Join Terri Dennis* in a tranquil Qigong movement practice specifically designed for Autumn. We will purge and “let go” of stagnant energy in the body, boost our immune systems, support our lung health, and increase our overall vitality and well-being for the Fall season. The cost is $9.00.
Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. Breathing is slow, long, and deep, and movements are gentle and smooth, aimed for relaxation. No previous experience is required, and movements can be modified for the individual participant.
What is Qigong?
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is an ancient Chinese practice that combines physical postures, gentle movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy, known as "qi" or "chi." The word "Qi" refers to the life force or vital energy that flows through the body, and "gong" means skill or practice, so Qigong can be loosely translated as "cultivating and working with one's vital energy” or simply “energy work.”
This holistic system has a long history in Chinese culture and is considered an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is rooted in the belief that when the flow of qi within the body is harmonious and balanced, it promotes health, vitality, and a sense of well-being. Qigong exercises are designed to enhance this flow of energy and promote physical, mental, and emotional health.
Key Aspects of Qigong include:
1. Breathing: Proper breathing techniques are a fundamental part of Qigong. Practitioners learn to control their breath, often emphasizing slow, deep, and coordinated breathing patterns.
2. Posture and Movement: Qigong involves specific postures and movements that are designed to promote the flow of Qi within the body. These movements are typically slow and gentle, with an emphasis on relaxation and fluidity.
3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Qigong includes meditative components, where practitioners focus their mind on the movement, breath, or a specific intention. This helps to calm the mind and enhance the mind-body connection.
4. Energy Flow: The underlying concept of Qigong is that the body has a vital energy (Qi) that flows through specific pathways or meridians. Qigong practices aim to balance and enhance this energy flow, which is believed to be essential for health and vitality.
(It's important to note that while many people find Qigong to be a valuable practice for enhancing their physical and mental health, it is not a replacement for medical treatment. If you have specific health concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise or wellness regimen.)
What are the Benefits of Qigong?
Qigong offers a wide range of potential benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the common benefits associated with Qigong:
Improved Physical Health: Qigong can help increase flexibility, strength, and balance. It also supports the body's natural healing processes and boosts the immune system.
Stress Reduction: Qigong incorporates deep, slow breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress levels. It promotes a sense of calm and tranquility.
Enhanced Flexibility and Balance: Qigong movements involve gentle stretching and postures that can improve flexibility and balance. This is especially beneficial for older adults in maintaining mobility.
Better Posture and Body Awareness: Qigong emphasizes proper body alignment and posture, leading to improved body awareness and reduced risk of musculoskeletal issues.
Improved Breathing: Qigong practices focus on controlled, deep breathing, which can enhance lung capacity, oxygenation of the body, and overall respiratory health.
Better Sleep: Practicing Qigong before bedtime can improve sleep quality by relaxing the body and calming the mind.
Digestive Health: Some Qigong exercises target the abdominal area, potentially aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.
Improved Circulation: The gentle movements of Qigong can promote blood circulation, which is essential for overall health.
Increased Energy Levels: Qigong stimulates the flow of Qi (life force energy) in the body, which can lead to increased vitality and energy levels. Many practitioners report feeling more energized after a Qigong session.
Improved Mental Clarity and Focus: Regular practice of Qigong can enhance mental clarity, concentration, and cognitive function. It encourages a clear and peaceful state of mind.
Emotional Balance: Qigong can help individuals manage their emotions and develop emotional resilience. It may be particularly helpful for those dealing with anxiety and mild depression.
Spiritual Growth: For some practitioners, Qigong is a spiritual practice that fosters a deeper connection with their inner selves and the universe. It can be a tool for spiritual exploration and self-discovery.
Self-Awareness: Qigong encourages self-reflection and introspection, promoting self-awareness and personal growth.
Community and Social Connection: Joining Qigong classes or groups can provide a sense of community and social connection, which can be beneficial for mental and emotional well-being.
*Terri Dennis is the co-founder of Spirit Guidance and Healing in State College, Pennsylvania. She is a Spirit Animal intuitive, national workshop presenter, certified transformational life coach, Past-Life Regression specialist, guided meditation facilitator, creator of KindHeart Products, and a Reiki, Qigong, and Sound Healing practitioner. Her classes, workshops, and private sessions have reached thousands of students and clients worldwide.
Having lived a multi-faceted life, Terri has gathered a vast array of knowledge and experience that has contributed to the diverse services she offers to her clients and students at Spirit Guidance and Healing. Graduating from Penn State University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, she went on to be a family counselor for the Big Brother/Big Sister Program at the Youth Service Bureau for 5 years. She embarked next on a 15 year career in music performance with her band, “the Mystics,” allowing herself time to raise and partially homeschool her three children. She also taught voice lessons for many years to children and adults. These early career experiences created a valuable foundation for the services she offers today, and continue to inform her ever-evolving practice…
Terri began her spiritual studies at a young age, and was trained in Past-Life Regression techniques while still in college. She has further developed her skills as a Past-Life Regressionist over the course of 35 years. During this time, Terri received Past-Life Regression Professional Certification from world-renowned Past-Life specialist, Dr. Brian Weiss, author of Many Lives, Many Masters at Omega Institute. Terri offers both private and group Past-Life Regression Sessions for clients interested in discovering more about their past lives.
Terri has trained extensively in various forms of energy healing and bodywork, including Reiki, Sound Healing, and Qigong Healing. She has studied Intuitive Development with esteemed spirit mediums, James VanPraagh and Jamie Butler, as well as Shamanism and Shape-Shifting with distinguished Shamans, Lynn Roberts and John Perkins at Omega Institute in New York. In 2019, Terri furthered her Shamanic studies by training with indigenous elders of the Mayan Shamanic tradition in Guatemala.
In recent years, Terri has passionately devoted herself to the study of Qigong flow and healing. Her great love and appreciation for this ancient Chinese practice inspired her to become certified as an “Associate Instructor of QiGong,” through Marisa Cranfill’s YOQI program. Terri has also studied with many Qigong Master Teachers, including: Kenneth Cohen, Bama Kim, Daisy Lee, Robert Peng, Chunyi Lin, and Mingtong Gu. Terri enjoys teaching Qigong at her Spirit Junction Meetings and for her private clients as a potent spiritual and healing self-care practice.
To further her knowledge in Sound Healing, Terri attended the “Sacred Sound Healing Conference” at the Asilomar Center in California in 2022, where she learned new tuning fork and singing bowl methods, as well as profound healing voice applications with many eminent instructors including: Eileen McKusick, the Brothers Koren, Christine Stevens, Krista Holland, Jeralyn Glass, Suren Shrestha, Fred Johnson, and Jai Uttal. Terri also attended the Energy Psychology Conference in Baltimore in 2023, where she attended class with Sound Pioneer, Jonathan Goldman.
In addition, Terri added Emotional Freedom Technique (“EFT Tapping”) to her healing toolkit in 2023 when she attended a week-long certification workshop at the Kripalu Center. She now includes this powerful modality in her services to clients.
Terri has interwoven all of her various training into the vibrant tapestry of services, workshops, and products she offers clients today in her Spirit Guidance and Healing Practice. It is her heartfelt passion to support her clients in their healing journey, empower them to thrive, & live their lives to the fullest potential.