Tai Chi & Qigong for Health
Tai Chi and Qigong are enjoyable and has been shown in many scientifically valid research studies to improve many aspects of health. Aside from the health benefits, Tai Chi and Qigong run deep and strong because of their own depth and strength. The practices are easy to learn and become a way of life for many practitioners.
Several styles of Tai Chi and Qigong are taught at Silver Lotus, all with emphasis on maintaining health and wellness. Classes are fun and relaxed, and we use a stepwise progressive method of teaching the forms that makes them easy to learn. The instructors at Silver Lotus Training Institute have studied with Dr. Paul Lam, Dr. Roger Janhke and Susan Hamadock and have been certified to teach.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi, also known as shadow boxing, is an internal martial art that originates from ancient China. Now it is practiced throughout the world as an effective exercise for health. Tai Chi consists of fluid, gentle movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. Breathing is deepened and slowed, aiding visual and mental concentration, relaxing the body and allowing the life force, or “Qi,” to flow unimpeded throughout the body. It can be practiced almost anywhere and is a suitable form of exercise for just about anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Tai Chi is a powerfully holistic approach to better health.
What is Qigong?
Is similar to Tai chi but goes beyond the martial art application of the movements. Qigong refers to a variety of medical and non-medical practices and movements which are also designed to cultivate and circulate qi (pronounced “chee”). Qigong brings us quickly to a meditative place.
Our classes at Silver Lotus often begin with the meditative aspects of Qigong. These are simple yet profound slow movements which are coordinated with breath and combined with an internal focus to bring us to an internal stillness and sense of relaxation. We also include healing self massage techniques, primarily of the hands, feet and ears. These allow the body in its healing state to unblock and stimulate qi, creating its own medicine. We learn to deepen the breath so that the circulatory system, the lymphatic system and the energy system can be cleansed and re-vitalized. We “play” Tai chi during classes to develop strength and depth. We usually finish our classes with “washing” the qi: a technique to balance the energy system and to increase the flow of qi throughout the body.
What is TaiYoQi™?
TaiYoQi™ is an approach that has been developed by Susan Hamadock which synthesizes the finest therapeutic aspects of yoga, tai chi (primarily yang style) and qigong into one class format. Classes in TaiYoQi™ include qigong and kosa meditation, self massage, self reflection, breathing techniques, tai chi, and qigong movements as well as deep yoga stretches. Intersecting Daoist and Yoga philosophies are studied and discussed.
What is Chair Chi?
These gentle movement forms are designed as comprehensive, whole body movements that improve circulation, joint and muscle flexibility. Done sitting for those who use scooter, wheelchairs, walkers, canes or who have difficulty standing.
Tai Chi & Qigong Classes at Silver Lotus
- Yang Style 24-Forms: The most popular style, the one practiced daily throughout China. Gentle, graceful, large-frame movements characterize the Yang style of Tai Chi.
- Sun Style Short Forms for Better Health: Short, easy to learn forms, based on Sun style Tai Chi, that were developed to be safe and effective for people with special health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and back pain. Fun and relaxing for anyone!
- Moving Stillness Tai Chi Fan Form: Tai Chi fan forms use graceful movements to extend the practitioner’s Chi flow beyond their bodies and out to the edges of their fans. This form clearly reflects the harmony of Yin and Yang energies and allows a powerful increase in Chi experience.
- Tai Chi Made Easy: Simple movements based on the first six movements of the tai chi yang 24 form and simple qigong. Self massage is included in this style.
- TaiYoQi™: A therapeutic sysnthesis of Tai Chi, Yoga and Qigong into a single class format.
- Chair Qi: This is a variation developed for those folks who have difficulty standing or for those who cannot stand for one hour. Full benefits can be achieved with a Chair Qi practice or class.
- Crane Style Qigong: The movements of this Qigong practice are based on those of the crane, which are graceful and harmonious like the water of a mountain stream.
Download a PDF version
of
a brochure
that describes
our
yoga teacher training programs.
Download a PDF version
of
a brochure
that describes
our
yoga teacher training programs.
