Qigong: Movement as Medicine - Beginner-Friendly, Accessible, and Balancing

Qigong (pronounced “Chee-gong”) is a holistic health practice developed thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Key components include the cultivation of slow, mindful movement and breath to harmonize the body’s vital life force energy (qi).

Qigong is an excellent practice for stress relief, relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.

Perfect for beginners and students of all forms of qigong, this class offers a supportive introduction to qigong.
It is estimated that there are more than three thousand forms or lineages of qigong that can be viewed as spiritual/philosophical traditions, medical qigong, and martial arts qigong.
While most forms appear as predominantly male lineages, this class provides insight into a form and supplemental practices developed specifically to support women and female-identifying students.

In this 60-minute qigong class, you’ll experience the moving meditation of qigong, learning postures and movements from the Radiant Lotus Women’s Qigong (RLWQ) long form. You’ll learn foundational concepts of language, energy centers, balance, and movement as a way of harmonizing with the universe.

This class is primarily informed by the proprietary RLWQ system of Qigong Master Daisy Lee. Your instructor, Cyndi Chu, is certified by Daisy as a level 2 RLWQ instructor and is also a student of the 800 year-old Wuji Hundun system of qigong.

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About Cyndi:
Cyndi Chu, Yoga RYT-200 and Qigong RLWQ L2

I initially started to explore the holistic aspects of yoga to supplement my interests in swimming, nature, and contemplative thought. My perspective of yoga continues to evolve over time as an integrated expression of body, mind, emotion, community, and spirit. I believe yoga should feel inclusive, and that we can all discover our own unique and joyful practice. As a teacher, I love slow flow vinyasa, restorative yoga, and qigong. My inspirations arise from a broad range of sacred traditions and emerging scientific thought. The teachings and poetry of Pema Chödrön, Thích Nhất Hạnh, Lao Tze, and Rumi hold special places in my heart. In addition to my RYT-200, I hold a level 2 instructor certification in Radiant Lotus Women’s Qigong (RLWQ), and am attuned at the Shinpiden level (III) of the Usui Reiki Ryoho lineage of Reiki. I enjoy using principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in my personal and teaching practices to embody and reflect harmony with the Tao.

Restorative Yoga consists of propping up in long held supportive poses which allows the body to access its parasympathetic nervous system function, which, in turn, helps the body rest, heal, and restore itself to balance.

By allowing time for longer postures, restorative yoga helps elicit the relaxation response. This response can help slow breathing, reduce blood pressure, and produce a feeling of calm and increased well-being.

This class is perfect for all levels of practitioner.

In this relaxing slow-paced class, we practice mindfulness-based stress reduction meditation (MBSR) and somatic mindful movement based in gentle yoga. We take time to intentionally experience connecting with the breath and body, training our awareness on being more deliberate in embracing the present moment. By purposefully slowing down, we learn to recognize our bodies’ subtle needs, reset our nervous system and activate the relaxation response. We move mindfully, honoring the body and its different abilities, soothing the nervous system, and assisting it in stress management, self-regulation and relaxation.

All levels welcome.