New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong for All Abilities

What Is New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong?

New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong (NCTQ) is the healing exercise I developed over the years of my recovery from severe disability caused by multiple sclerosis. The purpose of New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong is to provide a way of opening up our whole selves to receive the fullness of life, health and peace that God is bountifully pouring out to us.

Gentle, Healing Exercise

New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong is gentle exercise that is healing and energizing for the whole person—body, mind, emotions and spirit. It consists of traditional Chinese Qigong and Tai Chi Tao forms that have stood the test of time and that are being practiced by millions of people around the world today for their health benefits.

“As a rehabilitation physician, I am very enthusiastic about “holistic” orientations to movement and exercise. Qigong is a wonderful way to work on breath control, balance, stretching, body mechanics, all the while enriched with meditative spiritual imagery. Qigong can also be adapted to different ability levels so anyone can participate.” Kristi Kirschner, M.D., Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine

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The New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong for All Abilities DVD was released on July 4, 2012.

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Overall Health Benefits

There is a large body of research that has been done in China on the health effects of the Tai Chi and Qigong forms that constitute New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong. Western scientific research is also proliferating that reveals a great variety of beneficial physiological, social and psychological benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

Improves respiration and circulation
Increases balance and coordination
Lowers blood pressure
Oxygenates the body
Relieves stress
Induces relaxation response
Lowers stress hormones
Improves posture so organs and muscles function better
Repetition helps restore neurological function
Improves mood, can improve depression
Visualization supports neurological retraining and improved physical functioning
Improves flow of energy through straight spine
Enhances micro-circulation
Enhances immune system function
Promotes balance of activity on each side of body.
Raises awareness of the body and the way it functions
Improves awareness of body position (proprioception)

Can Be Done Seated or Standing

New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong is suitable for people with a variety of physical abilities and disabilities. My own needs for rehabilitation led me to develop seated versions of almost all exercises I learned over a period of fifteen years. Seated and standing versions make New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong accessible to a wide audience and allow transition from seated to standing as a participant gains strength.

"Calm the Waves" stills the storms of life.

Qigong for Multiple Sclerosis

I have had many people with MS in my classes, and many have benefited. My own recovery from severe disability caused by multiple sclerosis is the best single testimony I know for the healing power of Tai Chi Tao and Qigong. That recovery is well described in my book entitled Rising UP!: My Recovery from Multiple Sclerosis, Disability and Despair. It is available on Amazon.com.

TaiThose with multiple sclerosis can benefit in the ways described in the physical benefits list above. Of particular note is the power of Qigong to build the body’s energy to help overcome fatigue. The slow, gentle movements do not overheat the body, a great advantage for those who are sensitive to heat. Qigong helps restore lost function through repetitive movements and visualizations that rebuild the neurological infrastructure; thus, many experience improved function and ability to do activities of daily living.

Qigong helps strengthen internal functions, including digestion and elimination, that are often affected by the disease. Some class members have found the eye exercises to be especially helpful. Many find the slow, gentle movement to be more beneficial than static poses of yoga. Qigong is a valuable component of overall wellness, therapy and rehabilitation programs for those with MS.

Qigong for Parkinson’s

Those who have done research on Parkinson’s have recognized the beneficial effects of Tai Chi Tao and Qigong. A review in the Journal of Sport Science and Medicine has found the following benefits for Parkinson’s:

Posture
Balance
Coordination
Flexibility
Range of motion
Fall reduction
Gait
Mobility
Ankle righting
Physical strength

These benefits accrue because Tai Chi Tao and Qigong work the whole body. Special attention is paid to postural work, accurate alignment of the body and joint placement, smooth weight transfer, and smooth coordination of neck, trunk, and upper and lower limbs. The unique “extension” in Qigong stretches helps keep the body flexible and mobile and helps counteract the tendency to stoop that often results in stumbling and falls.

Qigong for Stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Research indicates Tai Chi and Qigong can reduce several risk factors for stroke by improving balance and lowering blood pressure, among other advantages described in the physical benefits section above. Of great importance is the documentation of improvements in mood to counteract negative mood states and depression in those who have a stroke. Smooth repetitive movements help rebuild neurological function, making Tai Chi and Qigong an important component of an integrated recovery from stroke.

I have had people in my classes whose stroke occurred as long as thirty or more years ago. These people have had significant recovery of function that they thought would never be restored. An example is a man whose right hand and arm were tight and inert, locking up function on the whole right side of his body. Qigong exercises helped him loosen his tight muscles, release his hand and develop movement in his arm. He began using his arm and hand for activities of daily living such as dressing and cooking, significantly improving his quality of life.

Qigong for Heart Disease

Qigong is especially good for those with heart disease because it helps lower several major risk factors, including high blood pressure and heart rate. It enhances modulation of the cardiac autonomic system. Many of the benefits are related to relaxation that comes through breathing, visualization and mental practice associated with the slow, gentle movements. Improved respiration enhances oxygen flow throughout the whole body, including blood, organs, tissues and cells.

All Ages

All ages can enjoy New Creation Qigong, from children to senior citizens. Younger children enjoy imitating wind, trees, animals and birds, while older participants also enjoy the more symbolic aspects of the movements. In one of my classes the oldest participant was Betty, an 85-year-old woman, and the youngest was Sam, a healthy, eleven-year-old boy who enjoyed the relaxation because he sometimes feels anxious. The appeal to children could work very well for youngsters with disabilities. NCQ is something that adults can do with elderly parents.

“I think that qigong can really help you with anxiety and when you’re just not feeling well. When I first tried it, I had a great experience because my whole body actually felt relaxed (for once). It just made me really happy because my body was up for a new day!” Sam, age 11

“I wanted to improve my balance. New Creation Qigong, like Tai Chi, yields great physical benefits, including improved balance. But for me, it is more; it is a thanksgiving rite. It is contemplative and physical, cultivating spirit and body.” Betty, age 85

Qigong for Stressed Out, Busy People

While some people have special needs and conditions they want to address, many people lead stressful work lives and want to find some stress relief during their intense days. NCQ exercises are simple, require no equipment, can be done seated or standing, and require a minimal amount of space. These qualities make NCQ ideal for creating quick, energizing moments in a busy day. Most exercises can be done

At a desk
Break room
Chapel
Elevators
Restrooms
Hotel rooms
Airports
Living room

Seven Days of Creation Story

New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong presents the exercises with archetypal nature imagery that is authentic to Chinese practice. I have set the imagery into the narrative form of the Genesis Creation story, creating an easy-to-remember sequence of movement and meditation that is uplifting for people of all faiths. Setting the movements and imagery to the Creation Story is unique and is the product of my practice and meditation during the long years of my disability and healing.

Emotional Benefits

Emotional release is an important dimension of Qigong practice since the most

ancient times and is also part of the NCTQ experience.

The movements in NCTQ offer a way for emotions to be gently acknowledged and released so that there is a sense of calm and refreshment. For example, when the story says that “darkness is on the face of the deep, it is an opportunity to express that there are dark places in our lives, places that may seem “waste” or “void.” The fact that the Spirit moves over the waters offers hope that God is moving to bring forth something good. When participants breathe in and out, there is a feeling of drawing in the good and releasing the bad feelings. Likewise, parting the seas on the third day is an opportunity to bring to mind things that may seem impossible. The archetypal action of parting the seas gives a sense of empowerment in the face of overwhelming difficulties.

"Push Mountain into the Sea" moves huge problems by faith.

"Part the Seas" opens new possibilities.

Breathing makes one aware of the wind and air we all share and the need for keeping it clean and pure in order that all may have life and health.

“I quickly found a way of standing that made my breathing more natural and open." Sophie Behlen, High School Counselor

Connection with Nature and Environment

The communication among body, mind, and spirit in the creation context becomes a magnificent Dance of Life which calls us into harmony with ourselves, with each other, with all of nature, and with God. Practicing New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong over time develops a deep reverence for God’s Creation. One begins to feel the energy of the Earth and Sky and to feel connected with all of life, no matter what its form.

"Eagle Flying" lifts spirits and gives new perspective.

New Creation Qigong give me a new appreciation of the wonder and complexity of creation, and of the Creator capable of doing it. Don York, Astronomer

“I like the attention that I now give to the way I observe the natural things around me. There is a new perspective to my appreciation of the sun. I sense that there is energy that can be summoned from within me!” Ingrid, Employment Counselor

Special Thanks

Special thanks to my teacher, Tai Chi Master Bruce Moran, for the great wealth of his knowledge and expertise and his teaching and guidance over many years. Sifu Moran has certified me to teach Qigong. His support and encouragement in developing the spiritual aspect of this practice have been invaluable. It was his annual class demonstrating the Easter themes of the Qigong movements that gave me the idea of setting Qigong imagery to the Creation story context.

Every once in a while something special comes along that moves people's souls. Its greatness is in its simplicity. Its impact is very subtle but most powerful. Its strength is in its beauty. This all encompassing thought is embodied in New Creation Qigong. Sifu Bruce Moran

Anna with her teachers: Sifu Ed Gierut, Certified Instructor Michael Farrar, and Sifu Bruce Moran

Special thanks to Tai Chi Master Ed Gierut.for passing on his great love of the beauty and imagery in the tai chi forms and for teaching the 18 part chi kung, which contains much of the imagery used in NCBP.

Thanks also to certified teacher Chris Randle and to assistant teachers Drew Bergerson and Sean York for their years of patient teaching.

Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Shanta Premawardhana, my pastor and friend for many years. Shanta mentored me in making connections between Judeo-Christian theology and my practice of Tai Chi and helped me understand my experience of healing through Eastern modalities as a gift of Christ.

Naming and Sources

NCTQ movements draw on traditions and sources of Tai Chi and Qigong that include the following:

Eight Essential Movements of Tai Chi by John Kotsias as taught by Bruce Moran
Sifu Bruce Moran’s Qigong variations
18 Part Chi Kung as taught by Ed Gierut
Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands
Five Animal Frolics
18 joints silk reeling
8 Section Silk Brocade
Susan Bradley’s drawings in John Kotsias’ Eight Essential Movements of Tai Chi
Knocking at the Gate of Life and Other Healing Exercises from China: Official Manual of the People’s Republic of China. Translated by Edward C. Chang, Ph.D. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania, 1985. This book is helpful in providing descriptions of movements and their benefits according to Traditional Chinese Medical practice.
Mike Garofalo’s website at www.egreenway.com
Cynthia Quarta, Tai Chi in a Chair. Barnes & Noble Books, New York, 2001.
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, Arthritis Relief: Chinese Qigong for Healing and Prevention, YMAA Publication Center, Boston, 1991.
Kenneth S. Cohen, The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing, Ballantine Books, New York, 1997.
Mantak Chia and Juan Li, The Inner Structure of Tai Chi, Destiny Books, Rochester, New York, 1996.
Roger Jahnke, The Healing Promise of Qi, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2002.