Tai Chi

Sue Cavanagh has been teaching Tai Chi and Qigong at the Schoolhouse on Monday afternoons since 1999. Her gentle enthusiasm has encouraged many to take up the art of Tai Chi. Tai Chi means supreme ultimate. It incorporates yin/yang (opposites) creating a holistic sequence of movements. Tai Chi is a combination of arts, meditation and martial art. Tai Chi integrates mind, body and the spirit and uses inner awareness to achieve balance, reduce stress and improve physical fitness. With regular practice Tai Chi can increase flexibility, build strength, improve concentration, balance and coordination, improve posture and strengthen the immune system.

Tai Chi Benefits:

• Helps to relieve pain and ease joint stiffness.
• Improves overall balance and physical coordination.
• Improves posture and the way we stand and move.
• Strengthens muscles, builds stamina.
• Increases circulation of blood and lymph and improves function of heart and lungs.
• Relieves stress, anxiety and depression.
• Improves concentration and memory.

Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong)

Sue teaches Qigong at the Schoolhouse on Monday afternoons, before the Tai Chi class.

What is Qigong?

Qigong is an ancient Chinese health exercise that is widely practiced in China as a form of preventative medicine and to treat medical conditions. Qigong combines meditation and movement to improve breathing, posture, range of movement, and to facilitate relaxation, focus the mind, enhance immune function and much more. Deep, abdominal, breathing and posture are important, fundamental, aspects of qigong practice. The simple, easy to learn, Qigong movements stretch the whole body. Each movement combines a gentle stretch that is coordinated with the breath. All Qigong movements are done slowly and meditatively. Qigong benefits are cumulative, and health improvements will be gained from regular, daily practice. Qigong requires no special equipment and can be practiced practically anywhere.

Qigong Benefits:

Scientific studies have shown that Qigong reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, improves digestion, and enhances absorption and elimination. Qigong improves flexibility, muscle function, posture and balance, concentration and coordination.

Is Qigong like Tai Chi?

Yes and No. Both Qigong and Tai Chi are health exercises and both have a long Chinese history, similar philosophy and have a link to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many Tai Chi movements have their root in Qigong exercises. Qigong and Tai Chi practices are complementary.

Tai Chi is a system of linked movements, performed much like a dance. Tai Chi can be challenging to learn, as the practice requires patience and perseverance to learn and remember the sequential movements, although investing the time to learn tai chi can be a very rewarding experience.

Qigong movements are, generally, separate exercises that are performed in a standing position. The movements are easy to learn and remember.

More Information

Contact Sue for more information about Tai Chi and Qigong classes:

Sue Cavanagh   613-259-5398 (sueandterrylanark@gmail.com)