Tai Chi for Health Newsletter: February 2011

Tai Chi for Seniors - Tai Chi for Health Institute - Dao of Well Being™

Tai Chi for Health Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 1

2011 February

Happy Chinese New Year - 2011 - Year of the Rabbit, 4708 Inside this issue:

Message from Mark

Message from Mark

1

China & Tibet Tour

1

Chinese New Year

9

Winter Season Health

10

Rebecca’s Recipes

11

Pandas

12

Qigong & Tai Chi Benefits

13

About Us

16

Qigong Retreats

18

Hello Tai Chi Friends , I have not written to you in a few months, but boy, do I have a great excuse... I was in a plane crash. Some of you may know that I love flying and that I have been a pilot for many years, flying my own Ultralight aircraft. However, I wasn't the pilot this time; I was a passenger, flying with a friend in his single-engine Qualt. The engine stalled just after takeoff and there we were, in mid-air with no power and no place to land. Time seemed to stand still! Then the ground sped towards us, as well as the realization that there was no clear space big enough to put that plane down! We made impact on a narrow stretch of grass between a warehouse and a chain link fence. Way too narrow! (continued on page 2)

China & Tibet Tour - Journey to Shangri-La We invite you to join us on our next tour to China and Tibet!

Journey to Shangri-La June 14th to June 30th, 2011 PANDAS - Visiting Adorable Pandas at the Giant Panda Research Base is always a highlight of our tours. Read more on about Pandas on page 12

“If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong,” says Oprah’s Dr. Oz. “Qigong slows the aging process!”

Harvard Medical School

This year, Mark will teach a special program for profound and powerful healing as part of our Qigong and Tai Chi practice on the tour. If you are interested in taking care of your health and learning to do deep healing for yourself and others you will want to be in on this! (continued on page 4)

Our group & the Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama.

www.QigongChinaTrip.com (800) 341-8895

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Message from Mark (continued from page 1) As you can see...what was left of that plane looked like litter scattered on the lawn.

Any passenger in that plane could have ended up scattered all over the lawn too. Instead, I did get banged up enough to land in intensive care for a week, spend a day of facial reconstruction and another afternoon fixing a broken leg. The technology of western medicine when it comes to patching, repairing, putting parts back together is wonderful. Then the real healing process begins. That's where Tai Chi and Qigong come in. My fast recovery astounded all the doctors. In a little over a month, I was already able to walk, drive, and now to even climb back in a small plane and go flying again. All my doctors said I healed as fast as an 18 year old! And, this is what I want to write to you about.

All my years of doing Tai Chi and Qigong certainly paid off for me. As you can see, it is a miracle we survived that pile of rubble and I owe much of that to my Tai Chi and Qigong training. My training gave me the ability to stay calm and centered, flexible and strong even while hitting a building and plowing through a wire fence. Then, I was able to calmly explain my medical condition to the rescue

Mark flying his Ultralight along the Pacific shore

Mark & crew of MythBusters on location for the show Mark was in.

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Message from Mark (continued from page 2) helicopter pilots and at the trauma center. Then I was able to tap into the skills I have learned, enter into a Qigong healing state and begin the repair of my body. I never even needed a pain pill.

That may sound exceptional, but I credit it all to my knowing Tai Chi and Qigong. And since that plane crash, I am even more aware that this information is just too good and too important to keep to myself. I am dedicated to sharing it with you. I will teach the self healing techniques I used on myself that resulted in my recovery as part of our program on our Journey to Shangri-La Tour, June 14 to 30, 2011.

This will be the most incredible tour we have offered in over 10 years of leading exceptional tours to China and Tibet. You can call either me or Rebecca if you would like to know more. As you know, we limit the number of people who can go with us. But there is still room for you to be part of the Journey to ShangriLa in June. I hope you can take advantage of this invitation to experience learning powerful healing techniques in a setting of what is truly the journey of a lifetime. Imagine the true meaning of Shangri-La, the incredible awe-inspiring beauty of the places we visit. Imagine actually standing in ancient power spots and filling yourself with the energy where enlightened beings have practiced their cultivation for hundreds of years and tapping into the timeless wisdom and insights of those ancient achieved ones and the ancient cultures we will connect with.

So, how many opportunities will you get to go to Shangri-La with a living Tai Chi Immortal who carries Shangri-La in his heart wherever he goes.

Give me or Rebecca a call and let's begin the adventure, Wishing you good Qi and good health in the year of the Golden Rabbit, Mark Phone: (800) 497-4244

E-mail: mark@chi-kung.com

Rebecca’s phone: (800) 341-8895 E-mail: Kali@QiCentral.org

One of our favorite places in Shangri-La, Songzanlin Monastery. Built by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1679, it presently is home to over 600 Tibetan Buddhist monks.

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China & Tibet Tour—Journey to Shangri-La (continued from page 1) Shangri-La, from the novel, Lost Horizon, is a land of mystery and matchless beauty, an earthly paradise where time stands still and peace, serenity and ageless good health are just a natural part of living. “Finding Shangri-La “ has also become a metaphor for making a journey of inward discovery to reveal what is authentic and of value for you and in your life.

Our Journey to Shangri-La is where good health, genuine well being and amazing adventures all come together.

Join us for the journey of a lifetime...a life changing journey!

Our tours are life expanding journeys that will broaden your experience of the world at the depth YOU are seeking!

We give personal attention to EVERY detail; including the time and space for you to REALLY experience some of the most spiritual sites in the world at a deep and meaningful level.

A friendly relaxed atmosphere and personalized care are hallmarks of our tours.

Our tours are rich, fulfilling and safe.

Peaceful mountain village and tea terraces are typical of the beautiful landscape and peaceful lifestyle of Shangri-la.

Our Journey to Shangri-La 2011 will visit Shangri-La – Beijing – Lijiang – Chengdu – Lhasa – Nam-Tso Lake - Tibet Including 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites The Great Wall, Forbidden City &Temple of Heaven in Beijing Potala Palace in Lhasa, Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan & Panda Sanctuary in Sichuan Province

Roofline of a guest house in Lijiang with glacier capped peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain overlooking this beautiful old-town on the UNESCO World heritage list.

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Prayer flags on the shore of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes.

Highlights of our Journey to Shangri-la ● Experience the wonder of Shangri-La, in the novel Lost Horizon, Shangri-La is a Himalayan kingdom located in a verdant valley encompassed by snow-capped mountains, an earthly paradise isolated from the outside world where people find peace and are almost immortal. Some say Shangri-La is really a state of mind...finding peace within and cultivating vital good health at any age. You may find both on our journey to Shangri-La, a town in northern Yunnan, near Tibet. ● Shangri-La, our destination, like Shangri-La from the story is a peaceful and incredibly beautiful land guarded by a Lama Temple. We stay in a lovely traditional Tibetan guest house located right between the Zongzanlin Monastery, built by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1679 and a small Tibetan village. You will have time to explore with our group and on your own and experience the incredible sights, sounds, and the amazing energy of this unique and magical land. ● Explore Tibet, the roof top of the world where we stay in a beautiful Tibetan style hotel in the heart of Lhasa where the Pilgrim’s Circuit goes right past our door. Tour the Potala Palace once home of the Dalai Lama; Jorkang Temple, considered the most beautiful and sacred temple in Tibet. ● Learn about the daily life of Tibetan people as we visit traditional old style villages and are welcomed as guests of a Tibetan family in their home. Learn about Nomad Culture as we visit the Tibetan Grass Lands, Nomadic Herders in their tents, ride Yaks and picnic along the shore of incredibly beautiful turquoise Nam-Ttso Lake, the highest salt water lake in the world. (continued on page 6)

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China & Tibet Tour—Journey to Shangri-La (continued from page 5) ● Learn about Tibetan Medicine at the Tibetan Traditional Hospital; visit a Buddhist Nunnery near our hotel; shop for traditional art and handcrafts at Barkor, the famous 1,000 year old open market, right in the center of Lhasa; enjoy Tibetan Banquets and Dancing Shows ● Enjoy the picturesque old town of Lijiang with its cobble stone streets, stone bridges gracefully arching over canals fed by glacial streams overlooked by Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum, Baisha Village, learn about the traditional life style of Naxi and other matriarchal cultures. Enjoy delectable food unique to Yunnan and Naxi Traditional Orchestra. Lijiang is one of the most charming spots in the world. ● Visit Chengdu, in SW China, where we will tour the Giant Panda Research Center and bamboo park, learn about Giant Pandas, Red Pandas and how we can support the survival of these endangered species Even have an opportunity to hold and photograph adorable baby Pandas. (with donation to Panda research) Enjoy the Sichuan Opera with Mask Changing Shows and Hot Pot Dinner and other world famous Sichuan Cuisine. ● Beijing: Explore the Forbidden City, with 890 buildings, it was China’s royal palace for 6 centuries; Temple of Heaven, where the emperor prayed for good harvests is a masterpiece of architecture and landscape; explore the Great Wall, one of the wonders of the world, stretching from the Yellow Sea in the east to the Gobi Desert, in the west.  Our tour itinerary includes a program of stress reduction, Tai Chi & Qigong that is founded on our lifelong experience and dedication to teaching and sharing these self-empowering arts.

We offer (optional) daily Tai Chi and Qigong sessions including: Eight Extra Meridian Qigong, Anti-Ageing and Longevity Qigong, Stress Reduction Techniques, Five Element Theory, Daoist Inner Alchemy, Medical Qigong, Eight Brocades, Qigong Healing for yourself and others, Acupressure, Meditation and more....

www.QigongChinaTrip.com Comments from one of our Previous Tour Members: “I really enjoyed EVERY MINUTE. It’s true! I loved the whole thing.

There were high points every single day.

Amazing agenda. So rich...so full. I was mesmerized at each turn, so many cultural norms to observe, besides all the exquisite locations we visited.

Thank you so much for ALL you did to make this fantastic trip happen.” K. Kunkel

The elaborate brocade costumes of the Sichuan Opera.

Naxi dancers. Naxi are one of the matriarchal minority groups.

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Comments from one of our Previous Tour Members: “Dynamic. Expansive and enlarging. A learning experience.

It opened my mind and my heart. I especially enjoyed the meditation with the monks and the opera in Chengdu. I loved visiting the Tibetan family in their home.

Learned much about China and it’s influence in the world.

I appreciate both Rebecca and Mark for your energy and your devotion” B. Molle

www.QigongChinaTrip.com Journey to Shangri-La Trip Fee: (June 14-30, 2011) $3,900. for early registration by February 28, 2011 (trip fee without international airfare) $4,150. for registration after February 28, 2011 (trip fee without international airfare) The trip fee (without international flight tickets) includes: all transportation within China including airfare, bus, boats and private van, all lodging (double occupancy accommodation), study tuition, excursion and sight seeing fees, translator fees, most meals, including our private banquets, admission charges to temples and tourist sites, (beginning at our hotel in Beijing on June 15 and ending at our hotel in Chengdu on June 30) Trip members traveling to China on their own will meet us in Beijing on June 15th, trip ends in Chengdu on June 30. (Our airline ticket agent can assist you in arranging discount group rates on your international flight). Single room where available is $575 US extra

Please give me a call at (800) 341-8895 or (218) 365-6330 I would love to hear from you and chat a bit about travel in China and Tibet and our June tour.

Rebecca Visit the link below for the day by day itinerary for our tour to China & Tibet - Journey to Shangri-La. www.qigongchinatrip.com/Journey-to-Shangrila-June-2011.pdf We are members of ASTA, American Society of Travel Agents, the world's largest association of travel professionals

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China & Tibet Tour—Journey to Shangri-La (continued from page 7)

Namtso Lake in Tibet In the Tibetan language, Namtso means 'Heavenly Lake.' It is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and is the highest altitude saltwater lake in the world. The water here is a storybook crystal-clear blue. Clear skies join the surface of the lake in the distance, surrounded by snow capped mountains, creating a amazingly beautiful landscape. Legend says that the soul of every visitor is cleansed by the pure lake water. Spring and summer are the best times to visit Namtso. Yaks leisurely look for food along the expansive lake shores; countless migratory birds fly here to lay eggs and feed their young; fish jump, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine; sheep and goat flocks are like flowing white blanks on the green grassland which stretches as far as your eyes can see and songs of Tibetan herdsmen resound through the valleys. Therefore it is no wonder Tibetans believe that Namtso Lake is a symbol of happiness and a blessing from nature. On our June tour we will make a one day trip to Namptso by private air conditioned van. The photo above is from a past tour. Nomads and their ornately attired yaks have come to join our picnic on the lake shore! A day made in heaven. And we found out that yaks just love watermelon!

Our tours have the relaxed atmosphere that gives you the time to really experience the wonderful places we visit at your own pace. The tea shops of Yunnan and the Barkor Bazaar, a 1,000 year old open-air market in the heart of Lhasa (above right) are favorite stops for tour members who want to bring home a bit of the truly exceptional. You can find almost anything there! Rebecca is not a “mall shopper” but she excels at the bargaining skills called for in the Barkor, to the delight of tour members who benefit from her skill.

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Happy Chinese New Year!

Xin Nian Kuai Le 新年快乐 Gung Hay Fat Choy 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, 4708 The Year of 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, beginning on February 3, 2011 and ending on January 22, 2012. The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs. According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem.

Gung Hay Fat Choy means "Best wishes and Congratulations, Have a Prosperous and Good Year.” and "Happy New Year" in English is "New Year Happy." In Mandarin it is Xin Nian Kuai Le . 新年快乐. Xin Nian (新年) is New Year. Xin is new and Nian is year. Kuai le (快樂) is happiness, joy, delight, or rejoicings. Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time for family reunions, for honoring ancestors and for thanking the gods for their blessings.

Families make great preparations for this special celebration. Before the new year, families settle debts and buy new clothes. The house is cleaned and food is prepared. Homes are filled with flowers and fruit. Oranges, tangerines, and pomeloes are picked and displayed . The colors symbolize good luck and joy. Blossoms symbolize longevity and courage. Some believe that if flowers blossom on New Year’s Day good fortune will be theirs for the next year. Candy trays of candied melon, coconut, lotus seed and watermelon seed are offered. They signify growth, good health, abundance and togetherness.

In this year of the Rabbit, good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty. However, it is a time to watch out that we do not become too indulgent. The influence of the Rabbit tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their effectiveness and sense of duty.

A person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the moon. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. Rabbit years are 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915, 1903.

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Winter Season Health and Harmony Winter is the season for rest, introspection, quietude and sensitivity and the time of the year when Yin energy is most influential. Winter corresponds to the "Water" phase of the Five Element Theory and to our Kidneys, which govern our basic growth and development. It influences the spine, brain, bones, physical essence, reproduction and our emotions. It's the season to spend more time in quiet reflection. In fact the energy of winter more than any other time of the year supports meditation, going within and quietly renewing yourself.

Being mindful of the foods you eat can help you sail through the rigors of a cold winter in good health. Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, turnips, rutabagas and yams are excellent. Soybeans, tofu, miso, seaweed, millet, buckwheat, oatmeal, a little meat and nuts are also appropriate for this time of year, as are the warming condiments, garlic and ginger. Herbal tonics taken in the form of teas are also recommended. Nettle, flax seed, juniper, ginseng, burdock, comfrey and marshmallow root are good examples. During winter, don’t eat too much fruit or raw vegetables, cucumber in particular, which is very cooling. Especially avoid eating very spicy foods, as they also tend to cool the body.

Our ears are the organ related to the kidneys. Have you ever noticed how the shape of our kidneys, ears and a developing fetus are similar? The fetus spends all its time in water and hearing is the only sense that fully matures while still in the womb. Poor hearing is associated with depleted Kidney energy. The kidney energy governs storage of the life essence in the bones and marrow. Sexuality and reproduction are also influenced by the kidneys. Too much sex can weaken the kidneys and a blockage, whether physical or psychological, can cause impotence and infertility. To evaluate the health of the kidneys, check the skin under the eyes. If it is especially dark, you may have a water imbalance.

Do not stir things up with too much Yang activity during winter. Stretching and loosening the joints is recommended but be sure to do it indoors. Withdraw and rest more. Retire early and get up after sunrise. Simplify your schedule and minimize things that deplete your energy. Keep your pores closed and avoid extreme temperature changes. If you are not careful, imprudent behavior may cause weakness that could bring possible arthritis, and degeneration of bone and tendons.

Over all, since the kidney energy is related to birth, the life force, and death (a complete cycle of transformation), this is the season to go within and use your intuition to connect with what contributes to your own personal transformation and how to be in harmony with it. This requires allowing time just to be, not to do but just be. Time to go within. Time for quietude. Think of a seed, dormant through the winter months, nurturing and renewing it's essence so it can burst forth with new life new energy in the spring season ahead.

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Rebecca’s Recipes

Honey Lemon Ginger Tea One of my favorite memories of Shangri-La is of the steaming cups of fragrant honey, lemon, ginger tea that greet us when we arrive at the old Tibetan manor house where we stay.

This comforting beverage has a delicious sweet and tangy flavor that you can enjoy anytime.

To make honey, ginger, lemon tea in a teapot you will need: half a lemon, thinly sliced; (I prefer to use organic lemon and ginger when they are available) one quarter to one third cup of ginger root, sliced (does not need to be peeled); one quarter cup of honey, more or less to suit your taste; one quart of boiling water Place the lemon, ginger and honey in a teapot and add the boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then pour yourself a cup full and enjoy! A small amount of black tea ( 2 teaspoons or 2 teabags) may be added for variegation. Ginger root is used worldwide in various herbal traditions primarily to prevent and relieve nausea and indigestion. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is used to reduce pain and the symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia. Ginger is also reported to lower cholesterol levels.

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PANDAS

Visiting the Pandas at the Giant Panda Research Base is a delightful part of our tours. The base is a research facility as well as a large (over 260 acres) park with beautiful walkways, bamboo groves and a lake frequented by Swans a n d w h i t e E g r e t s .

The Giant Panda has become a symbol that raises awareness of endangered species like the Giant Panda our responsibility to make the Earth a good habitat for all living creatures. The Panda Base does a marvelous job of stewardship and education. It was founded in 1987, with six giant pandas rescued from the wild.

Due to their research and excellent care of the Pandas, 124 Giant Panda cubs have been born there.

In addition to the Giant Pandas; Red Pandas, Golden Monkeys and other wild and/or endangered species live and breed there.

They have an uncompromising commitment to the conservation of wild Pandas as well as the healthy

growth of the Panda population at the base. They assist other institutions around the world with technical support and send experts to help with the care, rearing, and breeding of Pandas.

Holding a baby Panda is an experience that is simply indescribable! On our tour we arrive at the Panda Park in the early morning, when the Pandas are most active. We will be there in time to watch the Pandas enjoy their breakfast of fresh picked bamboo.

Visit this link for our "Panda Picnic" video www.QigongChinaTrip.com .

You can meet the Pandas on the Panda Research Base's website at: . www.panda.org.cn/english/profile/1.htm For avid "Panda People" we can arrange a special Panda Caretaker Tour where you work right with the Pandas as a Panda Caretaker Volunteer.

Contact Rebecca if you want to learn more: (800) 341-8895 or Kali@QiCentral.org

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Benefits of Qigong & Tai Chi “If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong,” says Oprah’s Dr. Oz. “Qigong slows the aging process!” Harvard Medical School “This gentle form of exercise can prevent or ease many ills of aging and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.” Harvard’s Women’s Health Watch “Qigong can help prevent falls and chronic disease, improve overall well-being and reduce negative drug interactions,” says the National Council on Ageing (NCOA).

"Qigong is an effective measure in preventing and treating geriatric diseases and delaying the aging process." research from The Shanghai Institute of Hypertension "Qigong slows ageing. Our biological clock, the rate of shortening of the DNA telomere, is slowed down by daily Qigong practice". research from Baylor Medical School.

Other more traditional exercises do not involve the meridian system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize the importance of adding mind intent and breathing techniques to physical movements. The Our group practicing Qigong on the Great Wall benefits of exercise increase exponentially when these dimensions are added.

Qigong’s great appeal is that everyone can People do Qigong or Tai Chi to maintain health, benefit, regardless of ability, age, belief system or heal their bodies, calm their minds, and reconnect life circumstances. No special clothes or space are with their spirit. When these three aspects of our needed and even those with severe physical being are integrated, it encourages a positive challenges can benefit from some form of Qigong outlook on life. It also creates a balanced life style, practice. National Council on Aging, and others well-being, harmony, and stability. recommend a daily Qigong practice.

Qigong is an ancient system of health maintenance and healing that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.

The effectiveness of Qigong has been proven by its beneficial impact on the health of millions of people over thousands of years.

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Research on Qigong and Tai Chi A brief summary of some recent research on the benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi.  Arthritis. In a 40-person study at Tufts University, presented in October 2008 at a meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, an hour of tai chi twice a week for 12 weeks reduced pain and improved mood and physical functioning more than standard stretching exercises in people with severe knee osteoarthritis. According to a Korean study published in December 2008 in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, eight weeks of tai chi classes followed by eight weeks of home practice significantly improved flexibility and slowed the disease process in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and debilitating inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spine.  Low bone density. A review of six controlled studies by Dr. Wayne and other Harvard researchers indicates that tai chi may be a safe and effective way to maintain bone density in postmenopausal women. A controlled study of tai chi in women with osteopenia (diminished bone density not as severe as osteoporosis) is under way at the Osher Research Center and Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  Breast cancer. Tai chi has shown potential for improving quality of life and functional capacity (the physical ability to carry out normal daily activities, such as work or exercise) in women suffering from breast cancer or the side effects of breast cancer treatment. For example, a 2008 study at the University of Rochester, published in Medicine and Sport Science, found that quality of life and functional capacity (including aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility) improved in women with breast cancer who did 12 weeks of tai chi, while declining in a control group that received only supportive therapy.  Heart disease. A 53-person study at National Taiwan University found that a year of tai chi significantly boosted exercise capacity, lowered blood pressure, and improved levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and C-reactive protein in people at high risk for heart disease. The study, which was published in the September 2008 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, found no improvement in a control group that did not practice tai chi.  Heart failure. In a 30-person pilot study at Harvard Medical School, 12 weeks of tai chi improved participants’ ability to walk and quality of life. It also reduced blood levels of B-type natriuretic protein, an indicator of heart failure. A 150-patient controlled trial is under way. (continued on next page)

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Research on Qigong & Tai Chi (continued)  Hypertension. In a review of 26 studies in English or Chinese published in Preventive Cardiology (Spring 2008), Dr. Yeh reported that in 85% of trials, tai chi lowered blood pressure — with improvements ranging from 3 to 32 mm Hg in systolic pressure and from 2 to 18 mm Hg in diastolic pressure.  Parkinson’s disease. A 33-person pilot study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, found that people with mild to moderately severe Parkinson’s disease showed improved balance, walking ability, and overall well-being after 20 tai chi sessions.  Sleep problems. In a University of California, Los Angeles, study of 112 healthy older adults with moderate sleep complaints, 16 weeks of tai chi improved the quality and duration of sleep significantly more than standard sleep education. July 2008 issue of the journal Sleep.  Stroke. In 136 patients who’d had a stroke at least six months earlier, 12 weeks of tai chi improved standing balance more than a general exercise program that entailed breathing, stretching, and mobilizing muscles and joints involved in sitting and walking. Findings were published in the January 2009 issue of Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair.

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About us...

We...... Mark Johnson, well known Qigong healer and Tai Chi instructor and Rebecca Kali, founding director of Qigong Alliance International, have both spent most of our lifetime in a quest for ancient wisdom and sacred and authentic knowledge. Partly, this is just because of who we are...we just had an inner drive to do so. You can read about one Daoist Pilgrimage we made at: www.qigongchinatrip.com/Daoist_Pilgrimage.htm We also have a passion to share the knowledge that we have acquired in a lifetime spent in searching, learning, and personal practice. We live what we teach. And we feel a commitment to share what we have learned. It’s just too good to keep to ourselves!

We began leading sacred journey tours together in 2000. Our knowledge of China and Tibet's incredible heritage, culture and sacred sites and our love of sharing it, create an incredible opportunity for the people who go on a tour with us. We personally lead each tour; ensuring personalized care and a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Our groups are intentionally limited in size decidedly limitless in scope to optimize the best experience for tour members. i n v i t e y o u t o j o i n u s f o r : We invite you to join us for “A Life Changing Journey...the Journey of a Lifetime”

Mark started his Chinese studies in 1970 when he joined the I Ching scholar, Khigh Dhiegh at the Taoist Sanctuary in Los Angeles. During his 4 year stay at the Sanctuary, he studied the I Ching, Taoism, Feng Shui, Yang style Tai Ji Chuan and the Chinese language.

In 1974 Mark relocated to Taiwan to study acupuncture. While in residence there, he studied with several famous Taoist Masters. After a year in Taiwan, Mark returned to Malibu, CA where he continued his Taoist training for 8 more years. During that time, he learned 3 Taoist styles of Qigong/Tai Chi, and the 8 Treasures. He also studied advanced I Ching, Feng Shui, and enhanced his natural healing abilities.

In 1982, Mark taught Tai Chi to Francis Ford Coppola and the cast and crew of the movie "The Outsiders" .While with them, his Qigong healing abilities were recognized so he was asked to return to do healing for the cast and crew of "Rumble Fish". (continued on page 17)

Rebecca is internationally recognized as an inspiring and passionate teacher, and subtle energy healer. She has studied Qigong in hospitals in Beijing and Daoist philosophy, Inner Alchemy, meditation and Qigong healing techniques in monasteries and temples throughout China. She teaches Meditation and Qigong workshops including Soaring Crane Qigong, Eight Brocades, Medical Qigong, Qigong programs for anti-aging, stress reduction, and Fibromyalgia. She is founding director of Qigong Alliance International, a global community with members from 54 countries. www.QiCentral.org She is a certified Medical Qigong instructor (QEA 1999 Rebecca lives in Ely, MN with her husband, Roy and their two big white Kuvasz dogs.

Rebecca may be reached at: E-mail: Kali@QiCentral.org Phone: 218-365-6330 or 1-800-341-8895 Website: www.Dao-of-Well-Being.com Website: www.QigongChinaTrip.com

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Tai Chi for Seniors - Tai Chi for Health Institute - Dao of Well Being

Mark’s new book!

LIFE IS DIVINE PLAY Learn all about Mark’s training with his teachers and the profound and valuable concepts he learned from his mentors.

Mark includes ways to apply his insights to everyday life situations in a humorous and playful manner.

Join Mark on his forty-year spiritual odyssey with some of the most fascinating spiritual teachers of the last half-century.

His travels take him from the mountains of Pennsylvania to exotic temples in China and eventually to the wild and dangerous hills of Malibu, California.

Mark chronicles his ten-year training in an ashram in Florida, his year with a famous Zen Roshi in California and his intense, eight - year apprenticeship to a powerful Daoist Wizard from China.

For info or to order online, visit: www.LifeIsDivinePlay.com Ccontinued from page 16) Mark's students included: Tom

Cruise, Nicolas Cage, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, Mickey Rourke, and many others. Since 1983, Mark has founded Integral Tao Centers in Tulsa, OK, Taos, New Mexico, New York, Vancouver, Canada and in Cuba. He now resides and teaches in the Sonoma, CA area. He has been teaching throughout North America for nearly 35 years in a variety of formats: private sessions, ongoing community classes, weekend and week long seminars and workshops. He is a certified Tai Chi tournament judge and has worked over 50 tournaments in the past 13 years.

He has produced three video's: "Tai Chi for Healing", "Tai Chi for Women" and "Tai Chi for Seniors" which is the highest selling Tai Chi video in the country. (over 800,000 so far!) Mark is one of the founders of the National Qigong Association and is presently is a member of the NQA Advisory Council. Mark is the proud father of his daughter Sita. In his "spare time" he is a pilot and amateur astronomer.

Mark may be reached at: 1-800-497-4244 E-mail: mark@Chi-Kung.com Web page: www.chi-kung.com Web page: www.taichiforseniorsvideo.com

$15

Qigong and Tai Chi Retreats Qigong Women in the Wilderness Retreat "A Stress Free Place in Which to Flourish"

Seventh Annual Retreat July 9 - 16, 2011 Ely, Minnesota, USA A Special Retreat for Women: Combining Subtle-Energy Work, the Power of Women's Wisdom and the Wisdom of Play.

Join Rebecca Kali and Cis Hager for a special week long retreat for women.

Experience Rest, Relaxation and Renewal of Your Mind, Body and Spirit.

Learn Tai Chi and Qigong under ancient pines, and along the shores of crystal clear lakes. Practice and play with techniques to reduce stress, increase energy, promote vital aging, health and healing which have been handed down from the Women’s Wisdom of traditions that are thousands of years old.

Gourmet meals specially prepared by Professional Chef Robyn.

Comfortable, cozy lodge setting.

www.Retreat4Women.com

Medical Qigong - Spring Retreat April 28th to May 1st Shaw Nature Reserve - Gray Summit, Missouri Medical Qigong - Baojian - Yiliao Qigong (for men & women) presented by Cis Hager & Rebecca Kali The spring Medical Qigong Retreat will combine an immersion in learning key Medical Qigong concepts and healing techniques with free time and special programs on the beautiful grounds of 2,400 acre, Shaw Nature Reserve.

www.MedicalQigongRetreat.com (800) 341-8895 or Kali@QiCentral.org