Qi cultivation, along with acupuncture, herbal therapy, dietary counseling, and massage, is one of the healing approaches of Chinese Medicine. Qigong has a long history. In ancient China, people believed that through controlled body movements and mental concentration, paired with various breathing techniques, they could balance and enhance physical, metabolic and mental functions. Qigong is based on traditional Chinese medical principals for treating body, mind and spirit, which promote good health by balancing one’s qi. Qi is translated as the vital energy in the body, while gong means work or discipline. Therefore, qigong is the practice of working with one’s vital energy. Generally performed with slow movements, Qigong is a self-healing art that combines movement and meditation. Regular practice of qigong can prevent and treat illness, reduce stress, establish balance, and integrate body, mind & spirit.
Chinese Essence Qigong
Chinese Essence Qigong is a gentle qi cultivation exercise that increases one’s vital energy while simultaneously harmonizing this energy within the body and between the organs. It has been used effectively to improve general health and mental clarity, reduce stress, balance energy, and heal chronic diseases. Anyone sixteen years old or older is welcome. May not be appropriate during pregnancy or for individuals with certain mental health issues. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Soaring Crane Qigong
Soaring Crane Qigong has been used effectively for all types of medical problems; including stress related disorders such as hypertension, insomnia and headaches as well as cancer, low energy/fatigue, arthritis, seizure disorders and chronic pain. Anyone sixteen years old or older is welcome. May not be appropriate during pregnancy or for individuals with certain mental health issues. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
One Thousand Hands Buddha Qigong
This is a sitting Qigong form that focuses on cleansing the heart/mind by removing the five major “toxins” which distance us from our inner peace. Various hand positions, called “mudras,” are demonstrated in a fluid fashion. This Qigong form removes suffering, enhances energy, quiets the heart and helps us to attain wisdom through clarity of thought. It can lessen stress and strengthen the memory as well.
Steven Foster-Wexler, LAc
Certified Qigong Instructor
Steven was first introduced to Qigong in 1993 when he took a class through the Desert Institute of Healing Arts. Though, it was not until he began his acupuncture training at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) and met professor Chen Hui-Xian that he formally began to study and practice Qigong. Under the tutelage of professor Chen, Steven became certified to teach Soaring Crane Qigong Level I, Chinese Essence Qigong, and Super Energy Method Qigong.
Steven continued to teach Soaring Crane Qigong both privately, and as an assistant to Teri Applegate, LAc, Lineage Holder for Soaring Crane Qigong, and further was certified to teach Soaring Crane Qigong Levels II & III. Steven continued his Qigong studies with Master Liu He of the Ling Gui International Qigong School. Through her teaching he learned several more forms of Qigong and became certified to teach One Thousand Hands Buddha Qigong.
Since moving to Bend in October 2003, Steven has taught privately, through the Central Oregon Community College Community Learning Center, and at the Bend Senior Center through the Bend Parks and Recreation Department.