Tai Qi, Qi Gong, Yoga, and Aikido
For many clients we recommend that they take lessons and create daily practices in a mind-body exercise.
Tai Qi
Tai Qi is a Chinese art with a history dating back thousands of years. The movements are graceful, the tempo is slow, and the benefits great. Through the continuous slow shifting of the weight, the rotating of the trunk, and the relaxed coordinated/proportioned flowing movements of the hands and feet, all the connective tissue in the body can become toned and made strong. The relaxed, full breathing massages and rejuvenates internal organs, the circulatory system is improved, and stagnation in the lungs is eliminated. Many refer to tai qi as moving meditation, which can be relaxing and centering.
To find out more about local classes offered please see the contacts below.
- Gavin Morrison – 208-336-1923
- Greg Harley – Greg@taichis4life.com
Qi Gong
Qi gong is the ancient Chinese art of developing internal energy and unlike yoga, places less emphasis on stretching movements and postures, and more on how to feel and move energy within the body. Some of the basic routines involve standing still for periods of time in order to create awareness of the movement of energy in the body. Other exercises involve flowing movements that are gentle and rhythmic in nature in an attempt to generate and conserve energy, rather than burn calories. Although qi gong is not a highly aerobic exercise, its benefits may include toning the body, creating greater flexibility and a tremendous sense of relaxation. The controlled breathing during a qi gong session helps to provide inner focus, relieve blocked qi, and increase energy levels.
To find out more about local classes offered please see the contacts below.
- Marisol Mayell – 208-384-1147
- Erica LaFrenier – 208-342-7204
- Pulse Holistic Health – 208-955-8272
Yoga
There are many different styles of yoga. In general, yoga uses stretching techniques, holding specific postures (called asanas), and deep breathing exercises to create awareness in the body and generate prana (vital energy). Yoga teaches strength and flexibility as well as tools to create inner balance and harmony. Yoga classes can range from very gentle and slow paced to highly energized and vigorous.
To find out more about local classes offered please see the contacts below.
- Muse Yoga – 208-345-2704
- Yoga for Wellness – 208-345-7113
- Boise Yoga Center – 208-343-9786
- Sage Yoga and Wellness – 208-338-5430
Book Recommendations
To find out more about Traditional Chinese Medicine check out these books.
- The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Giovanni Maciocia
- The Web that has No Weaver (Understanding Chinese Medicine), Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.
- Between Heaven and Earth (A Guide to Chinese Medicine), Harrriet Beinfield, L.Ac., and Efrem Korngold, L.Ac., O.M.D.
- Energetic Healing (Embracing the Life Force), Arnie Lade
- Acupuncture Points – Images and Functions, Arnie Lade
To find out more about herbs and nutrition check out these books.
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC, and James Balch, M.D.
- The Tao of Healthy Eating, Bob Flaws
- Recipes for Self-Healing, Daverick Leggett
- Helping Ourselves – A Guide to Traditional Chinese Food Energetics, Daverick Leggett
- Staying Healthy with the Seasons, Elson M. Haas, M.D.
Certification and Professional Organizations
- American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA)
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Other Therapeutic Practitioners in the Treasure Valley
- Timothy Yuen, Certified Reconnective Healing Practitioner
- Treasure Valley Midwives
- Boise Natural Health
Amma
- The Wellspring School for Healing Arts
- New York College of Health Professions
- Healing Arts Center for AMMA Therapy
- Flowing Harmony
Diet information
Moxa
Fire cupping
Gua Sha
Yoga
Doula
Organic Information
Organic and Natural Goods Suppliers
- All Organic Links
- Organic ideas for kitchen, home, and garden
- Seeds of Change
- United Natural Foods
- Azure Standard
- Natural Baby Supplies
Herbs, Vitamins, Supplements & Health and Beauty Products
- Sibu – Seabuckthorn Whole Food Supplement
- HealthForce Nutritionals – makers of Vitamineral Green
- Natural HTR
- Dr. Weil
- Life Force International – makers of Body Balance
- Dragon Herbs
- Neways International
- Boise Co-op
- Diet Log
- Stainless Steel Water Bottles
- Yamuna Bodyrolling – therapy balls