What is Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese exercise system developed to achieve optimum health and well-being. It consists of a series of slow motion meditative movements that unite and strengthen body, mind and spirit.

For giving full benefit to the practitioner, a Complete Long Form of Tai Chi Chuan is best in order to achieve optimum effects.

At Tilopa Tai Chi Center, we concentrate our instruction on giving each practitioner all of the internal energy principles that have been time-honored techniques passed down in oral tradition by the Grand Masters. Learning a series of postural movements in sequence is only the external beginning of this intricate art of exploring the self. Proper breathing technique for each postural movement, and training the mind to attune to the active energy pathways (meridians) inside the body are necessary aspects to giving full long-lasting results.

Each posture is regarded as a Pearl, and each posture is also thoroughly investigated to uncover it’s ancient philosophical grounds to aide in deepening the spiritual awareness of the practitioner as we cultivate Chi (life force energy.) Only if all of these components are linked can we truly practice the art of Tai Chi Chuan.

 What is Qigong

Learn to Awaken the Well-Spring of Qi Vitality:

Qigong is the study and way of working with Life Energy (Qi). It is an art of awareness that develops energy in particular for health, internal strength, and mind training. Qigong is an enjoyable way to enhance health, mindfulness, and athletic performance.
All students at our school are thoroughly taught a special series of Qigong postures to strengthen and detoxify the body, develop strong nerves, produce alert and vital mental energy, and achieve a state of calmness for a Total Approach to balancing and integrating the Body-Mind-Spirit.

Developing our selves to our fullest potential so as to enjoy Optimum Health ~ physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually is the reason that we take up the Internal Art of Qigong.
Qigong refreshes the body/mind system in a way that is truly unique. While practicing it, we literally “do nothing extra”, yet the practice promotes great inner strength, vitality, and inner calm. Problems and worries are reduced as we cultivate a “Listening Mind.”

In practicing this esoteric art of energy training, it must be emphasized that in order to have beneficial results, one must put in regular practice time and allow sufficient time for proficiency to develop.
Several months of regular, consistent practice are needed before we can play a musical instrument just at a beginning level. So, too, it is necessary to allow the process to unfold comfortably in learning Qigong. We cannot expect grand results without a reasonable amount of training time to build within us.

Our Qigong exercises are introduced systematically, but it is not necessary or advisable to practice them all at once. Memory retention for beginners increases gradually, as one builds familiarity with the Internal Art of Awareness.  Experience has shown that the best results are obtained by practicing only a few postures, occasionally with one or two others to add variety, for at least a few months before proceeding to more postures.

An instructor’s supervision and trained eye is necessary to understand the subtle and deep treasures of this healing art. Proper breathing techniques and leading with the mind are essential components. Each student receives individual attention and support in order to enjoy the benefits of Qigong practice. 

The Ancient Adepts did not compartmentalize their knowledge. Many scientists and Qigong Masters were also poets, and often, the key elements of this art were recorded in works of poetry.
Qigong has been practiced for thousands of years. In other cultures, this union of body/mind/spirit is known by different names: Yoga (India), The Art of Wisdom (Tibet), The Art of Mysteries (Egypt).
In China, by the 6th Century B.C., Qigong had been successfully used for health, longevity and immortality.
Historically, many of the Grand Masters preserved their arts exclusively, teaching only a very few specially selected disciples. This allows us to understand why these arts developed independently.

Qigong Classes (click)

 Health Benefits

In China, Tai Chi and Qigong are well known for their healing powers, and are often prescribed by doctors in conjunction with other treatments, of when other methods have failed. In the United States and Europe, Tai Chi and Qigong are rapidly becoming accepted by the medical profession as a stress reduction therapy, and are used in clinics to aid in the recovery of people suffering from cardiovascular illnesses and other stress-related problems.

There are many ways in which the practice of Tai Chi and Qigong maintain good health and promote longevity. Tai Chi strengthens the muscular system without strain, increases muscle tone and improves circulation of the blood and lymph systems. Tai Chi often helps to alleviate stiffness, pain, and lessened mobility caused by arthritis and rheumatism. It straightens the spine and strengthens the lower back. The slow, soft turning, bending, and gentle leg-raising movements strengthen the intestines and aid in elimination. Proper breathing technique is learned to supply more oxygen to the blood and brain, relax oneself, and produce feelings of harmony and well-being. In calming the body and mind, it may relieve ulcers and nervous disorders.

 Tai Chi and Qigong force nothing; yet leave nothing undone.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn the relationship between work, stress and the aging process. Knowledge gained from Tai Chi and Qigong could help you live a longer, happier, and healthier life.

The study program at Tilopa Tai Chi Qigong Center will:

How Tilopa Tai Chi Qigong Center Differs

In moving, we flow like the current of a great river. In attitude, we resemble the vast ocean. Daily practice of the Complete Long Form of Tai Chi Chuan combined with Qigong posture is best able to give these results.

Due to its growing popularity, Tai Chi is now being taught in abridged forms in many health clubs, adult education programs, and Tai Chi schools. Most of this instruction focuses on teaching external movement sequences with names attached. It is also being “taught” through videos. There are no shortcuts if you want to achieve the ultimate results with our time invested. You cannot learn Tai Chi in a few easy lessons. It is a lifetime of study and practice.

At Tilopa Tai Chi Center you will learn the Complete Kuang Ping Long Form of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong that is patterned on the “old style” training, as developed by the Chen family Tradition. Originating in the Honan Province of China, this is one of the oldest known forms in existence today. The benefits physically, mentally, and spiritually in practicing it are just as extensive as its duration.

Our caring instruction and individualized approach under Director Marilyn Allysum allow each student the necessary personal attention to master this art at his or her rate of understanding.

For further information write or call:

612-825-6824

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