There are aspects of tai chi, other internal martial arts, chi gung, hand-on energetic healing methods and sexual practices that are part of China's water method  of the Living Taoist tradition.  This meditation tradition will explore the four basic way TAO meditation is done:  standing, sitting, moving (within tai chi and ba gua) and lying down.  Dual cultivation practices such as sexual meditation may be discussed but not emphasized during this weekend.  This introduction to TAO meditation will help you learn:
*Standing practices - body alignments used in all Taoist practices, as well as how to sink your chi and release blocked energy inside your body with the Outer Dissolving technique.
*Moving tai chi circling hands - includes all the fundamental healing practices of tai chi, projecting and absorbing energy, and techniques for acheiving deep relaxation at all levles, increasing mobility and balance and relieving joint and general body pain.
& Moving practice of ba gua circle walking - a foundation meditation practice of I Ching and the internal martial arts of ba gua chang.

A simple chi gung practice will also be taught to attendees.

Time:  Saturday, July 12th. 10:00-11:30 am

Emphasis will be on understanding the mechanics of the movement and depending on the class experience, appropriate components of nei gung principles.  One aspect of this movement is the development of foundational skills for meditative practice.

Class begins Thursday, May 8th. 6:30-8:00 pm (10 weeks)
$15.00 per class
Instructor Frank Iborra has over 38 yrs. experience in the Asian movement arts.  He is a licensed and nationally certified acupuncture physician and Taoist student and mentor.

In taoist yoga some of the forms or asanas are similar to the popular Hatha yoga, but the application of movement is different.  Hatha yoga uses postures and breath control (pranayama) to energize subtle channels (nadis).  Taoist Yoga uses gentle movements and breath to move and balance chi.  In Hatha yoga you stretch in order to relax, whereas in Taoist Yoga you relax in order to stretch.  In Hatha yoga one stretches into a posture or asana as much as the body is capable and holds it, often with some amount of tension.  You then relax and release the pose.  In Taoist Yoga, you find the point that is around 70% of your maximum physical extension or range of motion, and then relax the body, mind and spirit.

Chi Gung can improve hatha or any yoga practice because the internal training tunes the body to feel how the different poses are affecting the deep physical and emotional layers.  Chi gung’s emphasis on moderation and softening give the nerves the ability to release the muscles so that the body gains the flexibility needed to get into and hold the yoga postures.   Awareness of chi movement or prana energy is also increased to prevent overstretching, which can lead to injuries. 

This practice comes from a 3000 yr. old system. I learned this practice from Bruce Frantzis, who is one of the most respected Taoist lineage masters in the west. Few teachers have the ability, like Frantzis to integrate the depth of understanding that the ancient Chinese discovered.  Taoist Yoga is used to restore health of mind, body and spirit and can be used uniquely to repair moderate to severe injuries and trauma of the body. The Taoist Yoga system is part of the broad offerings of internal practices for self development, anti aging and longevity being offered at White Crane Healing Arts in 2008. 

 See class schedule for class times         

What Are Real Foods?
Real foods are natural, whole, traditional and nutrient dense.  Classes will discuss many of the present day illnesses and diseases which can be attributed in part or whole to a diet that lacks the necessary nutrients to create or sustain health and the ability to absorb those nutrients.  Subject matter will include:  pasteur raised grass fed animals, dairy products, cultured vegetables, water kefir & other beneficial beverages, lacto fermentation,
the energetic properites of food and much more

TAI CHI/Chi Gung Basics
 (Level I) Beginners - Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 am
Practices include - Standing Meditation, First and Second Swing
and Cloud Hands.
The standing practice develops the use of your mind to release pain and tension from the body.  The first swing opens the chi of the “lower burner” of the body – legs, hips, pelvis intestinal, urinary and reproductive systems.
The second swing energizes the “middle burner” – spleen, liver, stomach.
 The Cloud Hands exercise incorporates all the basic body alignments
necessary for maximum energy flow.

 (Level II)Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 am
Practices include - The third swing and spinal stretch
This class teaches the location of the “Energy Gates” of the body and also how to dissolve obstructions and blockages within the “Gates” The third swing energizes the “upper burner” of the body – lungs, heart, brain and enables you to instantaneously relax your entire body.  The spinal stretch completely relaxes the muscles of the back, neck and shoulders by feeling, releasing and moving each vertebra of the spine. The level II class integrates and refines the entire “Energy Gates” practice.   Several other aspects of “nei gung” will also be introduced.

$10.00 for drop in class or $35.00 a month (pre-paid)
For more information  (954) 721-7252

"Gods Playing in the Clouds" chi gung
10 week session beginning Thursday, May 8th.
6:30 - 8:00 pm
$15.00 per class
Please Note:  Last class will be on Thurs. July 10th. for this series
Frank Iborra, AP – Certified Instructor
White Crane Healing Arts, 7071 W. Commercial Blvd. 2C
954/721-7252