What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong, pronounced "chee gong", has seen a rapid increase in popularity in the Rochester area lately. As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it works on the body to bring balance and health, both physically and emotionally. There are many styles of Qi Gong, beginning with simple abdominal breathing and progressing to complex sets of slow, gentle movements. Qi Gong is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Different styles of it can be done sitting, standing, or lying down and many health benefits can be achieved with just a few minutes of practice every day.

The principles under which Qi Gong operates are simple yet profound. Bioelectric energy flows through our bodies constantly. In Chinese this energy is called Qi, the Indian tradition calls it Prana and in Japanese it is called Ki. All these words refer to the same subtle and pervasive spark of life that resides in each and every one of us and in the world around us. The goal of an individual studying Qi Gong is to learn to sense this energy, develop it, and control it. Like learning to play chess, only a few moments are required to learn the basic principles and yet it takes a lifetime to master. As the student learns more, further subtleties can be perceived, allowing understanding to deepen and broaden.

This subtle energy or Qi circulates through the entire human body through energy channels, called meridians. When there are blockages in the meridians, many physiological and emotional problems may arise.

Qi Gong Therapy and Healing Sessions~

My work as a Qi Gong Therapist is to remove the blockages and balance and circulate energy. This work is very gentle yet powerful since all healing happens on an energy level first. The first time I work with an individual, we go through an interview process where I ask many questions related to the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine. I am looking for patterns of physiological and emotional symptoms that relate to the five energy systems of the body. For example, if I ask about headaches, PMS, visions problems, anger or frustration, I am finding out information about the Liver energy system. If I ask questions about the skin, sinuses, large intestine, sadness, I am finding out about the Lung energy system. The answer to these questions help to paint a picture of your historical energy patterns.

After the questions, the hands-on healing portion of the appointment takes place. I scan the individual using my palm about 12 inches away from the body to feel where the energy is getting trapped or congested. I then pull out the energy blockages and send energy into the particular meridian points or areas to help with that particular person's needs. While sending in energy, I make a very light contact with the body. After the hands-on healing work I teach each person Qi Gong techniques such as movements, breathing, and meditation that can be done at home to help with each particular imbalance. The initial treatment session takes about 1 ½ hours and further appointments last about an hour.

Qi Gong Institute of Rochester

The Qi Gong Institute of Rochester is a center for learning the healing arts of Qi Gong exercises, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meditation, Qi Gong Healing, Nutrition, and Tai Chi. Classes are offered day and evening as well as weekend workshops and Weekend Seminars. Lisa B. O'Shea is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (#451188-09). Continuing Education Hours are awarded for the weekend seminars. Certification in Qi Gong Therapy is also offered to those interested.

Qi Gong Institute of Rochester 595 Blossom Road, Suite 307 Rochester, NY 14610	Toll Free: 877.346.4017 Phone: 585.377.2044

Email: lisachi@rochester.rr.com