Qì Gōng (氣功)
An integral part of the Chinese healing arts is a practice called Qigong
(chi kung), a term that may be translated as Energy Cultivation.
Qi (气) = energy / life force
Gong (功) = to cultivate / to work at
This practice is the oldest of the Traditional Chinese Medical arts, and its primary focus is to provide you with a means to actively participate in the optimization of your own health. Qigong is foremost an exercise practice that combines breathing techniques with movement and visualization.
Qigong has a long history that spans thousands of years, evolving from, and incorporating a variety of Buddhist, Taoists
and Confucius health practices.
Qigong as Exercise: What distinguishes qigong from most other exercise
approaches, is that it is holistic. Movements focus on working out the body and
mind as a
whole, improving energy circulation through the muscles and joints, as well as in the internal organs, spinal column and brain. Practitioners thus improve
their overall state of health and vitality, while reinforcing their body-mind
connection.
As an observer you may only see people practicing fluid,
seq uential movements in a quiescent state, but as a practitioner, you learns to
do much more. Below is a list of some positive effects one experiences with
regular qigong practice.
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improved circulation;
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stronger yet flexible joints and muscle tissue;
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increased digestive function;
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better posture, stronger back and spine;
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increased concentration and focus;
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and much more.
photo by Sean Laflamme, China 2007
From a western standpoint,
qigong practice exercises the major muscles and joints but also stimulates
circulation in the internal organs as well as the body's "small muscles", which
aid in stability and posture. Regular training improves the circulation of
blood, lymphatic fluid, nerve impulses, thus increasing proper tissue
nourishment, immune response and the body's natural ability to detoxify. The
combined breathing and meditative aspects also promote the parasympathetic
nervous system, which allows for you to relax and heal (a state that when
adrenaline, cortisol and insulin levels normalize - to name a few reactions).
Qigong as a Medical Practice: According
to the principles of Chinese Medicine, health is enhanced by improving the
energy circulation patterns of the body. In Acupuncture needles are used to
influence qi through the body’s pathways. In Qigong, physical movements combined
with breathing and mindfulness are used to the same end.
Qigong is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine - It is important that the
teacher have a background in this medicine.
The main goal of qigong is to
rectify energetic imbalances in the body that accumulate during one's lifetime.
Imbalance may be caused by one or several of the following: stress, poor diet,
sedentary lifestyle, injury, traumatic experiences, suppression of emotions, and
illness. A practitioner of Therapeutic Qigong can help direct you in your
practice so that your specific needs are met.
Increasingly, research
substantiates the positive effect of Qigong on patients, regardless of their
illness. Like acupuncture, Qigong can be used to improve the quality of life, no
matter the severity of the illness. There is more and more published
research to support the positive impact in the treatment of patients suffering
from cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, anxiety and more. Qigong is
also making headway in many Western medical establishments, several Hospitals
are collaborating with Qigong teachers in order to offer this complimentary
healing methods to their cancer patients.
Sean Laflamme holds group
classes a number of times weekly. The exercise method that is taught helps
the students increase their fitness levels as well as their health potential, as
described above. Guidance is given on a number of levels, focusing on proper
breathing, harmonious movement sequences, postures and visualizations.
In his classes, Sean teaches
primarily Zhineng Qigong. Besides being a complete, well-rounded style, it was
originally developed to be taught in a group setting. The style helps students
rapidly achieve results, and promotes sharing and group encouragement.
Zhineng Qigong is easy to
learn and very suitable for both beginners and novices. Movement sequences are
simple, easy to recall and safe for the body. People of all ages can practice
this style, and with regular practice experience tangible results. This style
can also be easily be adapted for those who have physical restrictions and/or
limited mobility.
Now widespread around the
globe there are major schools in countries including China, Europe, USA, Mexico
and Canada. This large Qigong community values and encourages partnership and
the sharing of knowledge, an attitude that greatly benefits the student because
he/she always has the freedom to practice and perfect their qigong with others
wherever they may find themselves.
Sean is affiliated with l'Institut
de Qigong du Quebec, an organization with associated schools in other areas
of the province.Class Schedule
*The class schedule and the fees are subject to minor
change.
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Upcoming Trial Classes |
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Tuesday, January 13th at 9 am;
Wednesday, January 14th at 8 pm;
Friday, January 16th at 7 pm.
(4416
St-Laurent, studio 302)
- introduction to qigong - description of the upcoming semester -
guided group practice
(sign-up will take place at this encounter)
*places for the trial classes are limited, so if you plan on attending, confirm your
presence as soon as possible by calling 514-952-0465.
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2009 Winter Semester |
|
Day |
Hours |
Open to
|
Dates |
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Tuesday |
9:00 am - 10:25 am |
all |
Jan 20th - April 21st
except March 2 |
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Wednesday |
7:35 pm - 9:00 pm |
all |
Jan 21th - April 22nd
except March 3 |
|
Friday |
6:00 pm - 7:25 pm |
all |
Jan 23nd - April 24th
except March 5 |
|
Friday |
7:33 pm - 9:00 pm |
students with at least 1 semester of experience |
|
2008 Fall Semester |
|
Day |
Hours |
Open to
|
Dates |
|
Tuesday |
9:00 am - 10:25 am |
all |
Sep. 16th - Dec. 16th
except Oct 7th |
|
Wednesday |
7:35 pm - 9:00 pm |
all |
Sep. 17th - Dec. 17th
except Oct. 8th |
|
Friday |
6:00 pm - 7:25 pm |
all |
Sep. 19th - Dec 19th
except Oct. 10th |
|
Friday |
7:33 pm - 9:00 pm |
students with at least 1 semester of experience |
|
All classes will be located at 4416
St-Laurent, studio 302
(between
Marie-Anne and Mt-Royal)
*New students are accepted during the first few weeks of the semester.
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Qigong in the Park |
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For students who have taken classes with Sean Laflamme, he
offers guided group practice a number of Saturday mornings during the summer
months.
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Fees for the semester:
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$175 (+tax),
for access to a specific weekly class;
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$200 (+ tax),
for access to all classes
(giving you the freedom to of going to one or several each week).
$20 rebate for students
There are no other fees, this amount covers class notes and any materials
needed.
*The class schedule and the fees are subject to minor change*
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PDF documents:
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 |
| brochure |
sign-up sheet |
Private
Lessons / Qigong
Therapy
Paralleling Sean's ZhiNeng
Qigong training, Sean Laflamme furthers his study of medical qigong with the
International Institute of
Medical Qigong located
in Palm Desert, California. The certification programs offered by the IIMQ are
based upon the curriculum that has been established at the Medical Qigong
College at the Hai Dian University and used clinically at the Xi Yuan Medical
Qigong Hospital in Beijing, China.
Sean studies with Dr. Bernard Shannon for
this process, executive director of the IIMQ.
Sean devotes clinical hours to this
approach using the IIMQ treatment protocols. If you are interested in this qigong
medical approach, feel free in contacting Sean Laflamme for more information.
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In Western culture, Qigong and Taiji (Tai-chi) are often confused with one another. To the untrained eye, one sees only slow movements that are performed in a highly focused manner. In the simplest terms:
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Taiji is a martial art that has evolved over the past few centuries from Gongfu practice;
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Qigong is a therapy that has evolved over four millennia from certain Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian health practices.
Proper and regular qigong can enhance one’s ability in the martial arts. However, in order for Qigong to be used in medical application it must be taught by someone who has a background in Chinese Medicine.
Today there are numerous qigong practices that have been integrated into the martial arts. For example, it is common for Taiji teachers to show qigong exercises to help improve the ability of their students. Although these practices have a positive influence, the exercises remain complimentary to the martial training.
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