There are many, perhaps thousands, of forms of Qigong. They all share the idea that we can improve our health by paying systematic attention to our breathing, physiology, and attitude. “Qi” is defined as breath, or vital energy, or life essence, and “Gong” is defined as study, exercise, or work. Thus Qigong means “the disciplined study of breath.”

These are truly powerful self-healing techniques. They are easy to do, and stretch and tone the body in a very simple way.

The Practice
Chinese medical theory is based on the idea that our bodies want to be healthy, that we have an innate set of mechanisms that help us resist infection, repair injury, and fight disease. Accordingly, the goal of Chinese medicine is to harness our body’s and mind’s intrinsic drive to be healthy.

As a former long-time Yin Yoga student, I discovered Qigong in the midst of a life-threatening illness. Qigong helped me completely recover, and I am honored and blessed to be able to share the practice with others. I am an on-going student of Master Tang Wei Zhong, and I transmit his teaching to my own students.

About the Classes
Open sessions
Sunday mornings
10-11:30 am
Clover Park — inside the park where Hill Street ends
at 25th Street
Santa Monica
$10/session

Open sessions
Monday and Wednesday afternoons
4:30 to 5:30 pm
Santa Monica Yoga
1640 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica
$16/individual session, discounts for series
http://www.santamonicayoga.com/
(310) 396-4040

For cancer patients survivors and caregivers
Monday and Friday mornings
10-11:30 am
(until November 2nd, 2009, when they will be from
9:30-11 am)
Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Boulevard
Santa Monica
Free
(We do the Liangong form of Qigong, followed by the Guo Lin form of Walking Qigong, specifically developed to heal cancer)

These free classes are offered through the
Wellness Community West LA:
http://www.twc-wla.org/
(310)314-2555

Private classes
Private classes can be scheduled.
Call or email Michael for more details.