Since Qigong is an ancient practice, there are several thousand different forms and dozens of Qigong systems. All of the postures, movements and meditations I use are intended to be good for your overall health. Personally, I deal with anxiety, and all forms can help people relax and clear their minds. 

Some of the more popular systems have been adopted to target various needs. So a single system might have variations for the martial arts, energetic healing, internal focus and spiritual energy, and more.

My main goal is to teach with compassion and openness. There’s no judgement or suffering in my classes, as I share openly about my own issues. You will not see me as a teacher who presents an image of having all the answers. I don’t advocate that any practice will solve every challenge a person might have in life. I can only tell you that Qigong has made a profound difference for me and many other students.

Even though I teach multiple weekly Qigong classes all year, no two classes are the same. That’s because I incorporate many different Qigong systems, and often design classes based on the season or what my intuition tells me the we need the most. My first teacher, Grace Stephen, taught me well in how to continue to modify each class.

Below for your consideration is a brief (!) overview of what I teach.

GUIDED MEDITATIONS AND VISUALIZATIONS

I have to list this first because Qigong Meditation is of equal importance to Active Qigong. I begin each Qigong class with a short opening meditation, such as breathing in the Small Heavenly Orbit, and then close with a guided meditation of 10-15 minutes. This remain the most popular segment of each class. The majority of the meditations are ancient Daoist meditations which I learned from Ken Cohen. I also regularly share meditations from Robert Peng—both from his books and his Jieqi Qigong seasonal practice. I have much appreciation for both of these masters who give equal weight to Qigong meditation in their books, which is not common. Most teachers and authors tend to emphasis Active Qigong predominantly. I also use some meditations from Dr. Kevin Chen, in addition to a variety of Buddhist meditations. Occasionally, I offer a meditation-only class, and in all of my workshops, I use guided meditations to provide a pause and help students retain information.

PRIMORDIAL QIGONG

Having learned this in person from Ken Cohen, it is one of my favorite practices and a very unique Qigong system. Originally limited to being taught by teacher to individual student, only recently permission was given to teach Primordial in groups. Ken Cohen refers to Primordial Qigong as “one of the most powerful and comprehensive methods I have ever studied.” I agree. It seeks to link with the primal energy of the universe. For more information on Primordial, see https://www.qigonghealing.com/primordial-qigong including information about Ken Cohen’s teacher, Madame Gao Fu (1916-2005). In addition to teaching Primordial in my regular classes, I have also hosted three-hour introductory workshops to the practice.

FIVE ANIMAL FROLICS

Another system which I learned in person from Ken Cohen, this is the most ancient healing qigong form practiced today. As always, Ken Cohen’s form seeks to be true to the traditional roots as developed by Hua Tuo, a second-century physician who is considered the father of Chinese Medicine. The practice involves movements and the internal awareness of the Tiger, Deer, Bear, Monkey, and Crane. Many of the movements involve walking Qigong. The Frolics aim to improve health of mind and body by not exercising “to the point of exhaustion,” as Hua Tuo advised. In addition to teaching the Frolics in my regular classes, I have also hosted three-hour introductory workshops to the practice.

YI QUAN

Also learned in person from Ken Cohen, Yi Quan is one of the most extensive Qigong systems, attracting students from the martial arts world as well as those seeking healing energy. The still postures of this practice are extraordinary, but there are also flowing movements including numerous forms of walking Qigong. To quote Ken Cohen, “Evidence suggests that it is excellent for brain health, neurological functioning, and as complementary therapy for Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Brain Injury, and balance problems. It is as effective for optimizing health as for improving athletic performance.” I teach Yi Quan in my regular classes and am developing an introductory workshop.

TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS AND FALL PREVENTION

Some students were interested in learning Tai Chi in my local classes, but the Yang form I know was challenging to teach when class members had various physical abilities and conditions. A friend recommended the Tai Chi programs of Dr. Paul Lam. I’ve since received my certification to teach this course, which has proven very popular. While all Qigong and Tai Chi is beneficial for overall help, the endorsements this program has received from organizations like the CDC and arthritis groups worldwide are very helpful in convincing students that these slow, gentle movements have tremendous benefits to specific conditions and our overall health.

SEATED TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS

My first Qigong teacher, Grace Stephen, taught me the benefits of working with a chair, even for those of us who are healthy enough to stand for an hour of practice. I’ve long been passionate about having a chair-only class not just for those with various disabilities, but all people. The practice can better focus on the opening of the gates (joints) and subtleties of weight shifts in movements since the chair helps us to keep our core anchored. By noticing fine movements while seated, it prompts the practice to become even more internal. I’m very glad to be certified to teach Dr. Paul Lam’s Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis course. 

HEALING SOUNDS

The Healing Sounds use movements and postures with the integration of voice-induced sounds to prompt healing of the lungs, heart, liver, spleen and kidneys, plus the triple burner. We all know vibrational energy is used in medicine via modern technology. This practice is regularly used in China to improve overall health. I’ve learned one healing sounds system from Dr. Kevin Chen and am in the process of learning another from Ken Cohen. I regularly teach the healing sounds in classes, and hope to offer this in a workshop soon.

FIVE-ELEMENT PALM

I learned this therapeutic practice (developed in the Wutai Mountains) from Dr. Kevin Chen. It is based on the principles of the five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the five seasons (including Late Summer), the five organs, and also can incorporate healing sounds. Dr. Chen writes that Five-Element Palm “has proven to be effective in many disease prevention and treatment as it focusses on the balance or harmony of the inner organs instead of physical exercises.” I regularly use healing sounds in classes and plan to offer a workshop in the future.

OTHER SYSTEMS

I use components of many other systems as learned from my teachers. This includes The Eight Brocades, Coiling Silk/Silk Reeling, Bone Marrow Cleansing, External Qi Healing, and more. 

There is so much more I could write. How much more is there  for me to learn? Tons! Qigong is such a deep practice that I will always be not only learning new movements and systems but continuing to refine and deepen my practice. Constantly learning is a wonderful path to health and fulfillment. It also encourages humility. As the saying goes, there is always a higher mountain.

Blessings,

Ray