Classes
What: Qigong and Tai Chi Easy, a four-week series of classes
When: Start Monday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m.-noon, or Thursday, Feb. 19, 6-7 p.m.
Where: Inner Dance Yoga Center, 2600 Far Hills Ave., Suite 306, Oakwood
Cost: $45
Info and registration: www.innerdanceyoga.com
Qigong basics
Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.
The word qigong is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced "chee" and is usually translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe. Gong, pronounced "gung," means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, qigong means cultivating energy. It is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality.
The gentle, rhythmic movements of qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions.
People do qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds and reconnect with their spirit.
Qigong's great appeal is that everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstances.
SOURCE: the National Qigong Association
It’s not about breaking a sweat, but it’s definitely a workout — for the mind as well as the body.
Qigong – an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention – is an ancient Chinese practice that can help people of all ages deal with modern-day stresses and conditions.
Sharon Trekell of Centerville has traveled the world for more than two decades studying qigong from masters and grandmasters, including Master Li Junfeng, a former coach with the Chinese Olympic team, and Grandmaster Hong Liu, a medical doctor from China. Trekell, who teaches in multiple locations in the area, is introducing the practice in a new four-week series – Qigong and Tai Chi Easy – at the Inner Dance Yoga Center in Oakwood starting on Monday and Thursday.
“It’s for all ages and all ability levels,” Trekell said. “My grandchildren can do it, and I have also had people in their 90s in my class.”
At 70 years old, Trekell is living proof that qigong makes a difference.
“Mentally and in terms of improved flexibility, you can reap such wonderful rewards from this practice,” she said.
Inside-out healing
While Trekell had some familiarity with ancient Chinese practices like tai chi, it wasn’t until her father was diagnosed with cancer in the late 1980s that she became more interested in tai chi and, later, qigong as a complementary therapy. Now, she integrates the two traditions into one class.
Qigong and tai chi have similar physical benefits including stress reduction and therapeutic stretching.
According to the Mayo Clinic, tai chi benefits include decreased stress and anxiety and increased aerobic capacity, energy, stamina, flexibility, balance and agility.
Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have found qigong reduces depressive symptoms and improves quality of life in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. The study, published in 2013 in the journal Cancer, was the first to examine qigong in patients actively receiving radiation therapy and included a follow-up period to assess benefits over time.
Some research suggests that meditative practices like qigong can help patients manage symptoms of conditions including anxiety disorders, asthma, cancer, depression, high blood pressure and pain.
Getting started
It could be a toxic co-worker, a difficult family member or an overly demanding job — many people have a negative element in their life. Clearing that negativity is one of the first steps in qigong.
“We start with clearing exercises to clear the body, mind and spirit of negative energy,” Trekell said.
That meditation is combined with movement to provide an integrated workout for the mind and body. There is no equipment needed, just comfortable clothing and a willingness to learn.
From children who can’t sit still to seniors who do little more than sit, Trekell has seen the benefits firsthand. She has also experienced the benefits herself.
“It has changed my life.”
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