6 REASONS TO LEARN QIGONG FROM MONICA MARQUIS

  1. I practice daily! This is a feat in of itself. Half of the population in Canada is not active enough for health. In addition to my Qigong practice I swim, walk, hike, inline skate, cycle and I teach aquafitness. 2. I am passionate about movement and I believe movement is medicine, taken daily you can ward off most ailments including aging. 3. I am a fitness and physical activity specialist.   I have worked in the fitness industry for 25 years. I have many certifications including: aquafit( instructor, trainer, therapist), Bone fit certified, Watsu 1,11,111, Ahi chi, Tai chi, Yoga, and Qigong teacher training. 4. I am a health promotion specialist who worked in public health promoting physical activity and chronic disease prevention.  If you live in Halton, you may remember me as the coordinator for Active Halton, a group of government and private organizations dedicated to increasing the physical activity levels of Halton residents.  We did some amazing work that still influences decision making of local governments.  I coordinated the Mississauga Halton Fall Prevention Initiative and promoted the Home Support Exercise Program to  Mississauga and Halton residents. I ended my career in the health sector (public health, and the Mississauga Halton LHIN) after spending 18 months with a non government organization - Osteoporosis Canada. While there,  I encouraged health care professionals (surgeons and physicians) to implement best practices in Osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.   I assisted with best practice implementation at 3 hospitals in York Region - all three implemented the best practice guidelines and received awards. 5.  I know chronic illness, if there is something I don’t know I am good at finding out causes, treatment and best practices. In addition, [...]

Frequently asked questions about Qigong

Is Qigong difficult to do? Most qigong is very easy to do.   The forms I teach are not physically demanding.  The movements are simple and easy to learn.  In fact, the form is not the most important part of the practice.  So,  you can butcher the movement.  I won't correct you, or tell you you are doing it wrong.    Everyone is encouraged to move within their personal comfort zone.  The most important part of Qigong practice is learning how to relax, followed by learning how to breathe.  Yes, relaxing and breathing.   Practicing qigong is training your body to enter the relaxation response quickly and effortlessly.  Only then can the body heal.   Being relaxed allows the energy in the body to move freely.  This movement facilitates healing.   The dynamic & static postures enhance the movement of qi through the energy meridians.   Practicing regularly helps you to discover and feel the qi.  Once you are at this stage you become very in tune with your physical body and learn how to move the energy to your benefit. Do I need a yoga mat? You do not need a mat or any special equipment. Do I have to sit on the floor? All the qigong movements I teach are in a standing position.   You will never have to sit on the floor.  If you learn a meditation from me, you will be standing or sitting in a chair.  It is very important to have your feet on the floor for all qigong movements and meditations. What do I wear? Wear comfortable clothing and non slip indoor shoes.  Loose clothing that is not restrictive.  What ever you are comfortable in.   I usually teach at yoga studios and they [...]

By |February 11th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

What is Qi?

Qi pronounced chi, is the universal life force that runs through everything. Qi is the life force which sustains every activity of the body, mind and spirit. If you practice yoga, you know this energy as prana, if you are familiar with Shiatsu you know it as Ki. The Chinese are the leaders in knowledge of this life force. Chinese doctors have mapped the energy system of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on balancing and enhancing these energies in the body. TCM and Qigong have been in use to enhance health for over 5000 years. Your Qi can be enhanced with herbs, food, acupuncture, and Qigong. What is Qigong?  Qigong, pronounced Chi Kung consists of static postures, moving postures, and meditation. There are numerous studies that confirm the benefits of Qigong and many more are available in Chinese. In China, qigong exercises are done daily in school to prevent the need for eye glasses. People practice Qigong for health, to learn about themselves, and to learn how to follow the breath to find peace. According to TCM theory, we need to protect our life force and ensure it is flowing freely. In order to do that we need to eat properly, spend time in nature, and move the energetic body. Qigong exercises or movements are designed to move the energy through the energy meridians, transform energy, and store energy. Where does Qi or energy come from?  Your original Qi comes from your parents – we are born with an energy body, we obtain Qi from food, the air, earth and the heavens (planets & stars).   Qi is the life force – without it, there is no life.  As we age, our energy [...]

By |February 11th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |0 Comments
Go to Top