elegant.”
~ Moshe Feldenkrais
Health benefits of qi-gong
Besides increased flexibility, stretching, healthy breathing, and hormonal balance, long-term qigong practice supports many health benefits, including:
Arthritis: reduces pain and physical functioning
Asthma: enhances blood circulation, oxygen distribution and relaxes bronchi
Balance: improves sense of balance, muscle strength, and flexibility
Blood sugar: improves indicators of metabolic syndrome and glycemic control
Blood pressure: lowers high blood pressure
Bone density: improves bone density for post-menopausal women
Breast cancer: aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility
Cancer: improves immunity, blood circulation, metabolism, respiration, and cardiovascular
Cardiovascular: lowers blood pressure, increases aerobic capacity
Cerebral arteriosclerosis: improves blood flow to the brain
Endocrine gland functions improved
Fibromyalgia: reduces pain, fatigue, and other symptoms
Heart disease: improves blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin
Hormones: improves balance
Hypertension: lowers blood pressure, improves serum levels
Immune system: increases T-cell production
Pain: raises pain threshold and response
Parkinson's disease: improves balance
Sleep: improves the quality and duration
Stroke: fewer strokes for those who practice qigong daily; improves balance after a stroke