Qigong Classes: From Hibernation to Rejuvenation
with Carol Belanger, BA, RM, BHS
10am to 11:15am, at KIHC
$65 for the 6 week series
From Hibernation to Rejuvenation:
6 Mondays: March 25th to May 6th (no class Easter Monday), and/or
6 Fridays: April 5th to May 10th
The liver is a wedge shaped organ found in the upper right side of the abdominal cavity. It is essential for the digestion and metabolism of food, breakdown of toxins, drugs, production of blood clotting factors and storage of blood.
The health of our organs influences our emotional health and vice versa. When our bodies are functioning with good health, we feel more in balance, and a relaxed internal environment is created. When organs are in disharmony, our energy and circulation becomes sluggish, the balance of our health is tipped, body systems become compromised and emotional disturbances can also result. Depression and anger are two emotions specifically associated with the liver.
The liver’s functioning also influences the health of the other organs. For example, if the liver is not performing optimally, our digestive system is compromised, our kidneys must perform a greater detoxification role, and the work of the spleen is not smooth. Uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, belching, diarrhea, and others may be present, at which point a visit with a naturopath may be indicated to support regaining liver health.
To strengthen the health of your liver and other organs, a spring program of qigong will also promote liver and other organ health. A program of gentle exercises, mind-calming practice and focused breath is the nature of qigong. Its benefits are widespread and increasingly well-known. It has been around for approximately 5,000 years, and since the 1990’s literally millions of residents of China for example gather in parks and open spaces each morning for the restorative practice of Qigong.
Qigong is a great integration of body and mind. Living sensibly and taking good care of our body and mind are essential for our well-being. Qigong is an essentially restorative activity or exercise/meditative system that generates stores and reinforces our energy level. The Qigong practice at KIHC emphasizes softness, relaxation, sustainable aerobic and supple rather than vigorous form. There are both static (meditative) and dynamic (movement) aspects to the programs. There are additional benefits such as toning for muscles, soft tissues and circulatory system, weight loss, balance strengthening, joint conditioning and rejuvenation, flexibility enhancement, mental clarity and improved recall, stress reduction and proficiency with relaxation skills.
These benefits, from dedicated practice, can promote symptom lessening of such illnesses as chronic pain, chronic tension and sluggishness that often lead to a number of disease diagnoses like autoimmune diseases, irritable bladder syndrome, allergies, digestive problems, etc. It can represent the turning point for recovery with greater body awareness, feedback and self-care.
