CHI KUNG
gentle exercise art
VITALITY FOR LIFE

CHI KUNG is an ancient Chinese self-healing practice.. It is based on Chinese medical theory and Taoist philosophy. CHI KUNG shares similar principles of movement to TAI CHI. ‘CHI' means“ universal life force” which includes our vital life energy. ‘KUNG' means ‘work', so one common translation of ‘Chi Kung' is ‘energy work' or ‘cultivating vital life energy'. This natural self-healing system develops and integrates mind, body, and breath, bringing them into harmony, enhancing health and well-being, personal development and spiritual growth.

Conserving, increasing, and transforming our Chi through relaxed exercise, combined with the regulation and focus of mind and breath, is the primary method of Chi Kung. The practice involves a variety of gentle stretches and soft, circular rhythmic movements coordinated with deep breathing and awareness techniques. These exercises are relaxing and energising while being safe and easy to learn. They allow Chi to flow smoothly around the body, increasing internal strength and nourishing every organ and tissue in the body.

Chi Kung exercises massage, stimulate, cleanse and strengthen the organs, skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, sinews and bones and increase the circulation of essential fluids (blood, hormones and lymph). Breathing becomes deeper and slower, generating an abundant supply of oxygen to the heart, thereby increasing oxygenation of the blood and consequently every cell of the body. The mind becomes more relaxed and still, creating a feeling of calmness and emotional balance, which helps to protect the body from stress and disease.

SPECIFIC BENEFITS

Regular practise of Chi Kung benefits the health of the spine, joints and bones. It improves posture and builds inner strength, while increasing flexibility and ease of movement. Chi Kung develops the ability to move in a balanced and coordinated way and cultivates inner strength and lasting health.

Chi Kung practise releases tensions from the muscles, organs and nerves; regenerates the nervous system; strengthens the immune system and improves all functions of the body. It is beneficial for conditions such as: arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, hypertension, back problems, digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety and depression. The practise of Chi Kung creates a heightened state of being- of feeling calm, clear, relaxed, aware, centred, whole and alive.

THE CLASSES

Classes are easy and enjoyable. They include self-massage, light stretching and loosening moves, gentle breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and meditation. People of all ages and levels of fitness are equally able to practice Chi Kung.

Chi Kung is for everybody. This ancient exercise system is now practical healing for modern times. Chi Kung practise enables us to actively take our health and well-being into our own hands. Pleasurable and relaxing, it brings balance and harmony to life, opening our hearts to the joy of who we are.

 

BYRON BAY CHI KUNG

Byron Bay Chi Kung is based upon on Eastern Spiritual Wisdom, incorporating philosophies and traditional techniques of the healing and martial arts. In the martial arts of China and Korea, Chi Kung practise is a fundamental part of training. It develops the internal aspects of the arts for use in self-defence application, and for increasing internal strength and vitality.

Byron Bay Chi Kung is taught by Shirsha Marie, Director and Senior Instructor of Byron Living Tao Health and Martial Arts Centre, established in 1986. Shirsha was introduced to Chi Kung in 1985 when she began training in the martial arts of Hapkido and Tai Chi. She furthered her knowledge while living in South Korea and training intensively in a variety of martial arts, including Hapkido, Soo Bahk Do, Wu Shu and Tai Chi. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Shirsha offers expert instruction in a diverse range of Chi Kung techniques and methods. The daily program she offers includes four moving sets based on traditional forms: The 8 Treasures, The White Crane, The Coiling Serpent and The Shibashi. As a full-time martial arts practitioner and instructor, her understanding and delivery of Chi Kung are very well developed. She has a considerable talent for communicating the depths and subtleties of the art in appropriate detail and clarity. Her teaching style is well-regarded and enjoyed by many students in the region.