Mind-Body Recovery Techniques

It is my aim to make health-promoting Qigong and Tai Chi accessible by teaching exercises that students can take up and use on their own between classes. (See what amounts to a manifesto in the opening lines of this website's Mind-Body Los Angeles page.) Admittedly, there is a lot of content in each class, so the challenge is to remember a few exercises (or even just one!) to start with, as you build your own practice over time. Please use this outline of our classes as a prompt to jog your memory, when you are off on your own and wanting to effect a little healing for yourself. If you would like more material, write mindbodylosangeles@gmail.com, and I will reply with links to video clips or handouts.

• Aligning between Earth and Sky (weekly opening)

  • Walking

  • Standing (to establish the basic posture)

• Susan Quon's Qigong Warm-up Exercises

  • 1. Knee Massage

  • 2. Hip Rotations

  • 3. Side-to-side Sway

  • 4. "Roll the Ball"

  • 5. Head Turns with Extended Arms

  • 6. Arm Swings: low, chest-high, face-high, behind the head, then reverse the sequence back down

  • 7. "Ringing the Temple Bell" (modified)

• The Ten Good Things (self-applied massage)

• Misc. Qigong Exercises, Walking Meditations, Tai Chi Moves

  • ​How about "White Crane Spreads Its Wings" from the Yang 108-Move Tai Chi Form: Section 1?

• The Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong: Back by popular demand!

  • Formal Opening

  • ​The Eight Sections

    • ​Hold up the Sky

    • Draw the Bow

    • Separate Heaven and Earth

    • Wise Owl Peers Backward

    • Swing the Tail, Sway the Head

    • Hold the Ankles to Fortify the Kidneys

    • Punch with Intense Gaze

    • Bounce on the Heels to Ward off All Sickness and Stress

• ​Closing Meditation