Acupuncture Blog Minneapolis / Steven Sonmore, L.Ac. » Qigong

Announcing Introduction to Tai Chi for Back and Neck Pain Class In Minneapolis

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:02:07 +0000

Stiff Back and Shoulders? Low Energy and Fatigue? No Problem!

Do you suffer from fatigue, stress, and a stiff back? Then you might be excited to learn about a NEW introductory one hour class coming up very quickly.

On Saturday, Nov. 6th you will discover how to rejuvenate yourself easily on a daily basis with Tai Chi exercises and breathing movements that relieve back and neck pain.

Tai Chi is perhaps the lowest impact exercise one can do, and is gentle and easy enough to do in business clothes at the office. Yet, recent studies show that Tai Chi can provide much the same cardiovascular benefit as moderate impact aerobics. In fact, a study from the Journal of American Geriatrics reported by Reuters found that Tai Chi lowered high blood pressure in older adults even more than regular aerobics. The fact that Tai Chi can do this without speeding up their heart rates, changes the way medicine looks at cardio vascular physical therapies. Dr. Deborah Rohm Young, of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland (a researcher in this study) said that these findings “suggest that exercise intensity may be less important than other factors” when it comes to lowering high blood pressure.

Learn how these dynamic exercises will enhance your life energy according to Chinese medicine principles. Join us at Burnsville High School, 600 Highway 13 E., Burnsville, MN 55337 on Saturday, Nov. 6th at 11am. Cost is only $15.

Call 952-707-4110 today to register. Or see http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html

About the Instructor: For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, herbalist and Oriental bodywork therapist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Read new articles at www.orientalmedcare.com about how Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will enhance your life. We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times by getting them feeling better fast! We are also here to help you STAY feeling better and looking younger! Don’t be a stranger. Call us, and we will assist you in putting together a customized preventative maintenance plan. It’s not an expensive luxury anymore! With our affordable fees, it’s less expensive than you think! You really can afford Acupuncture care!

Longevity Qigong Class in Minneapolis Starting January 15th

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:45:37 +0000

Have you been feeling tired and run down? Ready to say good-bye to your stress? Learn how to put more energy into your body naturally with Chinese Qigong. (pronounced “chee gung”) This is an ancient Chinese healing art that combines the use of your mind, body, and breathing to strengthen your vital energy. Qigong uses special movement exercises and visualizations that can benefit people of all ages and physical conditions.

Studies have shown that Qigong can lower blood pressure, help balance (prevent falls for seniors), reduce incidence of stroke, increase bone density and increase longevity.

Learn to:
• maintain your health
• improve circulation (good for cold feet & hands)
• regain balance and flexibility
• quiet your mind
• decrease stress
• prevent illness (improve immune system)

You will learn Longevity Qigong, Treasured Vase Qigong, Arm Swinging Qigong and more!

No experience is necessary because the exercises are fun and easy to learn.

Date/Time: Fridays, 10:30-11:30am, January 15th – February 19th
Cost: Only $100 for all 6 sessions. Or pay drop in rate of $19 per session. Over age 65 is only $10 per session.
Location: Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 W 60th St., Minneapolis, MN 55419
To register: call 612-866-4000 or go to http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong_class.html

About the Instructor: Naijin Sonmore has dedicated her life to bringing true Chinese culture and health practices to the US. Originally from China, she has studied from several famous Qigong and Tai Chi masters. Naijin started learning Qigong as a teenager. In 1987 she began studying Chen Style Tai Chi from a disciple of Chen Wanting. In 1995, she obtained her Qigong teacher certificate. She teaches Qigong as a way of self empowerment to easily enhance your own health. She will teach you how to cultivate a joyful, relaxed, optimistic and energized state of mind.

“If you want to be healthy and live to 100, do Qigong.”
- Dr. Oz

Spectacular Holiday Gifts For Your Loved Ones

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:42:43 +0000

Wishing You and Your Family Holiday Season’s Joy

Take this time to rest and revitalize your body. The Chinese believe that winter is the time to rest and heal your body for the coming activities of spring and summer.

Last Minute Christmas Purchases

Are you looking for last minute Christmas gifts for your friends and loved ones? This is your last chance to grab some healthy, thoughtful gifts. You AND the person who receives the gifts will be happy with what these gift certificates, CD’s and DVD’s have to offer.

If you’re like most people, you can’t seem to fit meditation and relaxation into your daily schedule. Here’s the perfect solution! http://www.theqigongmeditation.com/ .

Your body is more than 70% water, and that water controls virtually every aspect of your health. You have no doubt heard that you need to drink plenty of water to be healthy, but the quality of the water you drink is equally as important. If the water you drink is less than pure, your health will suffer. This year give the give the gift of pure water. Purchase a Multi-Pure water purifier at http://www.multipureusa.com/ssonmore/index2.html.

Do you know someone suffering from back pain, migraines, depression or low energy? Give the gift of healing. Choose gift certificates for Acupuncture Therapy at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/gift_certificates_acupuncture.html.

Learn to prevent neck and back pain, arthritis and high blood pressure. Purchase Tai Chi and Qigong DVD’s for yourself and your loved ones at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong_dvd.html .

Chinese Medicine and Winter Season

“The wise nourish life by flowing with the four seasons and adapting to cold or heat, by harmonizing joy and anger in a tranquil dwelling, by balancing yin and yang, and what is hard and soft. So it is that dissolute evil cannot reach the man of wisdom, and he will be witness to a long life.” - Huangdi Neijing Suwen

The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down. This is the time of year for reflection upon our health…time to replenish our energy, and conserve our strength.

We wish to thank everybody that has supported our Minneapolis clinic during 2009. It’s been a great year! And we look forward to helping all of you that will be coming in for the first time during 2010 to gain optimal health.

We also want to let you know that our clinic will be closed Dec. 24- Dec. 25th. Steven, Ann and Jackie will be spending time with their families. It is good to get your treatments in now before the Holiday. We will be open again Monday Dec. 28th. To make an appointment please call 612-866-4000.

In Health,
Steven Sonmore, L.Ac.
Complete Oriental Medical Care, LLC
612-866-4000
www.orientalmedcare.com
“There are no riches above a sound body.” – The Apocrypha

New Qigong Exercise Class – Minneapolis MN

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:19:04 +0000

Studies have shown that Qigong can lower blood pressure, help balance (prevent falls for seniors), reduce incidence of stroke, increase bone density and increase longevity.

You will learn Healing Qigong, Longevity Qigong, Treasured Vase Qigong as well as Rejuvenation Qigong.

No experience is necessary because the exercises are fun and easy to learn.

Date/Time: Fridays, 10:30-11:30am, November 6th – December 11th
Cost: Only $100 for all 6 sessions. Or pay drop in rate of $19 per session. Over age 65 is only $10 per session.
Location: Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 W 60th St., Minneapolis, MN 55419
To register: call 612-866-4000 or go to http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong_class.html

“If you want to be healthy and live to 100, do Qigong.”
- Dr. Oz

Announcing Tai Chi For Back & Neck Pain

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Stiff Back and Shoulders? Low Energy and Fatigue? No Problem!

Do you suffer from fatigue, stress, and a stiff back? Then you might be excited to learn about a NEW introductory one hour class coming up very quickly.

On Saturday, May 30th you will discover how to rejuvenate yourself easily on a daily basis with Tai Chi exercises and breathing movements that relieve back and neck pain.

Call 952-707-4110 today to register. Or see http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html

Qi Gong for Diabetes Workshop in Minneapolis, Dec. 13th

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:43:37 +0000

Over 17 million people in the U.S. suffer from diabetes. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, blurred vision, itchy skin, frequent or reoccurring infections and numbness of hands or feet. But the truth is you can learn Chinese Qi Gong to prevent or control diabetes on December 13, 2008.

Join us to discover Qi Gong For Diabetes and Tai Chi to relieve stress and boost your energy. These exercises are gentle and require no equipment. Heal your body & mind this winter season.

No experience is necessary because each form will be divided into separate exercises that are easy to learn. Discover how to effectively work with your life energy.

Diabetes is an imbalance in the production of insulin which is secreted by the pancreas. The imbalance causes the blood sugar level (the level of blood sugar in the bloodstream) and the urea sugar level to elevate. This disorder can lead to cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure (leading to dialysis), retinal failure (leading to blindness), nerve damage and poor healing capacity, which can lead to gangrene and amputation.

Qi Gong For Diabetes is a system that combines Qi Gong with acupressure massage at specific meridians to prevent diabetes or help people who suffer from diabetes. You will learn acupressure points that enhance the production of insulin. Learn a set of points to improve the function of the pancreas by increasing blood circulation. Learn to activate your Yin meridians to improve ventricle blood flow back to your heart. This also helps the absorption of sugar by cells through increased usage of sugar.

Qi Gong For Diabetes combines elements from Dragon Door Qi Gong, Chen Style Qi Gong, Wu Dang Qi Gong, 8 Pieces of Brocade and Wild Goose Qi Gong.

DVD’s and CD’s will be available for purchase at the workshop. Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.

This is the fourth of four seasonal workshops in Qi Gong and Tai Chi for 2008.

About the instructor: For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, herbalist and Oriental bodywork therapist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Can Chinese Exercise Improve Your Health?

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:14:22 +0000

When you think of exercise you might think of lifting weights or running. However Chinese exercise is different. It builds up your vital life energy naturally.

Let’s look at some of the origins of Chinese exercise. Hua Tuo (110-207 CE), a famous highly-skilled doctor of the Eastern Han Dynasty in China is credited with devising Chinese exercise to improve health. Hua Tuo was born into a poor family. His father died when he was only 7 years old. So he had to help support his family at a very early age. He started out working in an herbal pharmacy. Later in life as a doctor he created therapies and body-building methods that are of great significance in Chinese medical history. He invented herbal anesthesia. He discovered at special set of acupuncture points called the Hua Tuo Jia Jie. Hua Tuo was respectfully called “Originator of Surgery” by later generations. He was truly on the same level as Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. Working as a Chinese doctor he observed that people needed exercise to be healthy. He developed Qigong exercises that mimicked the movements of animals. People still practice these exercises today.

This Fall you can learn Qi Gong exercises that utilize the movement of animals and nature to enhance your health. Join us to discover Medical Yin/Yang Qi Gong exercises and breathing movements that relieve stress and boost your energy. These are practiced to maintain health, promote longevity, quiet the mind, and prevent or treat illness. You also will learn:

Tai Chi for Neck and Back Pain…exercises to strengthen your body and prevent neck and back pain. These exercises are gentle and require no extra equipment. Enhance your balance, posture and cardiovascular functions. Tai Chi is gentle and easy enough to do in business clothes at the office. Recent studies show that it can provide as much cardiovascular benefit as moderate impact aerobics. You can learn to prevent pain before it happens.

When: Saturday; September 27, 2008; 10am-5:30pm
Where to go: Days Inn University, 2407 University Ave S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55414. Cost: Early Bird Special only $135 (before August 31st), PLUS receive a free HPA T-Shirt (with beautiful Chinese calligraphy, a $24 value) and FREE lunch ($15 value). $165 (after August 31st). Seniors (65 and older) 10% discount
To Register: Purchase on line now at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html . For more information, call 612-866-4000. DVD’s and CD’s will be available for purchase at the workshop. Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.

Steven Sonmore, L.Ac, OBT, has 20 years professional experience in the healing arts, and is a licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, an Oriental bodywork therapist, and herbalist. His health articles have been featured in Qi Journal, Essential Wellness News, the Phoenix Newspaper and many more.

Your Best Defense Against Stress – Qigong

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:30:40 +0000

After a tense day at the office you may not feel particularly motivated to exercise. But researchers are discovering that exercise is one of the most powerful stress and anxiety busters. “Any exercise that gets your heart rate up helps lower levels of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol,” quoted from Dr. Mark Liponis, corporate medical director of Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Mass. Long term stress results in your body releasing greater amounts of these hormones which can lead to insomnia, headaches, depression, digestive issues, and other health problems. Exercise promotes the release of natural pain killing endorphins and boosts your mood.

When you think of exercise you might think of lifting weights or running. However Chinese exercise is different. It builds up your vital life energy naturally. The gentle yet effective moves of Qi Gong help you to identify the tell tale signs that you are stressed…like back and neck tension…and allows you to chill out before you become physically and emotionally exhausted.

Qi Gong exercises link your body and mind using mindful movements to release blocked “Qi” or energy. That blocked energy is your stress.

Ready to say bye-bye to your stress? Then join us Saturday September 27, 2008 for the Fall Qi Gong & Tai Chi Workshop. Discover Medical Yin/Yang Qi Gong exercises and breathing movements that relieve stress and boost your energy. These exercises are practiced to maintain health, promote longevity, quiet the mind, and prevent or treat illness. You also will learn:

Tai Chi for Neck and Back Pain…exercises to strengthen your body and prevent neck and back pain. These exercises are gentle and require no extra equipment. Enhance your balance, posture and cardiovascular functions. Tai Chi is gentle and easy enough to do in business clothes at the office. Recent studies show that it can provide as much cardiovascular benefit as moderate impact aerobics. You can learn to prevent pain before it happens.

If you are not fully satisfied with our workshop in the first hour we will give you a full refund!

When: Saturday; September 27, 2008; 10am-5:30pm

Where to go: Days Inn University, 2407 University Ave S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Cost: Only $165 PLUS receive a free T-Shirt (with beautiful Chinese calligraphy, a $24 value) and FREE lunch ($15 value). Seniors (65 and older) receive a 10% discount.

To Register: Purchase on line now at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html . For more information, call 612-866-4000. DVD’s and CD’s will be available for purchase at the workshop. Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.

Presented by Health Preservation Association.

About the Instructor: For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, a certified Health Preservation Association instructor, herbalist and Oriental bodywork therapist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

New Fall Workshop in Tai Chi and Qi Gong – Eliminate Back Pain and Increase Energy

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:47:25 +0000

Do you suffer from nagging back and neck pain? Maybe you tried visits to your MD or medications. These probably yielded limited or no results in eliminating your pain. How would you like to loose this pain naturally?

You probably saw the opening ceremony for the Olympics recently. What did China choose to start out their program to best represent their centuries old traditional health exercise? Tai Chi!

Join us on Saturday, September 27th to learn Tai Chi forms to strengthen your body and prevent neck and back pain. These exercises are gentle and require no extra equipment. Enhance your balance, posture and cardiovascular functions. Tai Chi is gentle and easy enough to do in business clothes at the office. Recent studies show that it can provide as much cardiovascular benefit as moderate impact aerobics.

You can learn to prevent pain before it happens…heal your body/mind this fall season. Join us to discover Medical Yin/Yang Qi Gong exercises and breathing movements that relieve stress and boost your energy. Qi Gong is practiced to maintain health, promote longevity, quiet the mind, and prevent or treat illness. You will learn:

• Tai Chi for Neck and Back Pain
• Qi Gong for Self Healing

When: Saturday; September 27, 2008; 10am-5:30pm

Where to go: Days Inn University, 2407 University Ave S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Cost: Early Bird Special only $135 (before August 31st), PLUS receive a free HPA T-Shirt (with beautiful Chinese calligraphy, a $24 value) and FREE lunch ($15 value). $165 (after August 31st). Seniors (65 and older) 10% discount

To Register: Purchase on line now at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html .
DVD’s and CD’s will be available for purchase at the workshop.

About the Author: For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, herbalist and Oriental bodywork therapist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Qigong Q&A

Mark Brophy — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:02:07 +0000

Qigong (pronounced “chee gung”), means “life energy practice”. It is an ancient Chinese healing art that combines the use of mind, body, and breathing to strengthen and balance vital energy in the body called “qi”. The practice of Qigong consists of meditative techniques and special movement exercises that can benefit people of all ages and physical conditions. Qigong can even be done seated or lying down for those with weaker constitutions or lower body concerns. Qigong is practiced to maintain health, promote longevity, quiet the mind, decrease stress, and prevent or treat illness. It is a natural and simple tool to balance body energy so that life can be experienced to its full potential. Those who are new to qigong or have never heard of qigong before may have some simple questions which I will try to answer here.

Is Qigong the Same as Chi Kung?
Yes. These terms are simply derived from different translation systems of the Chinese pictographs. The terms are synonymous with each other.

Is Qigong the same as Tai Chi Ch’uan?
Yes and No. The graceful postures and exercises in Tai Chi Ch’uan and Qigong all follow the same principals of body movement and alignment and even share many of the same postures. It is because of this that many Tai Chi Ch’uan schools teach Qigong, but there are differences. Qigong exercises tend to be shorter and require less space in which to perform the exercises in than their Tai Chi Ch’uan counterparts. Tai Chi Ch’uan is also taught as a very effective martial art program, despite it possessing the acclaimed positive health and meditative benefits. Qigong tends to be almost entirely for exercise and meditative practices, but there are a few martial art exceptions. The only difference between learning Tai Chi Ch’uan or Qigong as a martial art or as a relaxation exercise is the intent in which you practice.

Is Qigong Therapy the same as Qigong Exercise?
No. Since the rise of the Communist party in China, the Chinese often refer to anything related to qi as qigong even though both practices cultivate or align qi by very different means. This can lead to a lot of confusion for those of us in the West. When talking to new students, I add a descriptor to the name to help differential each practice. Qigong “Therapy” is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of Chinese medicine. The primary goal of Qigong Therapist is to locate and correct imbalances in the circulation of qi of a patient and lead them back to the natural state of good health. The same rules that apply to Acupuncture apply to Qigong Therapy, minus the needles. This often is done by private healing sessions with a trained qi healer or therapist. Qigong Therapy can be compared to Reiki, Luminous Healing, and Therapeutic Touch in its approach. Qigong “Exercises” help cultivate and self-regulate the energy in the body through gentle exercises and meditations. Qigong Exercises can be compared to some aspects of Tai Chi Ch’uan or Yoga and are often taught in a small class setting. Both types of Qigong can combined together to create a total health regimen. In fact many Qigong Masters and Therapists will often prescribe Qigong exercises for their patients as a form of rehab for their ailments or illnesses after they have their healing session together.

Qigong is growing in popularity thanks to people like Oprah promoting its positive health aspects. It is a safe, natural healing practice and exercise for all ages. Its centuries old techniques improve posture, balance, strength, stamina and flexibility which will lead to better vitality even if you don’t believe in qi. For those who do believe in qi energy I encourage them to try qigong therapy. Anyone with questions about qigong doesn’t have to wait for Oprah to answer their questions. They can seek out the answers themselves whether through books, the Internet or local practitioners and instructors.

About the Author:
Mark Brophy is a Qigong Therapist certified by the Chinese Healing Arts Center, a Professional Member of the National Qigong Association and Health Preservation Association Certified Qigong & Tai Chi Instructor. He currently teaches Qigong & Tai Chi Ch’uan in the Columbia area. Check out Mark’s website: www.scqigong.com .

Join us in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, June 28, 2008 for the upcoming Summer Qi Gong and Tai Chi Workshop. Come learn Qi Gong and Tai Chi exercises that relieve stress and strengthen your cardiovascular system. Register today at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html .