Qi Gong and Qi Gong Classes

Qi Gong (chee gong) is often called the "Mother of Tai Qi". It is a meditative and a healing art; gentle, contemplative movement that helps unify body, mind and spirit. Movements are performed very slowly, with awareness focused on the breath and the Qi (energy, or vital life force). The mind is calm; the breath slow, even and deep. Breath and body move gracefully as one. Qi is nourished and the natural healing process is activated.

Qi Gong is considered a form of "internal exercise" that exercises the internal organs. This is because, through regular practice of Qi Gong, the flow of energy through the organs, tissues, meridians and systems of the body is harmonized. The nervous system becomes balanced. Stress is released. Breathing becomes even, deep and oxygenates the body. Thus, a calm spirit is nourished, allowing peace to pervade our cells and healing to prevail!

"In the universe, there exists two primal forces – the negative and the positive, light and darkeness – which make up the Great Whole of the Tao. These two forces exist in that which is microcosmic to that which is macrocosmic.

Energy flows from left to right and right to left unceasingly and is evidenced in changes. It flows like the flowing of a mountain stream. The Chinese consider blood circulation akin to a flowing stream. Only natural flowing water like a river can bring forth life and growth. The forms and sequences of forms in Qi Gong open and close the doors between the creative and receptive forces. Closing the doors, stops movement. Like stagnant water, stagnant force leads to decay. Opening the door leads to circulation of force and creation."

                                 - Dr. Lily Siou, Taoist Master

"Qi" is energy, or life force. The Chinese character "Gong" symbolizes physical power and the manifestation of this power in the natural movements of the body. The unity or natural integration of physical power and movement is the technique and power of the Art. "Gong" also signifies work, practice, action and good results. When "Gong" is used for right action, it has beneficial results.

The Art of Qi Gong is that of nurturing the Qi, or the flowing of the life force.

Qi Gong was developed in China about 4,000 years ago. It uses slow, defined movements that are coordinated with the breath and relaxed concentration. It uses slow movements because this requires and develops awareness, concentration, focus and control.

   Qi Gong Classes

There are many styles of Qi Gong and many levels of practice.  A key part of Suzanne's training in Chinese medicine, emphasized by her teacher, Dr. Lily Siou, was the daily practice of Qi Gong. This is especially important for practitioners, in order to cultivate and protect their Qi for their own health and to work with others more effectively.

Suzanne primarily teaches beginning level Qi Gong along with Chinese Health Practices and Taoist Meditation as part of her mission to offer simple self-help modalites that can be integrated easily into daily life. Qi Gong is a fun and rewarding practice and can complement any other practice you may have, including meditation, prayer, yoga, running or Pilates.

The Eight Flowing Forms (Ba Tuan Chuan)

These are the first eight forms, as taught by Dr. Lily Siou. This simple, standing form gives on a feeling of peace, tranquility and of harmony with the Tao. It cultivates Qi and builds strength, flexibility and resilience when practiced regularly.

Sitting Forms

Suzanne teaches sitting forms to nourish and cultivate the Qi and a calm spirit. These are a combination of those taught her by Lily Siou, Taoist Master and by Kiatsu teacher Nadao Honda; and several other sources.

These gentle, meditative forms are excellent when the Qi is very deficient, to slowly nourish the Kidney Essence and Qi. These are most appropriate for the Winter and go well with morning or evening meditations.