Lisa B. O'Shea

Certified Qi Gong Therapist and Instructor
Founder of the Qi Gong Institute of Rochester

I grew up with a very western attitude about science and medicine. My father was a surgeon in a Boston suburb and both his parents were physicians as well. My grandmother was a pediatrician and my grandfather was a family doctor. I was very drawn to the fields of science and math and went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1986. I worked for a couple of big companies, Kimberly Clark and then Mobil Chemical.

I felt a need for change beginning to grow. I received certification in Reiki and Hypnotherapy in 1988 and decided to branch out and get a teaching degree. I began the New York State teachers certification program at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY in 1992. Meanwhile, to reduce my stress level I began taking a local Tai Chi/Qi Gong class. Six months later my asthma had completely disappeared. This got my attention. My western medical mindset had really kept me from considering alternative therapies for asthma. Although I had done the Reiki and Hypnosis work, I had never found a way to integrate them into my busy lifestyle. Going to a weekly Tai Chi class made all the difference.

I began to study Qi Gong and Traditional Chinese Medicine in earnest after that. In 1995 I became a Certified Qigong Healer through the Chinese Healing Arts Center with Master T.K. Shih. By the time I finished my student teaching and got my NY State teachers certificate in Chemistry and Physics I had a modest private practice going as well as a few Qigong and Tai Chi classes. Before getting a high school teaching job I thought I would give my new business a chance. I never looked back. My only connection to the world of science and engineering now is reading Scientific American and doing home repairs.

In 1997 I became a student of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming (YMAA) in Boston and began learning his school’s system. I received instructor certification through his school in 2003 and on Nov. 5, 2012 received full certification as Qigong Master. Dr. Yang continues to influence my work and inspire me to lofty goals. I will forever be in his debt for the generosity and accessibility of his teaching.

In 1998 I created the Qi Gong Institute of Rochester, through which I offer a variety of classes in Qigong, Tai Chi, Qi Healing, Meditation, and Nutrition as well as certification in Qigong Therapy.

I have continued progressing in the field of Qigong, creating two original Qigong forms: Rising Lotus Medical Qigong in 2001 and Healthy Balance Qigong in 2012. The Rising Lotus form incorporates fluid spinal movements with visualization and breathing to clear out blockages and improve wellness. It’s easy to learn and creates a wonderful flow within the body. Healthy Balance Qigong is the culmination of 18 years of teaching experience and powerfully clears out blockages and brings profound healing to the body. This form combines movement, visualization, meridians, acupuncture points, and Qi Healing techniques to facilitate healing physically, mentally, and emotionally.

There have been some other significant teachers on my journey. In 2002 I began studying with Master Hong Liu in Los Angeles, CA, learning some very powerful meditations and healers techniques. In 2007 I received Instructor Certification for Shiba Luohan Gong with Dr. Jay Dunbar at his Magic Tortoise Taijiquan School in Chapel Hill, NC. This is a wonderfully dynamic style of Qi Gong incorporating muscle strengthening as well as yoga-like stretching. Also, studying his San Shou (Tai Chi Fighting Set), has greatly influenced my Tai Chi instruction.

To help reach out to other types of body workers, in 2009 I received Approved Provider status (#451188-09) from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and am now authorized to offer continuing education hours for my weekend seminars.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi have been a life changing process for me. I had a teacher once tell me, "If you like everything in your life the way it is, don't do Qigong or Tai Chi because it changes everything." I would have to agree.

Lisa's bio from the Qigong for Healing DVD published by YMAA Publishing (YMAA.com)

Karen Kohl

Certified Qi Gong Therapist
Licensed Massage Therapist
Assistant Instructor

Karen Kohl has been studying and practicing various healing energy arts since 1998 and is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist. She also holds an MBA from the University of Rochester. Karen began studying under Lisa O’Shea in 1998 and completed her certification in Qi Gong Therapy at the Qi Gong Institute of Rochester. Karen organized the first World Healing Day in Rochester, NY (National Celebration of Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day) in April 2002 and the event presently resides as an annual event at Clifton Springs Hospital (Clifton Springs, NY). She teaches Tai Chi and Qi Gong throughout the Rochester area including; the University of Rochester, Monroe Community Hospital, and the YMCA. Karen also holds a Reiki III master certification and continues to pursue learning opportunities of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American lineage including; meditation, body talk, Shiba Luohan Gong, drum circles, sweat lodges, journeying, mantras and herbology.

Karen is available for weekend and evening appointments for Qi Gong Therapy sessions as well as massage.
Contact: (585) 355-9602 ~ Email: frogtaichi@aim.com

Lori Scime

Certified Qi Gong Therapist
Assistant Instructor

Lori Scime has been studying and practicing Qi Gong since 2008. Her curiosity into how Qi Gong healing works led her to pursue certification in Qi Gong therapy. She received her initial certification through Lisa B. O’Shea and the Qi Gong Institute in 2011, and received her second level certification in 2012.

Lori studied elementary education at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, and received her Master’s Degree from SUNY Brockport. Lori taught in Chicago and for the Rush- Henrietta school district before leaving the profession to concentrate on raising her family. She is active in her church as a Stephen Minister, helping individuals who are going through crises. Lori also has a private practice in Qi Gong Therapy and is available for Qi Healing sessions.


Contact: 585-260-1686 ~ Email: LSqigong@aol.com

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