Qigong (Qi - "Chee' = Energy, Gong = skillfully working with)
Qigong is a practice of working skillfully with energy in the body-heart-mind-spirit.
It is an ancient healing movement system rooted in Chinese medicine, five element theory and Taoist cosmology and inner alchemy. With its emphasis on relaxation, mindful presence and simple, flowing movement, qigong is an excellent practice for nervous system regulation and has many other health benefits. Often states of flow and bliss arise while doing qigong.
Qigong is a practice of working skillfully with energy in the body-heart-mind-spirit.
It is an ancient healing movement system rooted in Chinese medicine, five element theory and Taoist cosmology and inner alchemy. With its emphasis on relaxation, mindful presence and simple, flowing movement, qigong is an excellent practice for nervous system regulation and has many other health benefits. Often states of flow and bliss arise while doing qigong.
Classes:
Tuesdays and Thursdays ~ Ongoing-7am-7:45am pacific
On Zoom or in person, Drop-in OK
Qigong~ Flowing mindful movement. Meditation in motion.
Tuesdays and Thursdays ~ Ongoing-7am-7:45am pacific
On Zoom or in person, Drop-in OK
Qigong~ Flowing mindful movement. Meditation in motion.
Qigong is an easy, flowing movement practice that brings together: movement, breath and awareness into a harmonious synchrony. The key principle is relaxing and enjoying the movement to release tension, increase energy flow and presence. All the movements can be modified to suit you.
This is a 45 minute class, Tu/Th, 7am Pacific time zone. Drop-in welcome.
I send out the zoom link before the class.
Fee: $10 per session. (no one turned away due to lack of $).
To register contact me here.
Then you just need some room to stand in front of your screen and move in place. Cutting down on distractions is good to do before hand too. (let me know if you have any other questions on set up).
To register or ask questions, use the contact form.
Private Coaching
Would you like to have some one-on-one instruction doing qigong? I can tailor a class to your needs and interests. We can do it in person or online. Contact me through this site using the contact form.
Check out videos of me doing Qigong, click the photo below:
This is a 45 minute class, Tu/Th, 7am Pacific time zone. Drop-in welcome.
I send out the zoom link before the class.
Fee: $10 per session. (no one turned away due to lack of $).
To register contact me here.
Then you just need some room to stand in front of your screen and move in place. Cutting down on distractions is good to do before hand too. (let me know if you have any other questions on set up).
To register or ask questions, use the contact form.
Private Coaching
Would you like to have some one-on-one instruction doing qigong? I can tailor a class to your needs and interests. We can do it in person or online. Contact me through this site using the contact form.
Check out videos of me doing Qigong, click the photo below:
Why I love qigong?
The simple flowing, spiraling movement feels lovely and natural. It is rooted in ancient Taoist philosophy, five element theory of Chinese Medicine and shamanic wisdom. It has been practiced and evolving for 1000's of years, this gives me a deep sense of rooting in with the wisdom of many before us. At the same time, we are all free to interact with the aliveness of the movements and contribute to that evolution by following our inner body impulses and responses. With qigong I feel I am aligning with ancient archetypal processes-the five elements, Nature and the Tao - the HUM of the universe.
What are the benefits of qigong?
Qigong is a great movement form to complement other physical fitness forms like cardio and weight training. Qigong is comprehensive and holistic where other exercise forms target specific physical skills. It is unique in its inclusion of “flow” and relaxation to access power. Qigong is gentle and adaptable so anyone can do it and derive health benefits. Besides benefiting our physical body, qigong also works with our body's energy system–the bioelectrical network that powers and connects our bodies' systems. But qigong is much more than a physical exercise. It is a mindfulness practice. Doing qigong, you bring your mind into the present and since the movements are relatively simple and natural, you aren’t overwhelmed with complex movement like some other forms of exercise. So qigong practice engages the mind but also allows the mind to be calm and relaxed. Qigong is also calming to the nervous system. The deep rhythmic breathing coupled with the natural flowing movements, with uplifted postures, helps us shift from a stress mode and into the relaxed parasympathetic nervous system mode. This also creates the internal conditions that are restorative, where deep healing is activated.
Practicing qigong cultivates skill at working with emotions and stress from inside ourselves where we have more control, instead of trying to change things out in the world where we have less control. With qigong practice we are training to be more responsive to life and less reactive to circumstances. Qigong is pleasurable to do! Even at a beginner’s level, people can feel the pleasure of the graceful movements. With a little practice we can experience entering a “Flow State.” That’s a natural state we all want and everyone can recognize as how we feel when we are doing something we love: when we’re energized yet calm, mentally focused but not anxious, not stuck in the past or worried about thefuture....so deeply engaged that we lose track of time. Qigong can also be part of one’s spiritual life. We develop skills at working with our own energy, come to know ourselves, connect with clarity of purpose and to focus our energy and intention in the direction we want to go. Practicing qigong can become a cultivation of compassion, gratitude and connection to the divine as we each uniquely perceive it. So, qigong is a training to work skillfully with our internal life energies, to whatever degree we wish to engage them.
The simple flowing, spiraling movement feels lovely and natural. It is rooted in ancient Taoist philosophy, five element theory of Chinese Medicine and shamanic wisdom. It has been practiced and evolving for 1000's of years, this gives me a deep sense of rooting in with the wisdom of many before us. At the same time, we are all free to interact with the aliveness of the movements and contribute to that evolution by following our inner body impulses and responses. With qigong I feel I am aligning with ancient archetypal processes-the five elements, Nature and the Tao - the HUM of the universe.
What are the benefits of qigong?
Qigong is a great movement form to complement other physical fitness forms like cardio and weight training. Qigong is comprehensive and holistic where other exercise forms target specific physical skills. It is unique in its inclusion of “flow” and relaxation to access power. Qigong is gentle and adaptable so anyone can do it and derive health benefits. Besides benefiting our physical body, qigong also works with our body's energy system–the bioelectrical network that powers and connects our bodies' systems. But qigong is much more than a physical exercise. It is a mindfulness practice. Doing qigong, you bring your mind into the present and since the movements are relatively simple and natural, you aren’t overwhelmed with complex movement like some other forms of exercise. So qigong practice engages the mind but also allows the mind to be calm and relaxed. Qigong is also calming to the nervous system. The deep rhythmic breathing coupled with the natural flowing movements, with uplifted postures, helps us shift from a stress mode and into the relaxed parasympathetic nervous system mode. This also creates the internal conditions that are restorative, where deep healing is activated.
Practicing qigong cultivates skill at working with emotions and stress from inside ourselves where we have more control, instead of trying to change things out in the world where we have less control. With qigong practice we are training to be more responsive to life and less reactive to circumstances. Qigong is pleasurable to do! Even at a beginner’s level, people can feel the pleasure of the graceful movements. With a little practice we can experience entering a “Flow State.” That’s a natural state we all want and everyone can recognize as how we feel when we are doing something we love: when we’re energized yet calm, mentally focused but not anxious, not stuck in the past or worried about thefuture....so deeply engaged that we lose track of time. Qigong can also be part of one’s spiritual life. We develop skills at working with our own energy, come to know ourselves, connect with clarity of purpose and to focus our energy and intention in the direction we want to go. Practicing qigong can become a cultivation of compassion, gratitude and connection to the divine as we each uniquely perceive it. So, qigong is a training to work skillfully with our internal life energies, to whatever degree we wish to engage them.
What’s the Science?
A 2007 UCLA study of 112 adults indicated practicing Qi Gong/Tai Chi could increase immune system resistance to viral infection by 50%.
In 2012 researchers discovered that mindful meditation can cut your chances of getting a cold by up to 50%.
In a separate study, researchers at the University of Virginia found that their varsity swim team got 70% fewer lung infections when they practiced Qi Gong at least once a week, compared to swimmers who practiced less often.
Four studies concluded Qi Gong can reduce stress and three studies say Qi Gong reduces anxiety among healthy subjects following one to three months of Qi Gong practice.
In a 2018 review of six scientific studies, researchers discovered that Qi Gong can significantly improve depression, anxiety, and lung capacity.
Qi Gong is a gentle, easy-to-follow moving meditation.
Anyone can use Qi Gong to reduce stress, increase energy, and release tension.
(From Master Qigong teacher Lee Holden)
A 2007 UCLA study of 112 adults indicated practicing Qi Gong/Tai Chi could increase immune system resistance to viral infection by 50%.
In 2012 researchers discovered that mindful meditation can cut your chances of getting a cold by up to 50%.
In a separate study, researchers at the University of Virginia found that their varsity swim team got 70% fewer lung infections when they practiced Qi Gong at least once a week, compared to swimmers who practiced less often.
Four studies concluded Qi Gong can reduce stress and three studies say Qi Gong reduces anxiety among healthy subjects following one to three months of Qi Gong practice.
In a 2018 review of six scientific studies, researchers discovered that Qi Gong can significantly improve depression, anxiety, and lung capacity.
Qi Gong is a gentle, easy-to-follow moving meditation.
Anyone can use Qi Gong to reduce stress, increase energy, and release tension.
(From Master Qigong teacher Lee Holden)
Testimonials:
"Angela's class is like a moving meditation. It combines breathing and movement in a way that leaves me feeling energized physically, mentally and spiritually. She shares her knowledge of Qigong in the class and even over zoom, instructs on technique, position and breathing. Combining simple movements, breathing and focus is both calming and energizing. It is a wonderful way to start the day"!
~Penelope (US)
I’ve been taking Angela’s Qigong classes for approximately 8 months now, 3 times a week. The instruction is thorough and articulate and she shows the Qigong from a variety of different angles, so you are able to really follow the movement and do it yourself. She changes the classes up too, at a nice pace, so you get to learn and feel competent, but never bored, because she’s also always adding new flows. She continues to learn about Qigong and it’s benefits and shares this with the class. Since taking the class I’ve noticed, that the body just feels healthier, and I have more stamina and strength, which I never would have guessed possible with what appear to be such gentle, subtle flows and movements. Qigong has also been helpful for balance. It is a wonderful way to harmonize the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of oneself. Each session feels like we are doing it for the first time. It brings one to the present, and for that 45 minutes, you can leave the “to do” list behind. Thank you, Angela for such a fulfilling class!
~A.K. Bellingham, WA
“Angela impressed me with her observation skills and her ability to gracefully cater her classes to the specific needs in her groups. With her diverse repertoire, she engaged every participant to their fullest potential. Her delivery appears effortless, and her classes are inspiring and fun”.
~Helga Wissenbach - Engagement Assistant & Dementia Care Specialist, Silverado Retirement Dementia Care Residency - Bellingham, WA
“Angela skillfully leads people of all sizes, shapes, ages and abilities to be comfortable and explore new ways to both think and move.”
~ Julie Carpenter, Bellingham, WA
~Penelope (US)
I’ve been taking Angela’s Qigong classes for approximately 8 months now, 3 times a week. The instruction is thorough and articulate and she shows the Qigong from a variety of different angles, so you are able to really follow the movement and do it yourself. She changes the classes up too, at a nice pace, so you get to learn and feel competent, but never bored, because she’s also always adding new flows. She continues to learn about Qigong and it’s benefits and shares this with the class. Since taking the class I’ve noticed, that the body just feels healthier, and I have more stamina and strength, which I never would have guessed possible with what appear to be such gentle, subtle flows and movements. Qigong has also been helpful for balance. It is a wonderful way to harmonize the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of oneself. Each session feels like we are doing it for the first time. It brings one to the present, and for that 45 minutes, you can leave the “to do” list behind. Thank you, Angela for such a fulfilling class!
~A.K. Bellingham, WA
“Angela impressed me with her observation skills and her ability to gracefully cater her classes to the specific needs in her groups. With her diverse repertoire, she engaged every participant to their fullest potential. Her delivery appears effortless, and her classes are inspiring and fun”.
~Helga Wissenbach - Engagement Assistant & Dementia Care Specialist, Silverado Retirement Dementia Care Residency - Bellingham, WA
“Angela skillfully leads people of all sizes, shapes, ages and abilities to be comfortable and explore new ways to both think and move.”
~ Julie Carpenter, Bellingham, WA
The 3 Treasures/3 Dantiens are energy centers in the body....more to come:
