As a group, Internal Chinese Martial Arts are referred to as Nei Gong. These are systems that concentrate on building inner strength and health, on longevity rather than deadly martial techniques. However most martial artists will find practicing these arts greatly enhances their external or hard martial forms.
Perhaps the most famous of these forms is taijichuan. (Often seen as Tai Chi Chuan.) This translates as the Grand Ultimate Fist. While each of the movements in this form has a martial arts application, most people in the Western world practice taiji for its health benefits. Studies have shown this series of slow graceful movements can lower blood pressure, relieve minor aches and pains and even improve arthritis while elevating the mood and combating depression.
Medical Qi Gong is little known outside of China where it is often used in hospital settings. There Medical Qi Gong therapists work with physicians on helping patients with a variety of ills. This style has a different ‘form’ or set of movements for each of the bodies major organ systems.
Medical Qi Gong is one of the many complementary healing methods. It is a method for individuals to gain a sense of control for their own well-being and to assist in their own healing.
Medical Qi Gong
Janean Crapo has been studying both the physical aspects of the martial arts and the philosophical side for over 15 years. She has been an Aikido instructor since 1990. In September of 1998 she was certified as a Medical Qi Gong Instructor by Master Shou-Yu Liang and the Qigong Empowerment Association. Several years ago she started offering Medical Qi Gong classes at the Aikido Institute / Seiwa Dojo and in the community.
Classes often start with Taiji Qi Gong. This form is very useful in getting
the Qi (energy) to flow throughout the body and increase in strength. This
form is then followed by two Medical Qi Gong forms. The first would be for
the season and corresponding organ system we are in. (If it were July, that
would be Summer and that would correspond to the Heart, so you would do Heart
Qi Gong.) This would be followed by the upcoming season. (Late Summer follows,
which would relate to the Spleen.) As the year progresses you move through
all the major organ systems. Janean additionally works with each student on
any particular health concern by showing them a specific form for their problem.
Classes are relatively small and so offer good teacher / student interaction. They are also attended by unusually supportive students that offer much encouragement to one another.
Janean is also a certified Senior Feng Shui consultant.
Taijichuan
Taijichuan (T’ai Chi Chuan) classes are lead by Larry and Sue Deese. They have been practicing taiji for over 5 years and try to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with students through form practice and blending exercises. Both Larry and Sue are also intermediate Aikido students and find the two arts compliment one another greatly.
Classes are currently offered on Wednesday evenings. Students progress at their own pace in a non-competitive supportive atmosphere.
