Qigong

- The Art of Rejuvenation -

WHAT IS QI GONG?

Qi Gong (sometimes written as Chi Kung and pronounced "Chee Kung" - see What is Pin Yin?) is an ancient Chinese exercise treasured for its rejuvenating principles. 'Qi Gong' emphasizes mental focus, deep breathing, still meditation and body movement that will promote mental clarity, coordination, self-awareness, and improve circulation and health. Tai Chi Chuan (more appropriately written as Tai Ji Quan and pronounced - 'Tai Jee Chuen') is a more popular form of Qi Gong.

Qi translates into energy or bio-electricity and Gong means 'time and effort' implying the study of energy. Qi is considered a vital life force that courses through specific pathways throughout the body. Yin-Yang theory - a principle of opposites in harmonious transition is the basis of Qi Gong. These same principles underlie many other ancient studies with amazingly diverse applications such as Martial Arts, Feng Shui, Acupuncture, Herbology, Calligraphy, Hand Analysis, Astrology and many more.

APPLICATION

When there is pain, there is no free flow of Qi. When there is free flow of Qi there is no pain. Good health requires free and unobstructed body circulation. When the circulation of Qi and Blood are obstructed pain sets in. Chronic obstruction can lead to deeper disorders. Stress alone is enough to obstruct circulation and is often overlooked as a source of disease. Qi Gong applied as a means of prevention or rehabilitation can help maintain proper circulation and relieve stress.

METHODS

Three methods of exercise will be emphasized to aid in rehabilitation or general maintenance - Relaxation, Flexibility, and Strengthening. Seek flexibility to strengthen. Seek relaxation to be flexible. When all else fails - relax! All to often people don't follow these simple guidelines and pursue exercise that only leads to injury. Integrating these three methods is important. Knowing which method to use and when to use them are the keys to successful training.

MISSION

As a Qi Gong instructor Chris's mission will be to give you, as a student the knowledge and the tools to help you understand and manage your personal health concerns. Students will be taught a wide range of Qi Gong exercises and their rejuvenating principles. Through the understanding and diligent practice of these exercises and principles, students will be able to develop their own personal set of Qi Gong exercises that can be focused on their individual health concerns.

INSTRUCTOR BIO

Christopher Carlow, a Doctor of Acupuncture, received his Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Tai Hsuan College in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is certified as a Diplomat of Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is licensed by the state of Rhode Island. Chris believes healthcare needs a holistic and alternative approach that promotes natural healing without dangerous side effects. This nurturing approach to healing has the potential to empower the patient with a higher level of self-awareness promoting wellness for a healthy mind, body, and spirit. As a native Rhode Islander, Chris is eager to connect with his hometown community through the practice of this wonderful healing art known as Qi Gong.

Chris is certified by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming and Yang Martial Arts Association as an Assistant Instructor of QiGong and has been studying various forms of Taijiquan and Qigong extensively for more than twelve years. These art forms have been the founding principles that have guided his decision to become an acupuncturist and herbalist. In addition, the education obtained at Tai Hsuan College is comprised of more than 2,500 hours of training in Chinese Medicine, Treatment and Needling Technique, Herbology, Clinical Internship, Taoist Medicine, and Biomedical Clinical Sciences.