Qigong

Qigong (pronounced chi-gong) was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. To practice qigong is to work the qi (energy) — gathering and circulating qi and blood, regulating the nervous system, promoting relaxation and tranquility, and optimizing energy within body, mind, and spirit.

We explore various qigong movement patterns to invigorate and bring awareness to our systems while generating balance and tranquility. These daily-life tools offer both psychological and physical benefits, and involve regulating the mind, breath, and the body’s movement and posture. “With your whole being, develop your life.” — from the classical Song of Real Meaning.

Tai Chi and Qigong both relax the body and mind and nurture internal energy, but differ: Tai Chi is a specific sequence of slow movements for balance and efficiency; Qigong is breath practices, simple strength and stretching postures, and flowing movement.

Cheri Maffei-Wolff has been teaching Tai Chi in Richmond for the past 20 years. She has trained extensively in several Tai Chi open-hand styles including Yang, Sun, and Guang Peng, and has competed in national tournaments in Open Hand form and Push Hands, earning multiple gold medals. Cheri sees Tai Chi as the continual process of looking within for mental, physical, and spiritual balance, as well as for vitality and longevity.