Come try Qi Gong in Stapleton
Monday, May 27, 2013
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Dr. Oz raves about it. He says that if you want to stay healthy and live to be 100, do Qi Gong.
He says that the ancient Chinese technique of Qigong is a great way tap into our natural energy and, in turn, combat the aging process.
I'm here to invite you to try Qi Gong with Sijo Mike Giles at Mike Giles Family Karate. I want to see it added to the Summer Schedule!
So what is Qi Gong?
It's pronounced Chi Gong, or Kung.
OK, first the official definition: Qigong is an ancient Chinese health practice that incorporates breathing techniques, postures and a mind-body connection. It is the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy (qi). Qigong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind.
Now, my anecdotal definition: Qi Gong is a healing form of martial arts. It's like a flowing form of yoga, a slowed down version of karate, and a meditation class, all in one. It might be like tai chi, but I've never tried it.
It's the practice of moving energy, or chi - from the earth and air and everywhere, and taking it into your body, and sharing it with others. You could say you are learning to strengthen and cultivate your life force. And transfer that life force to others.
We are learning a series of 18 movements (I can't call them poses, like yoga, because they are flowing movements, not static) and each one has a purpose (and lovely names, like "Pushing the Clouds" and "Reaching for the Sun"). They're gentle and yet invigorating.
All I know is that it makes me happy. And energized, and calm at the same time.
If you're sensing that it's a bit of a dichotomy, you're right. It's a little yin, a little yang, a lot of balance.
And of course, with Sijo Mike Giles teaching, we get a little warrior action in too - for self defense martial arts flow from the practice of qi gong.
I was introduced to it a few months ago at a workshop in Santa Fe by the happiest man I have ever seen. Just being in the room with him made you smile, his joy was that palpable.
I came home not knowing much about it, only that I wanted to try it again.
Fortuitously, Mike Giles Family Karate was just starting up a Qi Gong group, and since then, I've been practicing it several days a week.
I love it.
Come try it on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Last week, we had class by the pond in Central Park and that was awesome. So call the studio to find out where class will be at (303) 377-KICK (5425).
Come join us and try Qi Gong!
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