Class Structure

Sessions commence with a period of disengaging from the challenges of the outside world. Either standing, seated or lying down you will be encouraged to become aware of how you are placed, and how to make subtle adjustments for a more aligned posture, akin to Alexander Technique considerations. This invites a personal awareness with where tensions are held and a connection to the centre line and dantien (energy centre below the umbilicus) from where the rest of the movements unfold and return to..

The next consideration is for the freeing up of joints to release muscle tension as preparation for the Chi Kung forms. This takes in a whole variety of movements, including shaking, tending to work from the feet up, which helps with the essential connection down to feel the support from the Earth, becoming aware of energy portals on the balls of the feet, and the palms of the hands, base of the torso and top of the head.

Chi Kung ‘forms’ follow, with themes that can be linked to the seasons and TCM five element theory. Also, organ energising and meridian line clearing, integrating and standing forms, Chi Kung walks and internal meditations like directing the breath with intention to brighten the bones and kidneys. Breath awareness is such a key factor, as we practice synchronised movement with a natural breathing rhythm.

Both Tuesday sessions and the Saturday morning classes are for students who have had some experience of working with Chi, where the Chi Kung exercises and meditations are more in depth. The sessions running from the Leisure centres aim at introducing the basics to beginners. Generally anyone can do Chi Kung, from children to the elderly, novices to adepts.

This class pictured below is the Thursday morning group, where the structure is different as we begin the session seated. This enables the participants to relax more if they have particular concerns around standing for too long, and is a great introduction for anyone who has not experienced this type of exercising before, as well as folk who are unable to perhaps attend a gym or such-like due to physical difficulties of one kind or another. Exercises from this class have been taken into daycare centres to introduce these benefits to the older generation, with good results, particularly around joint mobilisation and balance issues.

MEDITATION- a half hour session is added after the Chi Kung for a harmonising Five Element meditation