Song Ho Health Center's

QIGONG CLASSES

(China’s Self-Healing Exercises)

Winter 2012

Two new Qigong courses begin Tuesday, January 17. Full details below.

Introduction to:

MAN DONG (Li-Style Qigong)

The hallmarks of Chinese qigong exercise are its ability to enhance the self-healing function and restore the energy we each require for daily living. Nianzu Li, direct heir of the Lang Ye Mountain Taoist School, has devoted himself to the practice of qigong for more than 30 years. Over time, he has developed his own approach and styles that especially fit the needs of seniors and the middle-aged. He calls his approach Man Dong, which means “slow motion.” Man Dong blends the “Three Powers”—Slow Power, Mind Power, and Breathing Power. Together, they address these five important areas: basic health level; mind/body coordination; natural relaxation and stress reduction; qi and blood circulation (the yang and yin of human existence); and muscle and joint strength.

Man Dong is safe exercise that leads you easily to feel your qi—the subtle life force that permeates and enlivens our being. With practice of the soft, slow—and lovely—movements, the student begins to tone the internal organs and energy system, increase balance, improve posture, and cultivate a peaceful state of mind. Fortunately, you can do qigong anywhere and anytime with no limit on how far you can bring yourself to greater health freedom and strength. To view the qigong styles of Nianzu Li, go to YouTube and search his name and “qigong.”

ANIMAL PLAY MAN DONG & MOONLIGHT QIGONG REVIEW

Imitation of animals is well known in the qigong repertoire, especially Taoist-style qigong. As we playfully mimic the distinctive movements and essential natures of various animals, we also strengthen our qi and tone the body. Who said adults can’t play? Master Li presents walking forms of: Blue Heron, Turtle, Bear, Monkey, and Deer. Their various qualities—the ones that you will be cultivating in yourself—are: exquisite grace and body control, steadiness, one-mindedness, solidness, stability, lightness, slowness, softness, springiness, flexibility, nimbleness, and stillness. These forms are utterly beautiful to watch and when you do them, you will be amazed at the ramping up of your fitness level.

Master Li will also be reviewing Moonlight Qigong (taught in the fall session). Moon energy, with its quiet, still nature, corresponds with the winter season, which draws your energy, your thoughts, and your spirit inwards. If you missed the original instruction, don’t worry. The basics are not difficult to master, and a DVD of the form is available for home practice. In general, we recommend that students repeat classes so that corrections and continual progress can be made. Refining one’s energy and state of health is both science and art and requires ongoing attention. In this way, we honor the priceless gifts from the Ancient Ones who made it possible for us to enjoy and benefit from these exercises today.

Free practice sessions Sunday mornings with Master Li in Sligo Creek Park—details at class time.

Dates: January 17 to March 20 (extended if we have snow days)

Day/Time: Tuesdays 8 to 9 p.m.

Instructor: Nianzu Li

Place: Christ Congregational Church, 9525 Colesville Road (rear entrance), Silver Spring

Fee: $185 / Senior (65+) Fee: $160; Fees include a DVD of Animal Play Man Dong.

Drop-In Rate: $25

SOARING CRANE QIGONG

This popular qigong mimics the movements of the beautiful Asian crane in a graceful style that captures our imagination. Internalizing the image of the crane moving softly through a sparkling stream is one of its secrets for restoring mind and body. With a blend of peaceful movement and meditative postures, Soaring Crane Qigong leads students relatively quickly to Qi Flow as it gently stretches and exercises the entire body. Qi Flow refers to the pleasurable state of heightened body awareness and energy circulation, experienced as a “lightness of being.” Improvement of anxiety, sleep problems, digestion, energy level, and back and joint pains are commonly reported.

We rate this beautiful form highly as do all who are fortunate enough to discover it. Although a perfect starter qigong, it offers a richness and depth that will engage you for years to come. This form develops healing power as it substantially opens the energy field of the hands. It also answers the problem of cold hands and cold feet, a health challenge that should be addressed, rather than ignored. Once skilled, practitioners of crane-style qigong will possess an “inner retreat” to call upon at will. Becoming skilled in Soaring Crane Qigong will be one of your greatest investments.

Dates: January 17 to March 20 (extended if we have snow days)

Day/Time: Tuesdays 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Instructor: Peggy Li

Place: Christ Congregational Church, 9525 Colesville Road (rear entrance), Silver Spring

Fee: $185 / Senior (65+) Fee: $160; Fees include a DVD of Soaring Crane Qigong.

Drop-In Rate: $25

INSTRUCTOR NIANZU LI, the center’s founder and director, studied taiji, qigong, and traditional Chinese medicine in his native China. He has taught China’s exercise arts to thousands in the Washington area since coming to the U.S. in 1981. Li is heir to Li Family taiji and qigong as well as the teachings of his mentor, the distinguished Dr. Yangzhong Shang of the Shang lineage, Imperial Family physicians. Master Li received his training in Beijing and is a Maryland-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist.

INSTRUCTOR PEGGY LI has practiced and taught Asian healing arts (nutrition, qi exercise, shiatsu, and foot reflexology) for over three decades. She is a certified Eden Energy Medicine practitioner, and has taught qigong and taiji at the University of Maryland and for other organizations since 1992.

TO REGISTER for a course, please mail a check along with your name, address, and phone numbers to Song Ho Health Center, or call us to charge the fee to your credit card. DVDs will be made available to you at class time. Please note the class location on Colesville Road! We thank you and look forward to meeting you soon.

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IN QI EXERCISE!

Song Ho Health Center

805 Winhall Way

Silver Spring, MD 20904

301-625-4801