FAQ
What is Qigong?
Qigong is an ancient movement practice from China. “Qi” means energy, and “Gong” means cultivate. In Qigong, we practice gentle, flowing, and invigorating movements to free up and increase the circulation of our blood, breath, joint lubricating synovial fluid, and even our creativity and emotional energy. Qigong offers all the proven benefits of Tai Chi (improved balance, lower body strength, stress reduction, stronger immune response, increased joint mobility, healthier internal organs, pain reduction) but Qigong is much, much easier and quicker to learn!
Can I get a good work-out from doing mindful exercise like Qigong?
You bet! I would argue that mindful exercise is the only way to go, if you are serious about transforming your state of health and fitness. Mindfulness, by its nature, enables you to work smart, not just hard. On the other hand, exercising in an unconscious, habitual way, rarely brings good or lasting results. Learning to exercise with mindful awareness will transform your out-look as well as your muscles. It's very motivating, too. My students and I truly enjoy working together; we have fun and we get results.
How quickly will I notice results?
That depends on the results you are seeking. It is possible to learn how to reduce stress in the time it takes to draw 8 deep, slow breaths. In about 5 minutes I can teach you a simple technique which, if you practice it, will make standing up from a low chair easier. Changing habits you have held for 20, 30, or 40 years, however, takes longer. Exactly how much longer will depend on how consistently you work at it. Most of my students feel a difference after just one class, and continue to improve for the duration of our time together.
How is Qigong different than Yoga?
There are some similarities, however Qigong is less position oriented than Yoga and we don’t do exercises on the floor. Qigong exercises are circular and flowing and never, ever forced. As one of my favorite teachers, Kenneth Cohen says, “The only thing you can do wrong in Qigong is NOT relax.” It’s simple to modify Qigong exercises until they feel just exactly right for your body and mind, whether that means making them less or more challenging. Many of the benefits are the same as for Yoga: flexibility, strength, alignment, stress reduction, and spiritual growth are all benefits of Qigong.
How do you work with older people?
"Gentle but consistent wins the day" and , "No pain, no pain."
I am extremely respectful of each person's comfort zone and encourage everyone to progress at their own speed, with my guidance and support. Interestingly, my dance background, with its emphasis on alignment, balance, breathing and flexibility has applied almost seamlessly to my work with older people, who are dealing with similar issues.
Whatever our age, we all must face the fact that, given the medical advances of our century, we will live much longer than our predecessors. Research points in a vivid and compelling way toward incorporating exercise into our daily lives as one of the most powerful tools we possess for enabling ourselves to live in comfort, health, and independence. The sooner and more consistently you bring more movement into your life, the better your results will be. As a baby boomer myself, I live and teach with this in mind, always.
Is there ever a time when its too late to begin working on exercise/movement therapy?