About Shibashi Qigong

Qigong (pronounced chee gong) is an ancient Chinese healing art and self-cultivation system. This includes simple, gentle movement, posture, breathing techniques, self-massage and meditation.

 

"Qi" can be translated as life energy or vital force and "Gong" as cultivation or skill. Thus, when we practise Qigong we are cultivating life energy to improve and balance our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

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The beauty of Qigong, aside from its incredible healing power, is its suitability for all ages and abilities including those with limited mobility. It requires no special equipment or clothing and can be practised indoors or outdoors.

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Qigong energises the body and calms the mind. With daily practise it is effective in preventing  disease by strengthening the immune system and clearing energy blockages. Inner peace and inner strength are developed. Qigong is thousands of years old, yet it remains the perfect natural health system for the challenges of modern life.

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"Shibashi" means eighteen and Shibashi Qigong is a wonderful set of 18 Qigong exercises practised as a whole for maintaining all round good health and wellbeing. The movements are simple, gentle and flowing, and a joy to practise.

 

Tai Chi and Qigong were introduced to me as a child by watching my grandfather and then more formally in Taiwan in 1991 where I first discovered Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi. 

In 1992 I learned the Chen Man Ching Tai Chi form at Heart of the Dragon Tai Chi School in Thailand from a direct student of Professor Chen Man Ching. 

I also studied traditional Southern Hung Gar Kung Fu for several years.

Teacher training in Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi with Master Wing Cheung began in 2018 after I decided to share the wonderful health benefits of Qigong in service to others.

We started in a local park in Cheltenham with a free weekly outdoor class that continues to this day. Donations are collected for a chosen charity and our aim is: 

 

"To empower ourselves, our families and friends, our communities and beyond to live happier and healthier lives."

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I currently guide weekly indoor and outdoor community classes, online classes, bi-annual workshops and organise the annual World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Cheltenham. I have also shared Qigong at residential homes and schools as well as outdoor summer festivals and charity events. I have enjoyed bringing the benefits of Qigong to men and women of the NHS and of companies large and small. Media appearances include radio and television where I was happy to share the benefits of Qigong.

I continue to study and attend training workshops and courses with many inspiring Tai Chi and Qigong teachers from around the world. 

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It is my pleasure and honour to share with you the Qigong exercise sets in Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi as well as other Qigong systems in a gentle, supportive and relaxed way.

When we practise Qigong, we allow our own natural healing power to balance and harmonise within us so we can enjoy a life of vitality, peace, joy and freedom. 

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Wishing you strong, clear and loving Qi flow,

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Karen

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Certified by Tai Chi, Qigong & Feng Shui Institute

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