Tai Chi and Qigong are all about letting go. They teach us to release physical, mental, and emotional tension, promoting a sense of balance, harmony, and well-being. By practicing these ancient arts, one can achieve a deep sense of inner peace and a better quality of life. Letting go can be one of the hardest things to do, yet it is essential for personal growth and development. It's the act of releasing attachment to people, things, situations, or even emotions that no longer serve you. Letting go requires a great deal of courage, trust, and faith, but it is necessary to create space for n ..read more

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that has been around for thousands of years. It is a form of movement and meditation that focuses on breath control, gentle movements, and mental focus. Over the years, Qigong has gained popularity in the West due to its numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of Qigong and why you should consider adding it to your daily routine. 1. Reduces Stress One of the primary benefits of Qigong is its ability to reduce stress levels. The gentle movements and deep breathing techniques help to relax the mind and body. It can also r ..read more

Mountain Top Qigong is a lovely short routine that opens the Qi channels and promotes deep relaxation. It allows the practitioner to focus on gratitude and receive good energy into their life circle. The original version was devised by Tai Chi Master Angus Clark. To start, stand in Wuji and engage Qigong breathing: 1. Raising 2. Opening 3. Gathering 4. Receiving 5. Centering 6. Circle of Life 7. Bringing good Qi into your life circle 8. Raising to the Heavens 9. Centering and Gathering 1. Raising As you breath in raise your arms with palms facing down to shoulder height. 2. Opening As yo ..read more

The Autumnal equinox falls on 23rd September this year, marking the official end of summer and the beginning of Autumn. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn is associated with the Metal element and the Lungs and Large Intestine. The cooler temperatures and dry winds of Autumn can directly attack the lungs, often resulting in common symptoms such as a sore throat, a dry nose, chapped lips, dry cough, colds, and flu. To protect the body from these external factors, you should now start to focus your healing around warming and strengthening the body and in the more spiritu ..read more

Breathe in, breathe out repeat, is great advice and we all do it without thinking about it but are we breathing properly and efficiently? When we are born we know instinctively how to breathe. If you watch a baby breathing their bellies moves in and out with each lovely breath. But as we go into adulthood we tend to forget to ‘belly breath’ and due to the stresses and strains of everyday life our breathing becomes short and shallow. Consequently, only half of our lung capacity is being used, compromising the amount of oxygen-rich blood being fed to our internal organs and brain and comp ..read more

Unlocking Vitality: Exploring the Harmony of the Wood Element and the Liver in Chinese Philosophy Introduction: As the last remnants of winter fade away, nature comes alive with a burst of color, signaling the arrival of spring. In Chinese philosophy, this season is intricately connected to the element of Wood and its harmonious dance with the liver. Join me on a journey to discover the fascinating interplay between nature, the Wood element, and the liver as we embrace the vitality of spring. The Essence of Wood: In the rich tapestry of Chinese cosmology, each season is associated with ..read more

World Tai Chi Day Saturday 27th April World Tai Chi Day Saturday 27th April Saturday 27th April marks World Tai chi day where over 80 countries around the world will celebrate Tai chi by performing in their local parks at 10am local time. This year you will find my dedicated students and I celebrating in Pageant Gardens Sherborne. Tai chi is becoming increasingly popular in the west and, although it originated in China as a martial art, it is now practiced by millions of people because of its many health benefits. Many studies have been carried out researching its health benefits and ac ..read more

Get ready to kick off your shoes, find your center, and join the global celebration of peace, balance, and well-being! World Tai Chi Day is just around the corner, and on April 27th, enthusiasts from every corner of the world will unite in a synchronized flow of energy, promoting harmony and mindfulness. Join the wave of tranquility as we delve into the excitement of World Tai Chi Day! The Global Harmony Wave: Imagine a world where people from diverse cultures and backgrounds come together in a shared practice that transcends language and borders. World Tai Chi Day is that magical moment w ..read more

Tai Chi and Qigong are graceful and meditative art forms that have captivated people around the world for centuries. With slow and flowing movements, Tai Chi and Qigong offer numerous physical and mental benefits. One key aspect that is often overlooked by students is the concept of sinking the Qi. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of sinking the Qi in Tai Chi practice, its benefits, and how to cultivate this essential skill. Before diving into the concept of sinking the Qi, let's briefly touch upon the concept of Qi itself. Qi (pronounced "chee") is a fundamental concept ..read more

Since the publication of my book on Fragrant Qigong, this is the question, I am asked the most. Why Shouldn’t I practice Fragrant Qigong if I do other forms of Qigong? The answer lies in the difference between different forms of Qigong and what they are trying to achieve. Fragrant Qigong is not like most Qigong forms as it doesn’t require the same mental focus, slow movement, and breath work as other forms of Qigong. The 15 simple arm movements that make up the practice of Fragrant Qigong are performed at a quick pace and no breath work or mental focus is required; in fact, it is actively ..read more