Tai Chi / Qigong / Daoyin Yoga
Taiji Quan
The Yang family style of Taiji Quan ("Tai Chi Chuan"), in its many variations, is the most widely practiced style of Taiji in the world today. This style of Taiji is what most people are familiar with: flowing, rhythmic movements performed slowly and gently.
Focusing on the 4 core movements that make up the style, students - regardless of age or physical condition - can improve balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination through a low-impact series of movements. Interested students can work into the 24 movement short form, while those with ambition can move into the 108 movement long form.
Qigong
Qigong ("Chee-Gung") is a broad term that refers to a wide variety of exercises that are designed to promote health and longevity through special breathing patterns and postural alignment, combined at times with simple movements.
Exercises that will be focused on include:
- Standing Meditation
- 8 Pieces of Silk Brocade
- "Bone Marrow" Washing
- Yang TaiJi Qigong
- Acupoint/Meridian Circulation
Beginning with basic Standing postures, the student will achieve proper alignment of the body to release excess tension in the muscles, and deep breathing work will result in abundant oxygenation of the body. In time, more advanced exercises are undertaken utilizing visualization/imagery to stimulate various acupuncture points and meridians - the same that are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Daoyin Yoga
Daoyin is an ancient Chinese form of Yoga; a gentle set of stretching exercises that work all of the major muscle groups and joints. There are numerous sets, forms, and interpretations of Daoyin, most all of them utilize deep breathing while holding postures similar to those found in Hatha Yoga.
Practioners will move slowly and fluidly from one posture to another; gently stretching the muscles and tendons. A typical routine will begin with joint mobility movements and progress to stretching the muscles from head to toe.