Sharon Smith teaches the full range of Taoist health and spiritual practices in weekly classes, monthly seminars, & occasional retreats.
Corporate stress management, private classes and Chi Nei Tsang Internal Organ Massage sessions are also available by appointment.
For further information, click on the About Sharon link above or contact me at ta*******@ea*******.net
or 212-243-6771.
Originally from China, Qigong (or “Chi Kung”) is an ancient and powerful mind/body discipline that is perfect for the modern world. Composed of a variety of sitting, standing and moving practices which use the breath, posture, and power of the mind, Qigong creates a field of powerful healing energy (qi), enabling the practitioner to shift into a state of increased vitality and awareness, a decrease or elimination of pain, and accelerated healing. Studies show strong improvement in spiritual, physical and mental health, evidenced by synchronized brain waves, reduction in stress hormones, and increases in energy.
Tai Chi is China’s unique gift to the arts of physical culture and fitness. A combination of self-defense and qigong, this elegant mind/body discipline is a moving energy meditation that is rooted in Taoist philosophy. Tao means “the way of nature” and Tai Chi is considered one of the best vehicles for practicing Tao as well as realizing it. The word, “chi” in the English transliteration is not the same as “qi/chi” or life force energy. In fact, the original word, taiji means “the supreme ultimate”. Add the word chuan, and it becomes “the supreme ultimate fist” (self-defense). A graceful series of movements performed in slow motion, Tai Chi is easy on the joints and is a powerful stress reliever for contemporary lifestyles. Among other conditions, it addresses improper posture, muscle tension, and mental stress. These difficulties can restrict energy flow, causing blockages that can lead to pain and in some cases, serious illnesses.
Tao means “the way of nature”.
Taoist Meditation is all about aligning with the maps of energy used in different systems of oriental medicine as well as merging with the universe in various ways. If we depend only on our own energy for our vitality, our life is limited. On the other hand, if we can open up to the infinite sources of universal energy available to us from nature (sunlight, air, trees, flowers, starlight, moonlight, etc.), our capacity for healing exponentially increases. In our meditations, we align ourselves with the natural flow of energy not just in our physical bodies, but expanding beyond to other energetic sources as well. Once pathways are open and are kept clear through daily practice, more refined and higher frequency energies (purified emotional energy, compassion, energy from nature, etc.) become available and can be used for healing.
Transformation occurs as congested, murky, stagnant qi (or chi,”life force energy”) is exchanged and replaced with cleaner, more pure energy from the universe. This is what is known as Taoist Internal Alchemy. This powerful process provides highly effective & immediate stress relief, relaxes the mind, activates healing, and refreshes the source of creativity that lies within all of us.
Sunrise, Machu Picchu, ©Sharon Smith 2006
In our all too often belly-phobic culture, many of us hold our emotional tensions in the center of our bodies, affecting the functioning of our digestive organs as well as our skeletal structure. Based on ancient Taoist techniques, belly massage (Chi Nei Tsang) is one of the most effective ways of relaxing and improving our health & happiness. Chi Nei Tsang can help the following conditions:
Chi Nei Tsang sessions include healing massage as well as coaching in breathing, meditation, nutrition, visualization, and self-massage.
For more information, visit https://www.taosharon.com/chi-nei-tsang-2/