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The Noble School of Qigong and Tai Chi is conducting a study on the effects of Qigong on sleep quality. Qigong is an internal “Authentic Qi” energy healing practice integrating “Authentic Qi” energy exercises with breathing, meditation, and gentle movements. Qigong has been used for thousands of years to increase health, strength and longevity. The Ancient Qigong masters created the foundations of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

We are looking for individuals that are insomniacs (individuals whose poor sleep quality is affecting their health and quality of life), who are committed to finding a drug-free solution to their sleep disorder. In the Qigong sleep study classes, the selected individuals will learn specific exercises to balance internal energies directly related to the quality of one’s sleep. To see if you are eligible for the study, please click the link below to be directed to a screening questionnaire. We will contact you if you pre-qualify for the study.

Link to Sleep Study Questionnaire surveymonkey sleep study that expired.

These sessions are appropriate for:

• Maintaining or Improving Physical Health
• Acute Injuries
• Chronic Aches and Pains
• Old Injuries
• Muscular & Structural Imbalances 

Brendan uses a combination of the following in his Qi-Massage Sessions:

• Qigong Massage.
• Myofascial Release Therapy originating from the Rolfing and Hellerwork traditions
• Movement exercises to support the health, strength and flexibility
• Teaches and prescribes exercises to increase the health, strength and range of motion of the the joints and muscles.
• Washington State massage license number MA 00010152

What is Qi or Chi energy? I had a friend recently say to me “It’s like all in your head, right? The Qi?” Wrong. I once told a Yoga instructor I was taking Qigong lessons and she said “Oh, I love those little dances you do.” This is not the type of Qigong that has worked for me, the kind that actually generates qi energy. The kind of Qigong I practice is Yi Ren Qigong, created from ancient Chinese Traditions.

Qi energy is not something imagined or a trick: It has to be felt to be believed and cannot be fully explained or understood with words. However, the Qi can energize your mind and body and bring balance to both: I have felt it work in my life and have been practicing Qigong and Tai Chi since the fall. However, in order for one to truly feel qi, one has to practice Qigong and Tai Chi correctly. Enter my teacher Brendan Thorson.

I remember feeling really unbalanced and moody/depressed off and on over the least few years. There could be a plethora of reasons for this, but they are not important. I looked for answers everywhere: herbs, anti-anxiety and depression meds, exercise, meditation etc, all of which worked a little, but not enough. One day I spoke with Brendan Thorson at the gym where I workout, and he told me about his new career path as a Qigong/Tai Chi instructor. So I decided to check out one of his intro-classes. What I was in for was a sensation I have never felt before. It was as if I discovered a well of energy within my body.

The first time I experienced Qi, it felt as though static electricity was traveling up my arms and down my torso. It was subtle the first two sessions of Qigong, but over the ensuing weeks, became stronger and stronger.

Of course, everybody has bad days, right? I recently had a horrible day and was going completely bonkers. That evening I attended a Qigong review session with Brendan Thorson and afterwards, felt more balanced and more energized. My sour attitude even changed from grumpy to at ease and optimistic. I felt stronger when going to the gym after the class, where (in addition to lifting weights) I practiced the natural progression of Qigong, Tai Chi: The two complement each other wonderfully. Moreover (although this takes awhile for most to develop this sense) , I do not crave “junk food” as much as my body is more able to decipher which foods are good and which are bad for my particular system, almost by sense of smell or intuition. I am not kidding. This is not to say that everyone will develop this sense as quickly, but most people will definitely feel the Qi, and it will help them restore balance and rejuvenate their bodies.

Brian – January 8th 2010

“I started taking Qi Gong with Brendan Thorson over a year ago. I had never taken a Qi Gong class before and didn’t know what to expect. During the very first class I began to feel a startling sensation:  a magnetic, taffy-like energy between my hands and a current spiraling from my head through the core of my body. Admittedly, I was both unsettled and full of wonder about what this mysterious feeling was. It was Qi, and my new awareness of it would change my life.  Later that day after my first class, I began to feel discomfort in my chest as if a cork were stuck and trying to burst. I remember thinking that I wasn’t so sure Qi was a good thing! In retrospect, I understand that the Qi was working to push through years of stagnant accumulation in my chest—feelings I had held onto that were impeding my health, my ability to be open, and in general my ability to “go with the flow.” Within a couple more classes with Brendan my chest became clear, the discomfort went away, and I began to experience a strong connection with Qi during my practices. During some practices the Qi felt like a gentle, cleansing waterfall through my head and hands. I could take a deep breath. I was sleeping better at night. I was feeling more vitality. A light that I hadn’t seen in my eyes for a while returned. My skin seemed to glow. I was happier and feeling more in tune with myself, connected with others, and more at ease with the ebb and flow of the universe. I became dedicated to cultivating Qi and to continuing to strengthen my reserves and to leading a more aware, healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Recently I moved from Seattle to Los Angeles. What I have missed most is Brendan’s class! Whenever I come back to Seattle to visit I always try to participate in as many of Brendan’s classes as I can. Brendan’s classes even partly inspired me to begin studying Traditional Chinese Medicinein Los Angeles. I love my classes and am excited to be on this new path. I am grateful to say that Brendan’s Qi Gong class and my personal discovery of the wonders of Qi cultivation have enhanced my life.  I wholeheartedly recommend Brendan’s classes to anyone who is curious about exploring Qi Gong.”

Catherine, Los Angeles – 5/31/2010