Explore Qigong
Qigong (pronounced "Chee Kung") literally means energy work.
This page provides a brief introduction to this ancient art, and descriptions of the Qigong classes offered at GateWay.
Visit our Calendar for the class schedule. Click here to purchase a membership or enroll in a course.
Qi is Internal Energy - the Bioelectric Force in All Living Things
What is Qigong?
Qigong comes from acupuncture and has been practiced for thousands of years. In the first century, it was expanded to include martial and spiritual forms for Qi development. Taiji is the martial application of Qigong.
Through the practice of Qigong, you can learn to develop and channel your Qi to improve your health and wellbeing.
Physical Qigong is an excellent form of low impact exercise and provides all the benefits we currently associate with gentle exercise. Internal Qigong includes meditation practices that use a variety of breathing and circulation techniques to bring people in touch with their Qi.
Why Practice Qigong?
Qigong is widely regarded as a comprehensive system for promoting overall health, longevity, and personal growth. It aims to strengthen the immune system, improve flexibility and posture, boost energy levels, and reduce stress and tension.
Many people practice Qigong for its mental and spiritual benefits, including increased mindfulness, emotional stability, and a deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding environment.
Find out why the practice of Qigong is growing by leaps and bounds throughout the United States in this excellent article published by the New York Times.
Qigong at GateWay
At GateWay, we offer both physical qigong (moving exercises) and internal qigong (meditation practices). Classes are offered in the studio and on Zoom and are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Classes are taught by Qigong Master Bill Buckley. Learn more about Bill's credentials.
Our Qigong classes are open to all GateWay class card, monthly and semi-annual members, and we hope you will join us as often as your schedule allows. Visit our calendar for the current schedule and class registration.
Physical Qigong
Tuesdays at 9am
Instructor: Bill Buckley
Each season, we explore a different Qigong set in this class. Recent offerings include Four Seasons Qigong, White Crane Qigong, The 18 Luohan, Five Animal Sports, Eight Pieces of Brocade, Taiji Ball Qigong and the Coiling Set. Please check our calendar to learn which set is currently being offered.
Classes include both discussion and practice, covering:
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The history and cultural context of Qigong- breathing and the body
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Breathing and energy manipulation
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Flowing Qigong exercises that are easy to learn and practice anywhere
YogaQi
Wednesdays at 9am
Instructor: Rebecca Gould
YogaQi is our unique blend of traditional hatha yoga postures and Qigong movements drawn from a wide variety of Qigong sets, including Five Animal Sports, 8 Pieces of Brocade, White Crane Qigong, Taiji Ball, Qigong Coiling and the 18 Luohan.
The class is designed to stretch your muscles, stimulate Qi flow, lift your spirit and have fun!
Internal Qigong
Thursdays at 9am
Instructor: Bill Buckley
This class is meditation-based, using led meditations to expose you to a variety of energetic techniques including:
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Small Circulation/Microcosmic Orbit
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Embryonic Breathing
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Grand Circulation techniques
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Organ Cleansing
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Emotional Balancing
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Meridian Flushing
The techniques explored in this class come from two reknowned Qigong Masters: Master Yang, Jwing-Ming’s, YMAA Qigong canon and Master Mantak Chia’s Universal Healing Tao canon.
Because this class is meditation-based, experience with meditation is important. It is expected that you will be able to settle your mind, body and breath efficiently, since the techniques taught rely on a focused or "Yi" mind to execute.
Each class includes discussion before and after each meditative session. Discussions often include Daoist ideas including chapters from the Dao De Jing or Chang Zhu’s Inner chapters. These discussions are used to provide perspective to a meditative session..
"Plant the Flowers, Left and Right" - a movement from the 18 Luohan Qigong set.
The 18 Luohan Qigong