Yoga-chi-gung

Yoga Chi Gung, a system of Internal Exercise. Drawing on classical Yoga and Chi Gung, Pilates, Alexander Technique, Tibetan Yoga and Reiki, Japanese Do-In, Ayurvedic Medicine and Feldenkrias (Awareness Though Movement). A system to cultivate awareness and resolve stress, both physical and psychological. Suitable for anyone. The practice can be altered and modified to suit the individual. The Evolution of Practice Classical yoga has evolved over the last 5000 years. Initially practiced by men only, it was taught in secret, passed on verbally from teacher to student. The aim was to aid the movement of prana, leading to the opening of the crown and an experience of oneness, connection to divinity and all existence. These ancient students of yoga lived a very natural and organic life. The the air they breathed was unpolluted, their mode of transport was walking and they were very accomplished in their physical form. Yoga students of the 21st century find themselves in a very different lifestyle. Man in the western world is lives a stationary existence. We are prone to sitting too much, eating too much and suffer form a general lack of movement. Our reasons for practicing yoga are very different to those of 5000 years ago. Yoga chi gung has developed out of a need to counter posture our everyday lifestyle. To move our body in a way that counter acts the imbalances of our modern, western life. History of Internal Arts Movement has been used though out the ages to promote healing, strength, flexibility and balance. In the orient, Internal Exercises were developed to not only develop the body, but also the mind and to transform the energy field that surrounds and engulfs the physical body. And it is this subtle energy field that martial art practitioners, chi gung masters and yogis have been attempting to influence.

Principles of Yoga Chi Gung

1. ✦To move and use the body in the most natural way, based on biomechanics.
2. ✦Practice within your capacity. Extension without tension. Challenge without stress.
3. ✦Soft joints, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips.
4. ✦Always maintain some reserve, stretch to no more than 90%.
5. ✦Allowing the breath to flow naturally while maintaining breath awareness.
6. ✦Awareness of centre (Dantien, Nabi, Hara).
7. ✦Vinyasa and intelligent sequencing to build the intensity of the practice. Ease your self into posture.
8. ✦Weight underside, top light, grounded with a strong foundation.
9. ✦Face and neck relaxed.
10. ✦Yoga Chi Gung does not require past experience or a level of flexibility to practice

Benefits

1. ✦Chi circulation
2. ✦Blood circulation boosted
3. ✦Increased strength and suppleness.
4. ✦Balance and centered-ness
5. ✦An increased ability to move through difficult life situations.

A typical class might include....

1. ✦Relaxation/centering
2. ✦Joint release (warm up)
3. ✦Pummeling
4. ✦Floor yoga postures
5. ✦Standing chi gung

- dynamic and circulating - dynamic and static building

1. ✦Meditation
2. ✦Relaxation