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| Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) |
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| Written by Mark Melchiorre | |
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Qigong, pronounced "chee gong," is the self-care component of China's age-old health care system. The word Qigong means "cultivating energy." Qigong is practiced for health maintenance, self-healing and increasing vitality. There are thousands of styles of Qigong practices including martial arts, medical, and religious/philosophy based forms. All styles have three things in common: physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intention. Qigong methods are used to activate our body's innate self-healing energy.
Medical Qigong These slow gentle movements are easily adapted and can benefit even the physically challenged. It can be practiced by all age groups.  Participants learn valuable self-care skills that with diligent practice will benefit them for many years. 
Tai Chi is a wonderful form of mental and physical stimulation, great for your overall health. The word "tai chi" refers to a perfect balance between the yin and the yang-the two forces of the universe. People who do tai chi perfect a series of motions that flow into one another very smoothly and gracefully, while the body is held straight and upright. The movements are gentle, continuous, and circular, exercising every part of the body equally. Tai Chi is a great form of exercise, especially for those with osteoarthritis. It can help you build your leg muscles, strengthen your posture, and improve your balance, flexibility, and mobility. It also can teach you to relax and focus, even while executing the moves, and is a way to harmonize the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In addition, it helps to develop concentration and coordination, and can reduce the risk of falls common with the elderly. -- Good Morning From Dr. Weil 7/9/2003 In 1985 Mark began studying taijiquan and qigong with Professor Dan Lee at Dan's Academy of T'ai Chi Chuan in Pasadena, CA. Studies with Dan included Yang Style Long Form, push-hands, and Soaring Crane qigong. Mark studied Yang Style Short Form with Zheng Laoshi in Hangzhou, China. The study and practice of taijiquan and qigong led Mark to investigate the philosophy behind these disciplines, culminating in his present career as a practitioner-teacher of Asian/Oriental Medicine. Since 2001 Mark has facilitated a weekly meditation group. Mark continues to practice taiji and qigong. He is a professional member of the National Qigong Association, and a certified teacher.
See the calendar for a schedule of classes. Forms include Yin/Yang Medical Qigong, Qigong for Diabetes, Qigong for High Blood Pressure, Qigong for Arthritis; Stationary Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Heart, Lung and Intestine; Tai Chi for Liver, Kidney and Spleen all from Grandmaster Jiang Jianye's Health Preservation series; Tai Chi Easy™ from Roger Jahnke and the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, and Zhineng/Chi-Lel Qigong.         |
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