Sifu
Chicago, Western Suburbs, and other
(708) 903-7346
Chiform@aol.com
Qi Gong, Energy Work, Meditation, Global Consciousness

Services

Describe your services:
As Founder of INNER ALCHEMY, my purpose is to guide others inward on their journey of self-healing. I provide simple, practical, life changing tools to assist others in creating improved health and harmonious relations - a balanced, joyful life. I offer weekly Qi Gong energy enhancement classes and individual instruction for adults and children, Medical Qi Gong consulting services and public appearances. Additionally, I am available for individual Energy Work (Qi transmission) and Meditation. On a larger scale, I work in humanitarian ways through group experiential exercises to develop a sense of safety and solace in a challenging world.

How does your healing modality work?
The Healing Art of Qi Gong dates beyond the 1st Century. Chinese Medicine, Martial Arts and Tai Chi are rooted in Qi Gong. “Qi” is translated as vital life force or essence: the origin from which matter is created. “Gong” refers to work, action or skill. Essentially, life force in action could be construed as “energy”. The art is based in science, as well as tradition.

The practice of Medical Qi Gong utilizes specific breathing techniques and intention (using the mind, as in visualization) to access and guide “qi” (chee) through energy pathways (meridians) or in and out access points of the body. Additionally combining soft, slow, meditative movement results in powerfully transforming effects on all levels.There are general cleansing, balancing and strengthening exercises. Also, specific movements are designed to influence particular body systems and/or physical concerns. Directing the qi flow in these particular ways stimulates the body’s innate intelligence to facilitate self-correction and balance. The approach is to stabilize the physical (including mental/emotional) aspect of the individual. This equilibrium provides a strong foundation for the natural evolution of the spiritual body.

How do you see your services evolving over the next three years?
My mission is multi-dimensional. I desire to incorporate Qi Gong into the mainstream, making it generally more familiar and accessible. The future of humanity is created through the education of our children, which I am so inspired to pursue. I plan to further encourage the integration of Qi Gong and Energy Work within the realms of Western Medicine in a complementary, holistic way. Finally, in healing ourselves through the clearing of our own unconscious chaos, I believe we simultaneously heal our planet. What is done for one is done for all. Self-healing through group energy work can positively effect humanity in an exponential way.
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Benefits

What are the benefits/results people see?
As breathing and movements are practiced in a slow meditative fashion, people immediately experience the relaxation response of the nervous system. This results in a slowing down of the aging process. Specific movements are designed to act upon particular areas of physical complaints and body systems. Emotional/mental and spiritual issues can be addressed. Awareness is heightened. All the systems of the body can be enhanced, including the immune, respiratory, eliminatory, endocrine, circulatory, reproductive, skeletal and nervous systems. Aside from those previously mentioned, specific results are: stress management and reduction, weight loss, increased physical limits and endurance, mental clarity, and physical/emotional balance, enlivening the spirit.

Student feedback: “I came in to the class fuming, furious with my son. When I left I could not remember what I was angry about!” Other students report: “After many years of other practices, for the first time I can touch my toes”; “I can now flex and use my wrist to support my full body weight”; “The exercise you showed me really worked for morning sickness”, and “I have more direction, purpose and strength in my life”.

Why do people come to see you?
Medical providers refer patients whom they suggest participate more fully in their healing process. Many of my students have heard a personal story of victory and come recommended by word of mouth seeking to create miracles in their own lives, as well as daily satisfaction and depth of self-discovery. We have fun!

Who is an ideal client?
An ideal client is one who has chosen to make an investment in themselves and a commitment to take an active role in improving their health. My students and clients range from those accomplished in Martial Arts, Tai Chi, Qi Gong or other advanced practices to those with no experience.

What makes you different/good at what you do?
My students’ needs are satisfied on an individual basis. I accept where people are at, and they progress at a comfortable pace. I see a larger picture, which keeps me highly motivated. Some find it contagious! I am told I am patient, compassionate and fluid or flexible.
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Philosophy/Approach

Describe your healing philosophy:
Healing is built on a foundation of self-knowledge and internal power tempered with wisdom and love. This is the balance of the feminine and masculine aspects in all of creation, the yin-yang principle.

Physically speaking, the body-mind is in a state of optimum health when there is balanced, smooth qi flow and absence of stagnation. The first step is self-awareness! Toxic environmental influences and patterns of negative thoughts and emotions disturb our natural state of equilibrium and wholeness. Making adjustments to our personal environment is crucial. Going to the neutral space between thoughts is a portal to the observation of the self, an initiation into the healing process. It’s easy to find that healing space as one focuses solely on breath and movement. Qi Gong is a tool refined over the ages to bring to light patterns we wish to change and help us move through them, discovering our portal to self-healing.

Healing may be experienced as the resolution of a symptom or in other ways. It may be the result of attaining contentment, peace and satisfaction in one’s own life experience. By accepting life challenges and learning to live compatibly with them, healing may be experienced as a state of happiness and inner tranquility.

Describe your style or approach:
I meet people where they are at and move forward from there. In teaching, I find it best to break things down into small portions to digest and then move on when ready. Keep it simple!

Why do you do what you do?
Initially, when introduced to Qi Gong, I did not expect such dramatic results from simple movements combined with breath. I was amazed by the immediate and consistent increase in my energy level throughout the day. It was quite impressive to quickly attain one of my most desirable physical goals of requiring less sleep and feeling better overall. My productivity increased immensely, as did the hours in my day. As my physical issues resolved, I became more committed to sharing this success with others!

I find it gratifying to see people quickly learn how to effect change and make a difference in their own lives, attain balance and experience inner peace right before my eyes. Honestly speaking, it is also self-serving to teach. It deepens my own practice. Teaching about energy provides many unique learning opportunities, accelerating my own personal growth. It is very efficient to have one practice that accommodates my self-care needs, as well as those I serve.
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Education/Background

Education/Training:
Previous to this journey, my career was based in downtown Chicago as a legal secretary, inclusive of various paralegal duties. Subsequently, I played the game of life at home with children, my new profession being “chauffeur”, etc. One day back in 1989, I said to myself, “I need energy!” and proceeded to seek it out.

Since then, I have enjoyed twelve years of daily study of the skill of breath through seated Kundalini meditation techniques taught by Stuart Perrin, intensive training in the hands-on energy techniques of Rosalyn Bruyere combined with instruction in Qi Gong exercises by Ken Weintrub, Continuum breath work and movement with Janet Ko, the two-year study of Shiatsu at Ohashiatsu, a three-year study of Qi Gong with Master Teacher, Ed Fleischman, and over two years with Sikung Lowe. I am currently committed to the embodiment of self-healing through The Crucible Program with Energy Healer, Rosalyn Bruyere and Qi Gong Expert, Ken Weintrub, M.A.

Years Professionally Practicing:
I have professionally combined energy work with breath work since 1994.

Contributions/Publications:
I have contributed to the public awareness of self-healing modalities through public lecture and the coordination of Qi Gong events. I am Founder and Coordinator of INNER ALCHEMY Global Healing Meditation, described below. I act as consultant to introduce Qi Gong energy principles within various Integrative Medicine programs. I am privileged to work with children and their families in their pursuit of healing and wholeness.
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What to expect

Describe a typical session:
Individually or in a typical class, after initial warm-ups, one learns to refine the proper stance or standing position for optimum benefit and proper breathing techniques. Then one experiences a general Qi Gong cleansing exercise. Further exercises are introduced and practiced, based upon the needs of the students. Interspersed throughout, one is introduced to the purpose of practicing particular movements and the concepts of Qi Gong from an experiential perspective. The session closes with a semi-guided meditation. There may be demonstrations of longer forms.

Upon request and independently of the above, there is the option to explore supporting energy work or qi transmission comprised of any of the following: meridian, acupressure, energy field and other energy techniques.

How long is a typical session?
A typical weekly class or private session is one hour in length. A workshop may be somewhere between two to six hours in length each day.

Describe your office or treatment room:
There are several locations I use in order to minimize travel time for students. These are chosen based on safety, cleanliness, convenience, and energetic principles that support the work.

How should someone prepare for a session?
It is best not to eat for at least 1.5 hours in advance and wear comfortable clothing.
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Logistics

Office hours/days of the week:
Adult classes are offered Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago , preceded by a 5:30 p.m. class for children. Weekly sessions run back to back. Semi-private classes are available in the Oak Park area. Global Healing Meditation meets once monthly. Classes are continually forming based on demand. Private instruction, mini-workshops or all day workshops may be arranged. I am available for consultation, interactive events and demonstrations.

Fee Range
The average group class fee is $15 per hour. The cost of workshops is determined on an individual basis depending on location. Semi-private groups are divided into the $70-$90 per hour energy session/private instruction rate.

Take Insurance?
Not at this time.

Cancellation Policy?
A cancellation policy has not been necessary.
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Closing comments

What else might someone want to know about you?
An open invitation is extended to attend the monthly INNER ALCHEMY Global Healing Meditation, the embodiment of self-healing on a global scale. Provided is a neutral space for coming into the alignment of our center as a group. The focus is on the consciousness of higher ideals through meditation, group energy exercises to clear personal chaos, and the sharing of an in-the-moment glimmer of each individual’s inward journey of self-healing. Each connects to the light of their momentary Truth, dispelling fear and self-doubt.

Through the scientific principle of the relationship between microcosm and macrocosm, the group provides for the upliftment of humanity in ways more than the sum of the parts. As we cultivate our inner energies, we influence outer energies in our immediate environment and expand this influence exponentially outward.

There is no charge, as the space is donated. If so moved, gratitude offerings are accepted for the use of the space. Those who are not experienced in energy work meet prior for an introduction to the simple techniques.
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