Modern Practice of an Ancient Health Form and Art.
Want to take control of your own health? The practice of Qigong allows one to do just that. With simple movement, breathing and meditative practices one can harmonize oneself with the environment and create a state of self-healing in which one is empowered and in control of one’s own health. Similar to Tai Chi, Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice in which one takes conscious control of the body’s energy (YIN AND YANG). For more info about us and class details email us HERE.
With our over 15 years of practical experience, our approach incorporates integrally this practice (body, mind and spirit) with modern research on its health benefits while honouring the respected traditions of proper Qigong practice.
* Qigong starts or initiates the relaxation response which starts when a form of focusing the mind frees one from distractions. This effectively decreases sympathetic function of the autonomic nervous system including heart rate and blood pressure, dilates the blood capillaries and optimizes the delivery of oxygen and nutrition to the tissues. Homeostasis in Western Science which is the balance of Yin and Yang in the Chinese view.
* Qigong adjusts and alerts the neurochemistry of the brain accelerating the healing profile. Neurotransmitters also known as neurohormones are information molecules that bond with receptor cells in the immune, nervous, digestive, endocrine and other systems to stimulate or inhibit function to moderate pain, enhance organ function , reduce anxiety or depression and neutralize addictive cravings.
* Qigong enhances immune function by increasing the flow of lymphatic fluids and neuroendocrine activation of immune cells.
* Qigong improves resistance to disease and infection by accelerating the elimination of toxic metabolic by-products from the interstitial spaces in the tissues, organs, and glands through the lymphatic system.
* Qigong increases the efficiency of cell metabolism and tissue regeneration through increased circulation of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the brain, organs and tissues.
* Qigong coordinates and balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain promoting deeper sleep, reduced anxiety and mental clarity.
* Qigong induces alpha and sometimes theta brain waves which reduce heart rate and blood pressure facilitating mental focus and relaxation; optimizing the body’s regulative mechanisms by decreasing the sympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system.
* Qigong moderates the function of the hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands plus the cerebrospinal fluid system of the brain and spinal cord, which manages pain and mood as well as optimizing immune function.
Qigong (chi gong) Tai Chi (taichi) in Toronto 
As one of Tim’s Baguazhang instructors I am very pleased to support his efforts to increase awareness of the usefulness of qigong in improving mental and physical health as well as spiritual development. I also extend congratulations to his students for having decided to study with him. I believe you have made an excellent choice in pursuing the practice of this fascinating practice. My best wishes to you all.
I have known Tim for over a decade. He is honest, sincere and genuine in his desire to share Qigong. If you are looking for less hype and more helpful information, Tim is an excellent choice. In his study of this health art, he asked many questions and worked to understand it as thoroughly as possible. You will be in good hands should you decide to embark on learning a Qigong practice.
Hi Tim, it’s so funny because I sent an e-mail but sent it to myself! I was asking if you had any guidance on inner thigh muscle spasms that take me right out of the picture, they are so violent. I even got sick to my stomach. It’s the middle of the night thing, sleeping and all of a sudden, like a coiling fist inside my leg, up and down. I’ve read so much, tried vinegar, camomile tea, all of which have certain things in them that help with cramps. I do Qi Gong just before bed and relax so much, but three nights ago it didn’t help at all! Any thoughts? I have been so diligent with Qi Gong, why would it even happen? Sandi
Hi Sandy!
I am very sorry about the leg, I have some info about this that may help. The exact cause of muscle cramps is still unknown, but the theories most commonly cited include:
Altered neuromuscular control
Dehydration
Electrolyte depletion
Poor conditioning
Muscle fatigue
Doing a new activity
Other factors that have been associated with muscle cramps include exercising in extreme heat. The belief is that muscle cramps are more common during exercise in the heat because sweat contains fluids as well as electrolyte (salt, potassium, magnesium and calcium). When these nutrients fall to certain levels, the incidence of muscle spasms increases. Because athletes are more likely to get cramps in the preseason, near the end of (or the night after) intense or prolonged exercise, some feel that a lack of conditioning results in cramps.
Research Supports Altered Neuromuscular Control as the Cause of Cramps
While all these theories are being studied, researchers are finding more evidence that the “altered neuromuscular control” hypothesis is the principal pathophysiological mechanism the leads to exercise-associated muscle cramping (EAMC). Altered neuromuscular control is often related to muscle fatigue and results in a disruption of muscle coordination and control.
According to a review of the literature conducted by Martin Schwellnus from the University of Cape Town, the evidence supporting both the “electrolyte depletion” and “dehydration” hypotheses as the cause of muscle cramps is not convincing. He reviewed the available literature supporting these theories and found mostly anecdotal clinical observations and one small case-control study with only 10 subjects. He also found another four clinical prospective cohort studies that clearly did not support the “electrolyte depletion” and “dehydration” hypotheses as the cause of muscle cramps. In his review, Schwellnus concludes that the “electrolyte depletion” and “dehydration” hypotheses do not offer plausible pathophysiological mechanisms with supporting scientific evidence that could adequately explain the clinical presentation and management of exercise-associated muscle
Treating Muscle Cramps
Cramps usually go away on their own without treatment, but these tips appears to help speed the healing process:
Stop the activity that caused the cramp.
Gently stretch and massage the cramping muscle.
Hold the joint in a stretched position until the cramp stops.
Preventing Muscle Cramps
Until we learn the exact cause of muscle cramps, it will be difficult to say with any confidence how to prevent them. However, these tips are most recommended by experts and athletes alike:
Improve fitness and avoid muscle fatigue
Stretch regularly after exercise
Warm up before exercise
Stretch the calf muscle: In a standing lunge with both feet pointed forward, straighten the rear leg.
Stretch the hamstring muscle: Sit with one leg folded in and the other straight out, foot upright and toes and ankle relaxed. Lean forward slightly, touch foot of straightened leg. (Repeat with opposite leg.)
Stretch the quadriceps muscle: While standing, hold top of foot with opposite hand and gently pull heel toward buttocks. (Repeat with opposite leg.)
Most muscle cramps are not serious. If your muscle cramps are severe, frequent, constant or of concern, see your doctor.
Hope this Helps in some way!
Timothy
This may also be helpful. Try one or more of the following treatments:
Apply hot or cold packs to the affected muscle for 20 minutes several times daily, until symptoms subside. Some people prefer the hot moist heat; others do best with cool compresses.
Take a hot bath-either immersion or sitz-for 20 to 60 minutes as needed.
Use alternating hot and cold compresses twice daily. Apply a hot compress for 3 minutes; replace it with a cold compress for 30 seconds. Repeat the sequence twice. You can add vinegar to the hot pack if desired.
Take a relaxing hot shower
Try a neutral (body temperature) bath
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Acupuncture cau be used to relax the muscle and improve the circulation of blood to the affected area. Different acupuncture points and meridians are accessed, depending on the specific musde(s) that need(s) to be treated.
Acupressure Acupressure can be extremely helpful in relieving muscle cramps and spasms. The practitioner usually applies pressure directly to the affected area, and also massages relate acupressure points to increase the flow of blood to the area and balance the person’s chi.
Chinese Herbal Therapy Muscle cramps may be treated with a decoction of corydalis (4 to 10 grams daily). Muscle soreness can be alleviated with Zheng Gu Shui, an externallinimeot designed to relieve pain and relax muscles.
Hope this helps!
Timothy!
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With much respect to all, for I am going to add my 2 pennies worth. I am a type 1 diabetic, and as a consequence suffer badly (in the early days), with night time calf cramps. It got so bad I sought advice from my Doctor, who advised me to drink loads of tonic water, adding that it contains quinine, which helps prevent muscle cramps. I don’t drink lemonade, let alone tonic water, so informing him of my dislike, (cutting a long story short), he prescribed me quinine bisulphate tablets at 300 mg* and I’ve never suffered, (I would of liked to of said since, but that would not be true), maybe not even 1% of how I used to. What happens on the rare occasions, usually after some form of exertion, is a momentary twinge, wakes me up for sure, but a spontaneous stretching reflex kicks in, and its gone. I hasten to add that of much of what has been mentioned re getting rid of the cramps I have used, and to some extent worked. The quinine treatment is a prevented measure, and for me it works, and no doubt tonic water that does contain quinine would of worked. Hope I have helped, best wishes to all,
Mick
* Quinine bisulphate tablets at 300 mg, 1 to be taken nightly before bed.