Tai Chi & Qigong

Senior Trainer and Instructor Kathy Lorenz, has been studying and practicing Tai Chi and Qigong for over 18 years, and has been certified since 2006 to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) by the developer, Dr. Paul Lam.
 

What students say about Kathy's class:
“Tai Chi benefited me with opening up a new practice of movement for my mind and body to learn. It was fun!” - Cynthia B.
 
“I found the breathing exercises very beneficial and enjoyed learning the various movements.  As I left class, I felt centered and had great energy!” - Becky H.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi originated from ancient China. Today, it is practiced throughout the world as an exercise for better health. Many scientific studies have proven that it is amazingly effective for health.

Tai Chi:
• is suitable for almost anyone
• is effective for arthritis
• relieves stress
• improves concentration
• integrates body and mind

Why Do Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is fun, can be easy to learn and improves your health and quality of life.

How Does Tai Chi Work?
Tai Chi facilitates the flow of Qi (“chi”) through your body. Qi is the life energy that circulates within all the systems of the body, performing many functions to maintain good health. Practicing tai chi helps to strengthen your Qi, therefore improving your health.

Tai Chi is proven in scientific studies to improve muscular strength, flexibility, and stamina or fitness, as well as having additional health benefits. Health and exercise experts advise that an exercise program for people with arthritis should incorporate exercises that improve all of these fitness components.

Muscle strength is important for supporting and protecting joints, which will reduce pain. Flexibility exercises also help to reduce pain and stiffness, enabling you to move easier. Stamina or fitness is important for overall health and proper function of your heart, lungs, and muscles. Additional important benefits of Tai Chi are improved relaxation, balance, posture, and immunity.

What is Qigong?
Qigong is one of the oldest exercises in Chinese history. Also known as chi kung or jigong, it is the ancient internal art of cultivating life energy. It is practiced either standing or sitting, using rhythmic movements and internal focus on the breath. Qigong is especially beneficial for health and mental relaxation, and is an integral part of Tai Chi. Qigong has received a lot of attention in the media as scientific studies continue to show its effectiveness in improved immunity, pain relief, and improving cognitive as well as physical functioning. As Dr. Mehmet Oz says, “If you want to be healthy and live to 100, do Qigong!”

Tai Chi for Health - the Programs
There are many forms of Tai Chi, and the specially designed programs have many advantages. Dr. Lam's tai chi and medical teams have created simple, safe and effective programs. They are based on the traditional Sun, Chen and Yang styles. Many people have enjoyed learning the forms and have gained significant health benefits. The programs have been proven by scientific studies to improve pain, quality of life and balance.

Arthritis foundations and diabetes associations in many countries, including the USA, UK and Australia, have supported these programs. For more information, visit Dr Lam's website: taichiforhealthinstitute.org. Senior Trainer Kathy Lorenz teaches Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Chi for Diabetes and Tai Chi for Energy at The Healing Journey in Pleasanton, California.

Beginning to intermediate classes in Tai Chi and Qigong are offered in sessions of 8 to 12 weeks, with the option of drop-in with instructor permission. Please call or email me for the most current schedule of classes at the studio. Participants should wear loose comfortable clothes and flat shoes suitable for exercise.
The Healing Journey • 3908 Valley Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 • 925 596-0145 (day)
www.MyHealingJourney.biz