T’ai Chi and Qigong

at Phoenix Virtue Temple

T'ai Chi

T’ai Chi, once a powerful martial arts form, has become one of the most popular exercise and meditative practices in modern times.  It has found itself within the fields of alternative or complimentary medicine, health care and exercise physiology.  One prime reason has been the extensive clinical research on the therapeutic effects of T'ai Chi.  Positive, therapeutic values include the enhancement of physical balance and postural stability, reduction of frailty and falls in older persons, facilitation of overall vitality to assist in chronic pain management, and improvement in the health of body, mind and spirit.  There are several 'major' forms, as well as many variations of those same forms being practiced throughout the world today.  As in most any type of physical exercise, no single form is ‘perfect’ for everyone.  Therefore, an individual's physical condition ~ overall physical health ~ is the first consideration.  That stated, the next consideration is the form that most interests an individual.  It is important to find a teacher who will best suit your needs in learning T'ai Chi.  A good teacher will be sensitive to each student's needs and aid each student in learning the T'ai Chi form at his or her level of comprehension and assimilation.  In selecting a teacher and T'ai Chi form, a prospective student should feel free to ask questions and either watch or participate in classes to determine a suitable classroom environment.

 …to continue…and to offer a brief overview of a most important subject taught by Sifu Gabriel…

 As water is to fish, and air to birds, so Qi (chi) is to humans.  We are surrounded by and live in a field of Qi…

Qigong

Qigong ~ how to cultivate life energy, the vital breath for healing ~ is both ancient wisdom and modern science.  It is one of the most powerful and effective self-healing methods in the world today.  If we are unaware of it, through Qigong training we learn how to sense this life energy both in ourselves and in the environment.  We gather, cleanse, and circulate Qi within our bodies to improve our health and to cultivate a tranquil, aware state of mind.  We develop the strength of the stone and the suppleness of flowing water.  Qigong has its roots in Chinese medicine and the ancient philosophy of Taoism.  Taoists retreated to high mountain monasteries seeking simplicity, inner peace, and truth in nature.  They celebrated the beauty surrounding them in poetry and art and learned to heal the body by imitating the movements of animals, trees, clouds and other aspects of nature ~ they were China's first Qigong Masters.  Qigong, like Taoism, emphasizes the harmony and health of body, mind and spirit.  Some of the basics of Qigong include proper breath cultivation; learning how to become grounded or rooted; and gentle exercises for daily healing practice.  The positive therapeutic values of Qigong are the same as T’ai Chi, as T’ai Chi was created in more recent history, based upon the principles of Qigong.  No prior experience is necessary ~ only a desire for greater health, balance and harmony in one’s life.  Qigong is about making time for healing oneself at all levels.

Sifu Gabriel

Sifu Gabriel has over 40 years experience in the areas of movement and healing arts, as well as life-long religious/spiritual studies.  Her extensive studies include Classical and Modern Ballet, Jazz, and Modern/Interpretive Dance; Kung Fu; T’ai Chi; Qigong; Taoist Religion, Philosophy and Healing Arts; World Religion and Philosophy; Raja and Hatha Yoga; Meridian Therapy; Shiatsu and related massage/treatments; polarity balancing; biology, chemistry, anatomy and human physiology; nutrition and homeopathy; Ayurveda; and currently, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and related applications, and Chinese Language Arts.  Sifu Gabriel is also a Master Reiki Practitioner.  Prior to moving to Shreveport in 1994, Sifu Gabriel taught Qigong, T’ai Chi, meditation and body dynamics in Boulder, CO.  If you would like additional information, you may contact Sifu at (318) 227-0744 or 834-0445 or by email: helung@sport.rr.com