As we start to say goodbye to the long hot days of summer, we’re entering a special time of year associated with the Earth element. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Earth energy is seen as nourishing and stable, a time of abundance, fullness and ripeness. It aligns naturally with the harvest time of late summer and early autumn, a time of transition.  It’s considered to be a neutral energy, rather than yin or yang, a place of balance. In our bodies, the Earth element is associated with the spleen and stomach, which are central to the digestion of food and emotions, bringing people togethe ..read more

There is no doubt that 2022 was a particularly challenging year globally and individually for many of us. As we cycle into a new beginning, with the Chinese new year (of the rabbit) I find myself with a renewed lightness in my heart. Much like the beautiful lotus flower that could not exist without the muddy waters from which it grows, I am grateful for the challenges and muck that was 2022.  The lotus flower is a common symbol in Qigong, often we visualise it blooming in our hearts. It represents the act of rising above, despite challenges and moving towards the light of wisdom. &nb ..read more

I was on my way to the hills today for some nature therapy, my phone buzzed with a message "school in lockdown, test started" - a reminder it was lockdown drill day for the kids. I felt this well of grief for those precious souls who died in the Christchurch mosque attack. I felt grief for the children of this generation who have grown up with natural disasters, world pandemics and unsafe cities. I felt grief for the kids being re-traumatised by practising over and over how to stay safe from unknown dangers. I felt guilty about feeling this grief when so many ..read more

Hello! I wanted to take a moment to introduce (or re-introduce) myself. I am Emily, founder of Bliss Calm Qigong. I am a recovering stress addict, designer, Mum and Qigong teacher. I discovered Qigong when I was recovering from a sprained back and concussion after falling from a horse on to my head (oops) a few years ago. Almost immediately I could feel the difference in the movement and flexibility in my spine. What I wasn’t expecting was the huge difference it made to my recovery from concussion.    Today, I am one of a select group of certified Advanced Ho ..read more

In ancient China, the Shaolin monks were not the powerful martial artists we know and admire today. They led a quiet lifestyle, slouched over religious texts and prayed for many hours and suffered from poor posture, backaches, tight shoulders, and neck pain. They were very kind and gentle, and this left them vulnerable to attack from marauding gangs and invading armies. The legend says that Buddhist monk Bodhidharma travelled to China from India around 5th century. He brought his teachings to the monks of the Shaolin Temple, transforming them into powerful martial artists through tec ..read more

If you are a Mum, know a Mum or have a Mum - here's a copy of the special Mother's Day live online class we did this week - filmed in lockdown in my garage! We started with a lovely meditation for heart to start the practise feeling centred and grounded. We worked on acupressure points for the face and head, to release stress held in the jaw and upper neck. We moved into flows for protecting the heart, and filling up the heart with joy, compassion and love.  Please feel free to share this with your Mum, your Mum friends or anyone who would enjoy it. If you'd like to join me for clas ..read more

We don't always have a full hour, or even 30 minutes to squeeze in a Qigong practice before life takes over in the mornings. Even if all you've got is five minutes to yourself - this is all you need to start your day feeling calm, relaxed and ready to go.  Learn a quick tapping technique to get you motivated in the morning - especially good for those times everything feels like a grind. Wake up your body without the caffeine crash with "knocking on the door of life". This technique sends subtle vibration to the organs, especially to the adrenals and kidneys which are key to boostin ..read more

In this gentle seated Qigong routine for better breathing we explore techniques to bring energy to the lungs and boost the immune system. We also work a little on the liver to move stress, frustration and anger out of the body and welcome in creativity. Like all classes, please feel free to modify the moves to suit your body. It's really important to stay relaxed and pain free. Enjoy!     ..read more

Keep your joints healthy with this gentle sitting Qigong routine. Designed to tease out tension and discomfort, this routine will keep your wrists, shoulders and neck in top shape with gentle stretches and flowing movements. These gentle seated routines are really good for reducing stress and keeping your body moving if for any reason you aren't up to a standing class at the moment.   Keen for more? Join us for one of our Qigong Live Online group classes, or get your workplace in on the act with Workplace Wellness online classes. Enjoy ..read more

I've put together this lovely 15 minute seated routine which is really good for reducing stress and keeping your body moving if for any reason you aren't up to a standing class at the moment. Enjoy ..read more