What is Chi gung?

 

What connects Shiatsu and Chi gung?

Both these disciplines, along with acupuncture have grown out of the same Chinese traditions, theories and philosophies. There are many interesting books on this large and complex subject, illustrating the results of centuries of observation, thought and experimentation, which form the basis of Chinese medical theory.

At its simplest level the idea is that our physical and mental health is based upon the free flow of blood and energy (chi) around the body. If this becomes blocked or disrupted by physical or emotional events then we start to exhibit signs of illness. This may be anything from a bruise on the shin to chronic depression, depending on the nature of the stimulus and our reaction to it.

Shiatsu and Chi gung are about freeing blockages, restoring and organising our energy so we can function more clearly. They are two routes to the same goal.

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Chi gung and exercise

Most western exercise relies on vigorous movement of the arms and legs to stimulate the body; this works well in some ways but causes exhaustion and lots of tiny soft tissue injuries, both of which have to be recovered from before any gain can be achieved. You have to be quite fit to gain much out of this.

Chi gung relies on a mixture of sustained low level effort performed in a focussed and precise but relaxed way. This results in stimulation to all the internal organs especially the heart and lungs without exhaustion and tissue damage. This in turn means that you are not tired after exercise and do not have stiff and torn muscles. All effort produces profit and you can do it twice a day safely if you wish!

 

Chi gung and healing

 

Chi gung is not magic, not is it always easy,

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Chi gung as part of treatment

Many people take the opportunity to receive some one to one chi gung tuition as part of their Shiatsu treatment session. It generally takes only a few minutes to teach an appropriate exercise or check on progress, and those who take to it find they can have a real effect on their well-being and health.

Over time, clients build up a collection of exercises, which they can enjoy as a versatile daily practise to increase health and vigour.

Many people do not wish to do Chi gung, it is your choice.

 

Chi gung classes and courses

 

What are the classes about and what happens?

Firstly Chigung is about changing the way you feel.
These classes are popular with my Shiatsu clients, and are also open to the public.
We do simple, but subtly powerful exercises which relax and strengthen the body. This has an equally strong effect on the mind, the aim being to build an inner relaxed alertness and resilience to stress.
The activities are about focussing the mind and body together to make both stronger and more flexible. This is equally useful to people of all ages and levels of fitness, from athletes to couch potatoes: we all start from where we are and use it for our own ends.

There is no end to Chigung, in several senses. The practice develops and changes for each person all the time, so there is always something interesting going on, physically or mentally. If you are engaged with Chigung there is no room for boredom.
There are a number of different styles of chigung, some more static and others more outwardly dynamic (they are all inwardly dynamic) which suit different people. In my classes I try to teach the fundamentals which underpin the whole practice, so that whichever way individuals choose to take their practice, the foundations are there to be built upon.
Within the class I like to give students experience of different approaches so each can slant their own practice in the best direction for them at the time. We all walk at our own speed on our own path, whilst enjoying the company and support of others.

I run two parallel classes at the Stillpoint Practice.

Monday lunchtime-------------1.00pm-2.00pm

Thursday evening 6.30pm-7.30pm

The classes have students at different levels and newcomers are always welcome. The numbers are kept quite low (approx 15 ) so each person can receive individual attention at times when they want it. Having the classes mixed in this way does mean that new students can rapidly absorb the warm nature of the classes and loose any nervousness they may have come with.
Having said this, I do publicise the beginning of each academic term, so that beginners can join in a group if they prefer.

The next courses begin:

Monday 31 January 2005 at 1.00 pm
Or
Thursday 3 February 2005 at 6.30pm

The courses run initially for eight weeks (ending Mon 21 and Thur 24 March respectively) and cost £40. Some students wish to join both classes and attend twice a week, this is purely a personal decision
By the end of the course students will have the basis of a personal practice and been taught enough of the basics to continue into the future, determining for themselves when they need a teacher. Many do choose to attend weekly classes and are very welcome to do so, and continue to learn and grow, at their own pace, within the class.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. (click here for contact details)