Thank you so much to everyone who came to the first class of the winter Qi Gong session. There was a mixture of beginners, some expert practitioners and even a few out-of-towner’s and I think everyone would agree that the room was buzzing with vibrant Qi! While this is a six week class feel free to drop in when you can and don’t worry if you can’t make all of the classes. The main focus of the classes is to practice so just come when you can! I did a 5 minute introduction to the concept of Qi Gong but if you would like to know more I will be uploading a video on YouTube that goes into a little bit more depth in the next little while so stay tuned. If you haven’t already done so please feel free to ‘like’ our Facebook page or subscribe to our newsletter to get updates, info and inspiration. I look forward to seeing you all next week and thank you for helping build a great “Communi-Qi!” -Jeffrey...
The Effects of Fall According to Traditional Chinese Medicine The days are getting shorter, the leaves are getting crisper and Fall is in the air. Fall is a time for looking inward and quiet contemplation. It is a time of reflection and creativity. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season affects the body and mind in a different way. The change of seasons is a time of dynamic change for the internal organs and it is during these seasonal transitions that we are most susceptible to getting sick. In Chinese Medicine Fall is the season of the ‘Metal’ element. Metal is associated with the emotion of grief or sadness and affects the physical body through the lungs and large intestine. This means that in the Fall we are more susceptible to colds and flu’s with runny nose, cough and fatigue. It is also the time of year where our ‘wei qi’ (immune system) is low and a simple cold can turn into something much more serious for those with weakened immunity. We often see people hit hard with bronchitis and pneumonia around this time of year. Each emotion affects the body in a different way. The emotion of sadness or grief has an inverse relationship with the lungs. Grief or extreme sadness weakens the lungs and can cause physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, asthma or even pneumonia and conversely lung problems can cause a feeling of sadness. It is not uncommon for someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one to develop bronchitis. Constipation is another symptom that often appears in the Fall season....
Finally, Fall Qi Gong Class! We are finally offering Qi Gong here in Victoria! It has been a real struggle trying to find the ‘perfect space’ and the ‘perfect time’ that will work for everyone, but we will start with Wednesdays at 6-7pm. Qi Gong is a simple exercise, similar in appearance to Tai Chi, but easier to do and focused on building your health. It really only takes a few hours to learn the basics, and only a lifetime to master them! Qi gong does something, in my opinion, that no other exercise does. It helps to truly relax your body and mind, and gives you a deep sense of well being when practiced correctly. It helps you feel calm and clear minded, but energized and enlivened at the same time. If you would like to give Qi Gong a try or if you know someone who would benefit from it send us an email or give us a call to...
Do you remember when the song “Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen” came out in 1999? It was less of a song and more of a list of recommendations set to music that we could all live by. It was extremely popular at high school and university graduation ceremonies. Somehow, I imagine the lyrics in the song could be words of wisdom a “future you” could come back in time and tell the “present you.” Enjoy! ~Think Vitality!~...
A couple of years ago I saw this lecture by Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor about her experience having stroke. It’s about 20 minutes long and I found it quite inspiring in an unexpected way. I love hearing perspectives that balance the scientific and the ‘esoteric’ in the real world. If you want to prevent having a stroke eat your salmon, flax, and sardines. It keeps the blood thin and prevents clotting. ~Think...
