Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong with Marshall and Gail Garland
Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong with Marshall and Gail Garland
The Eight Pieces of Brocade, or Ba Duan Jin, is a popular Qigong practice consisting of eight exercises designed to enhance physical and mental health. Developed nearly 1,000 years ago during the Song Dynasty by General Yue Fei, it was initially intended to improve the strength and vitality of soldiers. Some of the features include:
Exercises: The routine includes movements like "Pressing Up to the Heavens," "Drawing the Bow," and "Wise Owl Gazes Backward," each targeting different physical areas and qi meridians.
Benefits: Practicing these exercises can improve energy, balance, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. They are also associated with benefits such as reduced blood pressure and alleviation of various health issues like back pain and anxiety.
Structure: The exercises can be performed in standing or sitting positions, with each movement focusing on different internal organs and meridians according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Overall, the Eight Pieces of Brocade is a versatile Qigong practice that supports both physical and mental health through gentle, flowing movements. The Eight Pieces of Brocade, or Ba Duan Jin, is used to address various modern health conditions. It is particularly beneficial for managing chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and hormonal imbalances such as those associated with thyroid issues and Hashimoto's disease. Additionally, it has been shown to improve sleep quality and cardiopulmonary function in older adults with atrial fibrillation-associated stroke. This Qigong practice is also used to alleviate back pain, arthritis, stress-related conditions, and the symptoms of long Covid.
The practice combines mindful movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to promote holistic health. The exercises are easy, simple, safe, and perfect for anyone, no matter their age or health status. This program consists of six 1-hour classes, available in-person and on Zoom. There are no prerequisites.
The workshop and classes are accessible to everyone and there are no prerequisites. You can register to attend in person or on Zoom. Recordings will be available for all participants for practice.
6 Sessions Wednesday January 8 to February 12, 2m to 3pm
$125 (use code BROCADE for the early bird rate of 10% off by December 29)
What is QiGong?
QiGong originated in China over 4,000 years ago. It is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, which describe that Qi, or life-force energy, is present in every living thing.
According to the principles, a person’s Qi must flow smoothly throughout the body in order for people to be healthy and feel their best. If Qi becomes stagnant or blocked in a certain area, health problems can occur.
QiGong uses slow, gentle, simple movements, along with synchronized breathing patterns to promote healthy energy flow and reduce stagnation of Qi. Proper flow of Qi can help the body engage its own healing processes.
Meet Your Instructors
Marshall and Gail Garland are a dynamic duo, a husband and wife team that has been practicing QiGong and offering classes for over 20 years in Winnipeg. Gail and Marshall have trained extensively with the Tai Chi & QiGong Healing Institute. Marshall has gone on to train and certify with the Institute of Integral QiGong and Tai Chi, and study with several renowned international QiGong Masters, developing expertise in Medical QiGong that uses these ancient Chinese methods for health and healing. Together they have practiced these techniques and overcome many of their own personal health issues with amazing results. Their personal experience has increased their dedication to sharing these practices.
You can learn more about them on their website https://marshallgarland.wixsite.com/qigong/about-us
