Traditional Chinese Medicine speaks of the three treasures which are essential to human life :
Jing
essence (in the genes);
Qi
vital energy;
Shen
spirit, mind.
I have been practising Qigong and Tai Chi for decades, and though I have been blessed with good Jing, I credit Qigong with keeping me healthy, flexible and in good shape throughout these decades.
In whichever country I might be travelling on holiday, I always find a spot for my daily routine of Qigong and Tai Chi. Often, when I am practising at home, visions of these places swim into my consciousness bringing back happy memories. Another great advantage of Qigong and Tai Chi is that it's possible to do them anywhere, they don't need equipment, nor a special location.
I continue to take Qigong and Tai Chi courses; there is so much more to learn!
I am always adding new movements to my repertoire, but there are some that I have been happily practising for decades. Because we are present in the moment of practice, the sequences feel different each time, they never get old and stale. I approach each session with a Beginner's Mind.
Benefits
The Chinese character for Qigong represents heated rice releasing steam, energy, life energy, i.e. Qi. Qigong movements stimulate the circulation of your life energy, your Qi.
To feel the Qi and enjoy the movements, Qigong and Tai Chi are performed slowly and gently. Every joint is lubricated, the muscles are engaged in turn, the internal organs are massaged and nourished.
Being present in the moment takes focus and concentration so the movements need to be done slowly and smoothly.
The tallest tree begins as a tiny shoot.
—Tao Te Ching, Chapter 64
The origins of Tai Chi and Qigong go back into early Chinese history where they were enshrouded in mythical characters and secrecy. Mythical characters like the great teacher Chang San Feng who, according to legend, could melt the snow all around him as he practised Tai Chi.
Secrets like that of the skill of Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow. Secrets were passed down from Master to a special, favourite student and that precious skill was almost lost.
Nowadays that skill is no longer a secret. Everyone is a special favourite student. You can learn and benefit from the skill. In today's world, the teacher of Qigong and Tai Chi guides you to awaken the many other secrets of Qi circulation and cultivation that are in all of us.
Both for the mind and for the body Qigong and Tai Chi are superb Arts.
There are many research studies taking place in the western world proving what Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners have known for years - that these Arts are marvellous for the body:
Qigong and Tai Chi can improve overall well-being and make it easier to manage many health problems.
Qigong and Tai Chi have been shown to improve flexibility and balance, decrease stress, regulate blood pressure, helping you sleep better and adding more joy to your life.
Qigong and Tai Chi are accessible to all ages and all levels of fitness.
Practising Qigong and Tai Chi just feels good. It feels good in the body and in the mind. Improvements in health can be experienced fairly quickly.
Qigong is the predecessor of Tai Chi.
There are 1000s of styles of Qigong and several branches :
Medical;
Longevity;
Scholarly;
Martial;
Spiritual.
The one most practised here, and the one you will practise is Medical, that is Qigong for health. It is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine which includes acupuncture, herbal remedies and nutrition.
Tai Chi is really a martial art, though taught more frequently as a fitness and health exercise.
The benefits for both are the same, for example:
healthy longevity
flexibility and fluidity of joints
reduction in stress
improved balance
blood pressure regulation
increased muscle and bone strength
It is easier to learn Qigong as you practise one movement at a time which is repeated.
Tai Chi involves a sequence of movements and is a bit more challenging.
These arts are beautiful to perform; they relax body and mind and make you feel great.
Why not learn both?
Certification
Tai Chi, Qigong & Feng Shui Institute
Shibashi
Instructor Institut National de Médecine
Chinoise (Canada) Inc. Représentant official
du Professeur Lin Housheng Certificat
d'enseignement : Taiji Qigong Shibashi
Représentant official du Professeur
Lin Housheng
Certificat d'enseignement : Taiji Qigong
Shibashi
Satori Qigong Flow Form Instructor
Satori Qigong Good Morning Good Evening
Instructor
Chifusion 3-Year Program - in process
Training
Costa Rica Retreat Flowing Zen
Virginia, US Retreat PERFECT Qigong
Scotland Community Courses
Toronto Qigong Conference
History
Fund Raiser for Two-Abreast Dragon Boat Team
ARC Recharge Program for Home Caregivers
Health Breaks for South Shore Community Meetings
Namasthé Yoga Studio
Maison Desaulniers Seniors Community Centre
Qigong Sessions for Young Adults with Mental Disabilities
