Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong for Health and Wellness During Social Distancing

Below is the schedule for online video conferencing based (Zoom) Taiji (tai chi) and qigong classes to assist with health and wellness for my patients, colleagues, and friends during these times when we are isolated at home. My goal is to threefold: 1) to increase circulation and support optimal health; 2) to decrease stress; and 3) give something fun to learn or deepen your understanding if you are already doing some form of Taiji or qigong. It’s also a nice way for us to enjoy a social activity together while taking care of ourselves.

Classes will currently be free, though if you'd like to support this effort, you can find a donate button at the bottom of this page. These classes will be 'follow along,' so I will not be able to give much in the way of advice regarding personal health issues. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about starting a new exercise routine. If you have a particular health need that requires more individual attention, I can set a private consult and lesson tailored to your specific needs. This will be for a fee, but I am open to a sliding fee based on need as I am well aware of the financial difficulty facing most people. Also, insurance might cover this as there are changes underway for Telemedicine.

Send your name and email (indicate if you want to be contacted for future classes and you can opt out at any time), and I will send the code and password so that you can join the classes. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Schedule for the Week of March 15 - March 22

Saturday March 21

Seated Work 1:00 -1:45pm est
Eight Pieces of Brocade 2:00 - 2:45pm est

Schedule for the Week of March 23 - March 29

Monday March 23

Eight Pieces of Brocade 9:30 - 10:15am est
Opening the Breathing 10:30 - 11:15 am est
Five Animal Sports 3:00 - 3:45pm est

Wednesday March 25

Eight Pieces of Brocade 9:30 - 10:15am est
Seated Work 2:00 - 2:45pm est
Five Animal Sports 3:00-3:45pm est

Friday March 27

Eight Pieces of Brocade 10:30-11:15am est
Five Animal Sports 3:00-3:45pm est

Saturday March 28

Five Animal Sports 10:30 - 11:15am est

Monday March 30

Eight Pieces of Brocade 9:30 - 10:15am est
Opening the Breathing 10:30 - 11:15 am est
Five Animal Sports 5:00 - 6:00pm est

More classes in April will be added so keep an eye on the schedule. See below for class descriptions:

Eight Pieces of Brocade. This sequence includes 8 moves, each working on a specific organ system. This form is easy to do (but there can be a lot of nuance), does not require difficult stepping or shifting of weight and can even be done seated. This form is very accessible but has much to offer for all. It can be very meditative and calming, as there is some repetition and less difficulty in terms of learning the moves.

Five Animal Sports. This sequence includes 5 moves that are part of each "Animal" (25 moves total). Chinese physiology has many correspondences, and each Animal represents and organ that is being worked on. This form is a bit more difficult but can still be modified for individual health challenges. It does involve stepping and shifting, but it can be modified to be seated if necessary. This form is very dynamic and a lot of fun!

Seated Work. In seated work, we do either of the forms above in a seated position, with emphasis on expansion of the spine and movement of the chest and shoulder girdle. If these areas are moved in an expansive way, then the organs will be mobilized and there will be better circulation in the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. This class will obviously be indicated for those who need to modify the forms in a seated position but can add extra insight for anyone at any level.

Opening the Breathing. This class supports the other classes by focusing on proper use of the chest and shoulder girdle muscles, so that the chest can remain open during practice and breathing can be regulated.