Qì Gōng (氣功)
□ Group Classes / Schedule
□ Private Lessons / Qigong Therapy
Qigong (chi
kung) is an integral part of the Chinese healing arts. It is a
mind-body practice that integrates postures, movement, breathing
techniques and focused intention. The term may translated as Energy
Cultivation.
Qi (气) = energy / life force / breath of life
Gong (功) = to cultivate / to achieve skill though self-disciple
Qigong is the oldest of the Traditional Chinese Therapeutic arts, focusing on providing you with a means to actively participate in the optimization of your own health. It is an exercise practice for your mental and physical well-being.
Qigong
has a long history that spans thousands of years, evolving from, and
incorporating a variety of Taoist, Buddhist and Confucius health
practices.
Holistic. As an
observer you may see people practicing fluid, sequential movements in a
quiescent state, but as a practitioner, you learn to do much more. You discover the benefit s of improving energy circulation throughout your muscles and joints, internal organs, spinal column as well as the brain - thus improving your overall state of health and vitality, while reinforcing your mind-body connection.
Positive effects one experiences with regular qigong practice:
- improved circulation;
- stronger yet flexible joints and muscles;
- increased digestive function;
- better posture, stronger back and spine;
- heightened concentration and focus;
- and much more.
From a Western medical standpoint, regular qigong training improves the
circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, thus increasing proper tissue
nourishment, immune response and the body's natural ability to
detoxify. The combined breathing and meditative aspects also promote
the parasympathetic nervous system, which fosters healing as well as a
balanced emotional state.
Qigong is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine - It is important that the teacher have a background in this medicine.
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The exercises that Sean Laflamme teaches work-out the body as a whole.
Energy is guided through the body by performing harmonious, fluid
movements, combined with proper breathing as well as visualizations to
help the mind focus. The sequences are simple, easy to recall and safe
for the body. People of all ages can practice qigong, and with regular
practice experience tangible results (exercises can also be easily
adapted for those with physical restrictions or limited mobility).
If you are interested in giving qigong a try, give us a call
and we can arrange for you to attend a class for free.
Please reserve your place for the free trial class by calling 514-952-0465.
Spring / Summer 2010
from May 25th - August 20th (12 classes) |
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Mon
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Tue
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Wed
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Thu
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Fri
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9 am - 10:25 am
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Qigong II
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6 pm - 7:25 pm
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Qigong II
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Qigong I
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7:35 pm - 9 pm
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Qigong I
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Qigong II
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*no classes on the week of july 19
Qigong I: open to all
Qigong II: open to students who have completed at least 1 semester
location: 4416 rue St-Laurent, studio 302 / Montreal QC
(between Marie-Anne and Mont-Royal)
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Qigong
Therapy
According to the principles of Chinese Medicine, health is enhanced by improving the energy
circulation patterns of the body. In acupuncture, needles are used to
influence qi through the body’s pathways. In Qigong, physical movements
combined with breathing and mindfulness are used to the same end.
A practitioner, drawing upon his/her ability to sense and manipul
 ate
energy developed through dedicated study and self-cultivation, uses Qi
emission and/or teaches medical qigong exercises and meditations to
help restore health and wellness.
An
excellent adjunct to Western medicine, Qigong treatments and exercises
are tailored to assist in promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual
well-being.
The objective is to rectify energetic imbalances in the body, as well
as to purge energy blockages that accumulate during one's lifetime.
Disharmonies may be caused by one or several of the following: stress,
poor diet, lifestyle, injury, traumatic experiences, suppression of
emotions, illness...
Qigong is also making headway in many Western medical establishments,
several Hospitals are collaborating with Qigong teachers in order to
offer this complimentary healing method to their cancer patients.
As well as his weekly group classes, Sean Laflamme is available for private qigong cons ultation
in order to assist those who have specific needs or heath issues they
wish to address. Feel free to contact him for further questions.
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In Western culture, Qigong and
Taiji (Tai-chi) are often confused with one another. To the untrained
eye, one sees only slow movements that are performed in a highly
focused manner. In the simplest terms:
Taiji is a martial art that has evolved over the past few centuries from Gongfu practice;
Qigong is a therapy that has evolved over four millennia from certain Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian health practices.
Proper and regular qigong can enhance one’s ability in the martial arts. However,
in order for Qigong to be used in medical application it must be taught
by someone who has a background in Chinese Medicine.
Today there are numerous qigong practices that have
been integrated into the martial arts. For example, it is common for
Taiji teachers to show qigong exercises to help improve the ability of
their students. Although these practices have a positive influence, the
exercises remain complimentary to the martial training.
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