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Qigong (Chi Kung)

Qigong is a powerful ancient Chinese exercise system that integrates movement and body mechanics, breathing techniques and concentration.

The word Qigong (sometimes spelled Chi Kung) is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced chee and is usually translated to mean life force or vital-energy. Gong, pronounced gung, means accomplishment or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong (Chi Kung) means cultivating energy.

Qigong is practiced for health maintenance, overcoming illness, increasing vitality, spiritual awakening, and even for developing power for martial arts. The practice of qigong is generally soft and gentle, making the art accessible for even for the very elderly or for those who are physically challenged. Many health care professionals recommend Qigong as an important form of alternative complementary medicine.

Qigong practices can generally be classified as medical, spiritual or martial, often with a great deal of overlap in these categories. All Qigong practices increase the Qi and help circulate it in the body, helping to achieve greater health and vitality. The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. They have also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. Western scientific research confirms that Qigong reduces hypertension and the incidence of falling in the aged population.

One of the more important long-term effects is that Qigong reestablishes the body/mind/soul connection. When these three aspects of our being are integrated, it encourages a positive outlook on life and helps eliminate harmful attitudes and behaviors. It also creates a balanced life style which brings greater harmony, stability, and enjoyment.

Qigong's great appeal is that everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, age, belief system, current health conditions or life circumstances.

The Peaceful Dragon's Approach to Qigong

Though Qigong is taught as an important component in all of our tai chi and kungfu classes, we offer separate classes in Qigong alone for those people who may not have the time or interest to study a traditional martial art but still want the wonderful health benefits of Qigong. In our Qigong classes we teach a combination of authentic medical, martial and Taoist methods of qigong. Our traditional approach includes instruction in the underlying theories and principles of Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine, not just the forms and movements of Qigong. Instruction is personalized to meet your specific needs.

Master Eric Sbarge, Director and Head Instructor at The Peaceful Dragon, is certified as a master-level instructor in Qigong, martial arts and meditation by Grandmaster Frank DeMaria, who is the adopted son of the world-renowned late Great Grandmaster Ch'ang Dung Sheng. Master Sbarge is certified in Medical Qigong, is a member of the National Qigong Association (NQA).

When you join our Qigong program you will also have full access at no extra charge to our classes in Chinese yoga, meditation and tai chi, all of which can greatly complement your cultivation of Qi (energy) for health and vitality.

At The Peaceful Dragon You'll Find:

• Personalized instruction in traditional and authentic methods of medical, Taoist, tai chi, pakua and hsing-i Qigong.
• Classes suitable for all ages and physical conditions
• Classes 7 days a week in clean, spacious studios with showers, saunas, and dressing rooms available
• Highly motivated fellow students to train with

"I may come to class a ball of nerves, but leave with a sated, relaxed and peaceful smile."
Lyz Kelk,
Manager

"I enjoy better balance, coordination and flexibility from my training."
Vince Stubbs,
Carpenter

"My physical health has been good and my endurance and flexibility has improved. Most importantly, my mental health is better. For example, I can handle stress better and I'm more open to the beauty of being quiet and observing my surroundings"
Kathy Blanchard,
Registered Nurse