I am a clinical psychologist and
qualified
acupressure therapist (Jin Shin Do®) . In the mid 1980’s, I was authorized
to teach the Ki Development Class, which is a Japanese interpretation of
Qi Gong formulated by Tohei Sensei. I have since learned and practiced
other energy arts including Medical Qi Gong, Chakra models and Western
healing traditions. I do mind-body therapy with individuals and hold "Qi
Gong For Health" classes in various venues including at an outdoor Zendo
which I personally built.
Following are descriptions of arts which can be done as individual
therapies or in the case of Tai Ji done in a group format:
Qi Gong and Tai Ji
Qi Gong is a health art which takes several forms. It can be a body-work
therapy, a series of physical exercise movements or it can be a type of
meditation and healing imagery work. All forms include the harnessing of
the body's healing resources, known as "Qi Energy". While some have
referred to Qi Gong as "Chinese Yoga", that is a very general
approximation. In addition, it is commonly known that when one is
correctly practicing the movements of Tai Ji that this is a form of Qi
Gong because the Qi Energy is flowing.
Qi Gong is easy to learn and do. Qi Gong can be done as a bodywork
therapy, it can be taught as a set of take home exercises, and it can be
taught in a class format. For more information refer to the
Classes section of the website.
Tai Ji is a series of graceful movements which flow like a dance. It's
origin dates back over a thousand years in China where an early martial
artist copied the movements of graceful animals. It can be used as a
physical exercise routine, for stress reduction and to heal various
stress related diseases such as arthritis. For more specific information
refer to the Classes section of the website.
Jin Shin Do®
Developed by California
licensed psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do (JSD) is a
synthesis of ancient and modern methods to heal what we currently refer
to as the "Mind-Body". Psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich observed that we hold
emotional tension in the body in our musculature. He further demonstrated that our
emotional memories and personal conflicts are stored in those parts of
our body where there is chronic tension. He called this "body armoring".
Iona Teeguarden observed that the Reichian
areas of body armor matched up with the energy force fields (meridians) of Traditional Chinese
Medicine. The JSD treatment method has the therapist very elegantly
press on the meridian points related to specific emotional conflicts
while the client free associates about their inner experience. Healing
takes place due to the re-integration of mind and body. In addition, the
therapy teaches the client to focus on the "here and now" experience
which is primary in psychotherapeutic work according to Reichian taught
therapists such as the founder of Gestalt Therapy, Fritz Perls.
A
typical session consists of taking a personal history focusing on areas
of tension and conflict. That is coordinated with the corresponding body
experience or physical symptoms. The therapy reintegrates the body and
mind as well as deeply empowering the client in their lives.
JSD is
good for the entire spectrum of stress related symptoms.
For more
information refer to www.jinshindo.org