Holistic Tai Chi Qigong Academy UK
Dancing Cat Tai Chi Qigong & Holistic Health
Classes & Professional Training & Health
Debbie & Mark Gannon
07958 353455
Professional
Further Development
What Next?
Once you have successfully completed the 6-day Session Leader Course
you can lead your own sessions for relaxation & well-being
There is no requirement to attend further training. However you will be very welcome to return to the Academy to learn more when the time feels right for you
Training Diary
2025
1 & 2 March 2025
22 & 23 March 2025
5 & 6 April 2025
12 & 13 April + 17 & 18 May 2025
31 May & 1 June 2025
10 & 11 May 2025
12 & 13 July + 16 & 17 Aug 2025
2 August 2025
3 August 2025
27 & 28 Sept 2025
2026
We are currently planning modules for 2026 and they will be uploaded here soon
ADVANCED SESSION LEADER
CERTIFICATION
Many of us love to keep learning more about this amazing Health Art
Session Leaders can gain higher certification by completing all of the following modules which continue to build their Tai Chi Qigong knowledge
All of these modules are in person at our Hinckley studio
You can complete them in any order and at your own pace
Exploring Physical Health Benefits
Delivering a Seated Qigong Session
Sometimes we all need to refresh what we have learned and enjoy returning to the academy to gain some personal tuition and ask our own questions to build our understanding
You can always return to learn additional Qigong sets but sometimes we just need a day, or two, to enjoy and explore what we have already learned
You will always learn more when attending a refresher module
You will attend with more experience which often leads to a deeper layer of understanding
Ideal Refresher 1- Day Modules:
Delivering a Seated Qigong Session
Physical Health Benefits of Qigong
Qigong Immersion Experience
Ideal refresher 2-day modules
Body Alignment
Energy within Qigong
QIGONG IMMERSION
EXPERIENCE
As Session Leaders we are always delivering sessions and rarely get to enjoy a session for ourselves
This qigong immersion is all about you, not as a Session Leader, but a chance for you to lose yourself within the flow and experience the session for yourself
This is an opportunity for you to be guided through the 18 Shibashi Set 1 movements and enjoy the time and space to immerse yourself, allowing you to reach your full potential, physically and energetically, for each movement.
You will gain a deeper understanding through your own experience, and enjoy this at your own pace
You will go through a deep cleansing, healing and restoring process
Saturday
A gentle supportive full day session experience
Sunday
Allows time to revisit & reflect giving your body the opportunity to absorb and embed the experience
You have the opportunity to share your experience, ask questions, gain more insight
You can come along for both days or just for the Saturday
You can return every year to take your experience to an even deeper level
Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 10am to 2pm
10 & 11 May 2025
3 Places available
Further Development
What's next on your path?
8 Pieces of Silk Brocade
In this 4 day module we will look at this ancient and popular set of movements
We will explore the different versions that are taught and the adaptations
The movements in this set are not considered, by us, as for beginners, and more aimed at those who are looking to improve flexibility, body strength and stamina.
£395
Dates to be confirmed 2026
4 Places Available
This 2-day module takes you through a tapping & self-massage routine
covering the whole body
The aim of this module is to teach you to lead a sequence of acupressure techniques, demonstrated on yourself, for session attendees or clients to follow
Key acupressure points are explored along with a variety of techniques
to sedate or stimulate
The routine can be delivered as a full session or in separate sections
Qigong Session Leaders can deliver this during the first part of a Qigong session
This module does not teach you to perform the techniques on other people
We provide notes and videos to support the face to face training
£225
22 & 23 March 2025
0 places available
Please let us know that you would like to complete this module.
We may be able to offer you a cancellation place or arrange additional dates
March 2026
6 places available. Dates to be confirmed shortly
Body Alignment
In this 2 day module we will look at the posture and body alignment of each other, while we stand and while we move
You will learn how to complete a body alignment assessment and explore the issues poor body alignment can create or aggravate as well as safe teaching practices to help attendees into better alignment
We will also explore the subtle Tai Chi Qigong techniques to move the whole body 'as one' efficiently and effectively
£120
5 & 6 April 2025
3 Places Available
This module is part of the Advanced Session Leader Certification
£60 Deposit to book your place
£60 remaining balance payable on or before 5 March 2025
ADDITIONAL QIGONG SET
Daily Tai Chi Exercises
This 2 day module explores 21 Daily Exercises, to ease the joints in the body and relax the muscles & tendons. Ideally they should be practiced every day. As always, it is the way the movements are performed that creates the maximum benefit. This module teaches the movements, the health benefits and the correct way each exercise should be performed. We also highlight common errors and explore different ways to deliver these within your sessions.
£225
1 & 2 March 2025
1 place available
Seeing, sensing and learning to clear, balance, consolidate and restore energy.
Exploring the 5 Elements or Phases, the energy they represent and how that integrates into the way we move, and the way we cope with everyday life to bring about a deeper healing and calm
£120
Saturday 27 & 28 Sept 2025
5 Places Available
£60 Deposit to book your place
£60 remaining balance payable on or before 27 Aug 2025
This module is part of the Advanced Session Leader Certification
ADDITIONAL QIGONG SET
Fan Qigong Set
The traditional Tai Chi or Kung Fu Fan provides a different way to enjoy qigong while improving well-being. Using the fan improves dexterity in the hands, builds strength in the arms, shoulders and spine. The fan is used in both hands to improve the weaker side of the body. The gentle flowing movements work on leg strength, and helps to improve balance but can be just as enjoyable for those who may need to sit during the session.
These Qigong movements also help to keep the left and right sides of the brain working while providing a relaxing experience.
£
Dates to be confirmed
6 places available
ADDITIONAL QIGONG SET
Lee Form Tai Chi Qigong Set
Anyone who has experienced the flow of a Tai Chi Form will know how beautiful it is to watch as well as to perform. However Tai Chi Forms are complex and require years of dedicated practice. This module teaches those movements within a qigong set offering a more inclusive way for people to enjoy and practice the flow of a Tai Chi Form.
4 Days, over 2 non-consecutive weekends
£395
12 & 13 July + 16 & 17 Aug 2025place 0 places available
Please ask if you would like a cancellation place
This training day explores specific techniques within the practice of qigong to create a deeper easing of the physical body.
We will look at common problem areas such as the ankles, knees, hips, lower back, shoulders, neck and spine.
This dedicated focus is ideal to incorporate into the 'learning' part at the start of each session and can also be used for workshops.
1 Day, £80
Sunday 3 August 2025
5 places available
This training module forms part of the Advanced Session Leader Certification
This 1 day training module explores the Shibashi Qigong Set 1 for those who need to remain seated. We will look at the health benefits for the standing movements and consider how we can help our seated attendees benefit without compromising their need to sit, while considering the challenges & difficulties that sitting brings.
You will receive a certificate for 'Delivering a Seated Qigong Session'
This module is part of the Advanced Session Leader Certification
Saturday 2nd August 2025
3 places available
An additional set of 18 Movements to add variety to your sessions.
The movements of Shibashi Qigong Set 2 are very different to Set 1, moving and opening the body in a different way.
This module explores a variation of these interesting and enjoyable movements so this set can be offered to almost everyone, including those who may need to be seated for some or all of the session
4 days over 2 non-consecutive weekends
£395
12 & 13 April 2025 & 17 & 18 May 2025
2 places available
Shibashi Qigong Set 2
REFRESHER
A weekend to refresh and revisit the Shibashi Qigong Set 2
Improve your practice of the correct physical techniques
Gain more understanding of the health benefits
Explore the different versions of the movements
Understand the energetically balanced version of this Set
Ask your questions
£120
31 May & 1 June 2025
6 places available
Video Based
Learning
Enjoy these video based modules in your own time to expand your knowledge and add more depth to your sessions
Are you every stuck for ideas to deliver in your learning part of the session?
This video package offers more than 85 videos, each containing a video based 'session plan' with explanations of a vast number of topics to pass on qigong knowledge and keeping sessions interesting.
Available to purchase at any time
£25
A collection of videos offering theory behind the 5 Elements or Phases.
Exploring their essence and how they integrate into qigong & life.
Some videos also include physical practice, talked through by Debbie, offering an opportunity to feel this for yourself
Available to purchase at any time
£10
Qigong Masterclass
Video
Bundles
You can buy any of the qigong masterclasses videos @ £8 each or you might prefer to buy a bundle
Each bundle is priced based on the number of videos in the collection
You can see more about each video here
There are 7 videos in this bundle
Videos: 1, 4, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Qigong Masterclasses
Videos
Each Masterclass is around 60 minutes
These are recordings of live zoom sessions, initially intended for Qigong Session Leaders but there is a lot of useful information for anyone learning Tai Chi Qigong.
When you purchase a video, you will receive a link to watch on our private YouTube channel and a link to download the video from our Google Drive
We do not monetise our videos and we do not receive any income from YouTube, we use this as a platform that is easily accessible for most people.
1
Layers of Relaxation. Being not Doing
Zoom class 1 Recorded 8/10/2020
This zoom class takes us though:
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The key points of getting into the correct Bear Stance (hip width) exploring feet, knees, hips, pelvis, head, arms, chest, shoulders & fingers.
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What is ‘relaxed’, ‘letting go’ ‘collapsed’
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How to engage the whole body so it moves as one allowing us to ‘be’ the movements rather than ‘do’ the movements.
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Allowing the Breath to lead the movement and the body follow the breath
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Exploration and practice of the techniques with the movements Opening the Energy Gates, Rolling the Arms & Flying Wild Goose.
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We finish with a 10 minute relaxing yin/yang rebalancing sequence then a short energy session to relax and enjoy
2
The Flying Wild Dove Spreads its Wings
Zoom class 2 Recorded 5/11/2020
This zoom class takes us though ‘The Wild Dove Spreads its Wings’
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The purpose of the stance Dragon/Duck (Forward/Back)
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The correct structure and detail of the stance
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Looking at how the stance/body moves the arms
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Correct hand technique
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Gathering, condensing and storing energy
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The 3 tantien areas and their basic functions
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We finish with a 30 minute Shibashi Qigong Set 1 for you to relax & enjoy.
3
Key Qigong Energy Points & Body Structure
Zoom class 3 Recorded 3/12/2020
This zoom class takes us though:
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The key acu-points with Qigong
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The relationship between body alignment and the key energy points and why the body structure is important
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Practical demonstration and explanation of through the 18 movements of the key acu-points in relation to body alignment structure.
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How the practical application of the correct body alignment structure allows us the ‘be’ rather than ‘do’ the movements
4
Harmonising the Breath & the Body
Zoom class 4 Recorded 14/01/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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Easing the Body using the stances
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Turning from the Waist exercise and the benefits
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How to harmonise the breath and the body using the correct stance structure to create the movement. We never move the arms independently. Exploration of this within the Movements: Opening Energy Gates, Opening the Treasure Chest, Painting a Rainbow, Rowing a Boat, Supporting a Ball, Flying Goose.
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Finishing with a 30 minutes session to relax and enjoy.
5
Winter into Spring Well-Being & Qigong Practice
Zoom class 5 Recorded 11/02/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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February- how our body responds at this time of year and how we can support our well-being
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Using 'Rowing a Boat' movement to explore the 'Water into Wood' seasonal elements
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Using 'Rowing a Boat' to practice integrating the essence of the season into our qigong to boost our well-being
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Finishing with a 30 minutes session to relax and enjoy.
6
Spring Well-Being & Qigong Practice
Zoom class 6 Recorded 11/03/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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SPRING-The Wood Element.
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How our body responds at this time of year physically, emotionally, mentally & energetically
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How we can support ourselves at this time of year
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How to move within Qigong to support the body in this season
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Eyes. Looking at where to use relaxed & focused eyes within Qigong
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Eye Exercises
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Using ‘Rowing a Boat’ Qigong Movement to explore the Wood element
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Finishing with a 30 minutes seasonal session ,to relax & enjoy, with gentle prompts relating to the eyes
7
Spring into Summer Well-Being & Qigong Practice
Zoom class 7 Recorded 8/04/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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How this season impacts on us physically, emotionally and mentally
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How to navigate and support ourselves through the negative reactions to the season
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How to harness the positive seasonal energies
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Exploration of Paining a Rainbow movement, applying ‘Spring moving into Summer’ elements into Qigong practice, considering the eyes and looking at the subtle qigong techniques to move the body.
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Finishing with a 30 minutes session, to relax & enjoy, with gentle prompts.
8
Rooting, Grounding & Energy Development Techniques
Zoom class 8 Recorded 6/05/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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Practice of rooting and grounding, physically and energetically
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Practice of the standing version of the restorative Qigong exercise ‘Gathering Flowers’
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Exploring the energy of ‘Opening the Treasure Chest’
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Exploring the energy of ‘The Wild Dive Spreads ts Wings’
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Exploring the energy of ‘Balancing the Qi & Standing Zen
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Finishing with a 30 minutes session, to relax & enjoy, with gentle prompts.
9
Spring. Practical Application within Qigong Movements
Zoom class 9. Recorded 3/06/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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Exploring the Wood Element within Bear Stance
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Exploring the Wood Element within Bouncing Ball movement
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Introduction to the Fire Element as we prepare to move into Summer
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How to move to improve our well-being and cultivate our Qi
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Finishing with 30 minutes of qigong practice to follow and enjoy
10
Summer. The Fire Element
Zoom class 10. Recorded 8/07/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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Considering Health Conditions & Issues through this season
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Considering the Menopause
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Considering Blood Pressure
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How some people may react during qigong practice in this season
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Practical exploration of opening the hands & the Lao Gong Point
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Finish with 20 minutes of seasonal qigong to follow & enjoy
11
The Fire Element & The Heart Meridian
Zoom class 11. Recorded 5/08/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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Exploring the Fire Element
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Looking at the 4 linked meridians
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TCM properties of the heart
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Exploring the movement Scooping the Sea’ in relation to the heart meridian
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Finish with 25 minutes of seasonal qigong to follow & enjoy
12
The Earth Element. Late Summer Season
Zoom class 12. Recorded 2/09/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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Introducing the Earth Element, Late Summer
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TCM the Stomach & Spleen
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TCM connections to our physical body & emotions
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How the Earth Element relates to our everyday life
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Exploring the ‘Flying Wild Dove’ qigong movement
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Finishing with 30 minutes of seasonal qigong to follow & enjoy
13
Autumn. The Metal Element
Zoom class 13. Recorded 10/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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Introducing the Metal Element, Autumn
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Supporting the Lung & Large Intestine meridians
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Exploring the ‘Warrior Breath’
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TCM connections to our physical body & emotions
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Exploring the ‘Charging the Fist’ qigong movement
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Exploring ‘Bouncing Ball’ qigong movement
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Finishing with 30 minutes of seasonal qigong to follow & enjoy
14
The Metal Element Essence Within Qigong
Zoom class 14. Recorded 11/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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TCM health at this time of year
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The essence of the Metal element and how to apply this in our daily lives and qigong practice.
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Exploring the correct alignment of the hands and fingers ‘tile hand’
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Applying the Metal Element and ‘tile hands’ and energy cultivation to Opening the Treasure Chest qigong movement
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Finishing with 30 minutes of seasonal qigong to follow & enjoy
15
Winter. Well-Being & Qigong
Zoom class 15. Recorded 12/2021
This zoom class takes us though
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Looking at our health in this season & ways to support ourselves
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The importance of good stances
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How to apply the essence of the stances around the season and our own health issues
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Practice of stance for the winter season when our energy is low
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Practice of ‘reversed breathing pattern’ with stances
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Finishing with 30 minutes of seasonal qigong to follow & enjoy
16
Dragon & Duck Stances Explored & February Health Tips
Zoom class 16. Recorded 3/02/2022
This zoom class takes us though
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Tips to practice qigong in February to support our energy & a short replenishing sequence.
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Detailed exploration of Dragon & Duck stance with correct techniques
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Practical application of the techniques to the 3 Dragon & Duck movements, Scooping the Sea, Pushing the Waves, Wild Dove Spreads its Wings.
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Finishing with 25 minutes of the 5 movements of the short Energy Balancing Qigong Set to follow, restore & enjoy
17
Hips & Qigong. Improving Hip Flexibility
Zoom class 17. Recorded 3/03/2022
This zoom class takes us though
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Exploring some of the reasons why hips become stiff
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Posture related tips
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Subtle techniques using the stances to improve hip/pelvis flexibility
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Using ‘Turning from the Waist’ & ‘Supporting a Ball’ qigong movements to improve hip flexibility
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Exploring Dragon & Duck stances as a foundation for improving walking techniques
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Finishing with 10 minutes of Energy Balancing Qigong to follow & enjoy.
18
Stance & Flow in Health & Qigong
& in-depth exploration of ‘Supporting a Ball’
Zoom class 18. Recorded 7/04/2022
This zoom class takes us though
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Exploring The 3 Bows
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The physical benefits of correct stances
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Physical conditions aggravated by poor body alignment
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How to ‘flow’ within qigong while maintaining strong body alignment
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The benefits of ‘flow’ within life and qigong and what happens to us when we don’t ‘flow’.
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Liver, Gall Bladder, Spleen & Stomach: their seasons and how they support us and how 'flowing in the correct stance' supports them.
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Practical detailed exploration of ‘Supporting a Ball’ qigong movement to integrate structure, flow, build flexibility, connecting to yin and yang and understand the benefits on many levels.
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Finishing with a short yin/yang balancing qigong sequence
19
Exploring the Layers of 'Opening the Treasure Chest
Zoom class 19. Recorded 5/05/2022
This zoom class takes us though
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Exploring the layers of 'Opening the Treasure Chest' qigong movement
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Exploring the stance & body alignment structure
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The whole body moving
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Exploring the energy and energy cultivation
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Finishing with a 15 minute energy balancing qigong sequence to follow and enjoy
20
The Chest & Shoulders. Posture & Qigong Techniques
Zoom class 20. Recorded 22/02/2023
This zoom class takes us though
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Exploring the chest in relation to posture and stances
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How to help with rounded shoulders
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How to open the body out from the sternum to support the lungs, heart & liver while protecting the stomach
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Using ‘Rowing a Boat’ to apply the techniques and explore the health benefits
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Common errors when practicing ‘Supporting a Ball’
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A gentle reminder of the 3 stance positions while considering the chest/shoulder area
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Finishing with 35 minutes of seasonal qigong to follow & enjoy
21
The Wrist & Wrist Acu-Points within Qigong
Zoom class 21. Recorded 29/03/2023
This zoom class takes us though
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Exploring the wrist acu-points & their health benefits
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Points: Large Intestine 4 & 5, Triple Warmer 4, Pericardium 7, Lung 9
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Hand & wrist posture, techniques & energy within qigong practice
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Finishing with 35 minutes of seasonal qigong to follow & enjoy
22
Exploring the 18 Movements as a Healing Balanced Set
Zoom class 22. Recorded 26/04/2023
In this zoom class:
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Easing into the session with stances and turning through the waist
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Creating an energy ball
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Yin & Yang balancing qigong
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Brief description of the energetic and balancing role of each of the 18 movements
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Finishing with 35 minutes of energy balancing qigong to follow & enjoy
