Wild Iris Asian Wellness - Vancouver, Washington

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Qigong and Tai Chi

Qigong (pronounced “chee kung”) is a self healing art that combines gentle movement imitating the wonders of nature, breath work, visualization and mindful relaxation. A component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qigong is based on thousands of years of observation and study. Qigong is designed to recharge the body by cultivating “qi” or life-energy to help the body heal itself.

The graceful, dancelike progression of meditative poses called Tai Chi originated in ancient China as martial art, but it is best known in modern times as a route to reduced stress and enhanced health.

Consistent practice of Qigong and/or Tai Chi can:
    Reduce stress by evoking the “relaxation response”
    Help maintain and regain health
    Increase physical energy, immunity, emotional wellness & peace of mind

“Giving individuals the power to determine and manage their own health and destinies is the secret of true healing.”
Dr. Effie Poy Yew Chow -- Qigong Grandmaster -- TCM World, Spring 2003

The New York Times, Tuesday, September 28, 2010 in Personal Health by Jane Brody states: “A Downside to Tai Chi? None That I See.” The many small studies of Tai Chi have found health benefits ranging from better balance and prevention of falls to reduced blood pressure, relief of pain and improved immunity.

The Oprah Winfrey Show advocated Qigong!!

On the Thursday, January 17, 2008, show, gynecologist Dr. Christine Northrup teaches Oprah and the audience some qigong to increase the flow of energy in the body.

On the Friday, November 1, 2007, show, cardiologist Dr. Oz promoted qigong saying, “If you want to be healthy and live to 100, do Qigong.” He added that Qigong reduces stress and reverses the aging process.

ONGOING DROP IN QIGONG CLASSES IN VANCOUVER , WA

We will be rotating two easy to follow Qigong Forms: Turtle Longevity Qigong of the Wang Family and The Great Stork by Grand Master Jack Lim. Additional qigong exercises include The Six Healing Sounds and Five Elements Flow/meditation using colors to strengthen the internal organs. No previous experience necessary – beneficial for all levels.

Free Qigong Practice classes will be held on Saturday mornings at the UUCV (Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver) Sanctuary or the RE Building next to the Sanctuary from 9:30-10:30 am at 4505 East 18th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661. We will be practicing qigong either indoors or outdoors under the trees as weather allows. All are welcome to join us at this beautiful setting.

No Saturday morning qigong on 12/24 and 12/31.

CITY OF VANCOUVER LUNCHTIME QIGONG CLASSES

Marshall Community Center qigong exercise on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:25-12:10 am. Call the Marshall Center at (360) 487-7100 to register for membership, or ask for drop in rates or other options. Free with Membership at the Marshall Center. Contact the Marshall Center at 487-7100 and also ask for other specials.

CITY OF VANCOUVER MONTHLY TAI CHI FOR HEALTH

This Tai Chi program represents the results from years of scientific research and study. Dr Paul Lam with a team of medical and Tai Chi experts created this safe and easy to learn program. Medical studies confirm that this form of Tai Chi (Sun Style) relieves pain, reduces falls and improves quality of life and this is why the Arthritis Foundation promotes this program along with other programs and services. It is also an excellent introductory Tai Chi program with 41 Movements for students of varying interests.

Classes are on Tuesdays or Thursdays of each month at the Marshall Community Center (1009 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA) from 11:25-12:10. Cost is $26 for two classes per week for the month (eight to ten classes per month) or Free with Membership at the Marshall Center. Contact the Marshall Center at 487-7100 and also ask for any specials that may be offered.

Please contact Liz Bolza with any questions at lbolza@comcast.net or 360-546-2831

Retreat to be arranged by interest

Body Dreaming Mindfulness Retreat – Columbia River Gorge

Menucha Retreat Center 38711 E. Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR

Rejuvenating Retreat Package Typically Includes:

Double or triple occupancy rooms for two nights

Five delicious and healthy meals

Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong

Jungian group dream work

Soaring Crane Qigong Remedy Routines and Routine 3

Meditation and gentle Yin Yoga meridian stretches

Having fun with Tai Chi

Journaling and art for self exploration

Labyrinth walk in the Rose Garden

Sacred silence for inward reflection

Walking trails and swimming pool

CLASSES OR WORKSHOPS TO BE ARRANGED BY INTEREST

Awakening to the Dreamtime -- Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong/Christina

Incorporating the wisdom of the unconscious through movement and music for individual growth and wholeness

Sacred dreaming was an honored practice in the temples of ancient Greece , Egypt , and China and has been revered by indigenous cultures of Africa, Australia , and the Americas for thousands of years. This wisdom of the unconscious is accessible through the body and connection with Nature to promote healing, intuition, a greater understanding of the universe, personal growth and mind/body/spirit balance. In class, we will use qigong movement meditation and music to harmonize with the universe and improve the quality and quantity of dreaming (lucid and sleeping). We will also analyze the symbols of our individual dream landscape to better comprehend their guidance. Connecting with our innate divine feminine wisdom (symbolized as serpents and spirals) helps unlock sexual and creative energies – activating what referred to as Shakti Kundalini in India, Ka soul in Egypt and Po soul in China - for greater vitality, joyful expression, confidence and fulfillment in one’s life. Ancient dreamtime purification techniques, Japanese meridian stretches, acupressure points, drumming, journaling, art and use of crystals will be explored to facilitate sacred dreaming and interpretations.

Students are to record dreams in a journal during the 6 weeks and bring to class each week. Come prepared for fun and positive change in your life!

Christina Bjergo has been actively tending her dreams for over 15 years. She is Grandmaster of Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong and works as a Licensed Acupuncturist, Shiatsu Japanese Massage Therapist and Shamanic Practitioner. Individual qigong instruction is also available.

** CLASS FOCUS OPTIONS: CHINESE SHAMANISM, KUNDALINI CHAKRA AWAKENING, CHRISTIANITY, ARCHETYPES OF THE TAROT, GREEK AND EGYPTIAN MYSTERIES, OR QIGONG FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH.

Soaring Crane Qigong Level I/Liz and Christina

Soaring Crane Qigong (SCQ) imitates the elegant movements of the red headed crane known for its graceful nature and long life. This qigong form uses mental visualization and gentle movements resembling those of Tai Chi. With thousands of qigong forms available this form of medical qigong is one of the best known in China for its overall effectiveness. SCQ is recommended for serious health concerns as well as for health maintenance.

The Great Stork Qigong/Liz

The Great Stork Qigong uses simple, graceful movements with breath work, and helps bring about Harmony within, and with the Universe. This form of Qigong was passed on by Grand Master Jack Lim a founding member of the World Academic Society of Medical Qigong. Qi energy music is used during classes to enhance the experience of learning this form.

You will also learn a powerful healing meditation using colors and visualization, and a simple five acupoint massage which may be used daily for that extra “oomph”.

Turtle Longevity Qigong of the Wang Family/Liz

Turtle Longevity Qigong of the Wang family is a combination of gentle movements and stationary postures and is inspired by the slow, deep breathing and movements of the turtle. Class includes a simple facial massage for rejuvenation and a powerful healing meditation using colors. This easy to learn medical qigong form has been reported a useful complementary therapy for a variety of ailments.