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YOUR WELLNESS SPA Mind-Body Health 72 DAYSPA | JULY 2014 with their doctor fi rst. Qigong is taught to people in wheelchairs, as many movements can be done from sitting or lying positions. Certain practices include ele- ments of self-massage. At times "healing qigong" is administered with someone assisting. "Just be gentle," advises Whynot. "Some people can get lightheaded when they fi rst start practicing." Anyone interested in taking up tai chi or qigong can fi nd a resource. In addition to spas, gyms and martial arts studios, many cities have an association or offer classes in public parks. (It should be noted, however, that not all styles are taught at all venues.) There are also books, instructional DVDs and YouTube tutorials. The disciplines can be practiced at home alone, but those who stick with it usually choose to make a connection with a teacher. There are currently no formal qualifi cations required for teaching, so Whynot recommends asking questions about a teacher's background and involvement. "It would be hard for someone who doesn't at least understand Traditional Chinese Medicine to teach tai chi," she says. "If you can't understand the 'why' of an exercise, you're not going to fully reap its rewards. These practices are deeply rooted in tradition, and peo- ple study them their whole lives." As with so many practices, when it comes to tai chi and qigong, consistency is what matters. "Many peo- ple practice every day because there are so many posi- tions that affect different parts of the body or different organs," Jin says. "And because there are so many, it's easy to forget them." Fortunately, it doesn't take a lot to feel the benefi ts. Says Adams, "Even just once a week makes a giant difference." Andrea Renskoff is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles. RESOURCES For more information on tai chi and qigong, check out the following organizations: • American Tai Chi and Qigong Association, americantaichi.org • National Qigong Association, nqa.org • Tai Chi Foundation, taichifoundation.org • Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA, usa.taoist.org tecniche.com 480 404 7409 the ONLY COMPLEMENTARY cosmeceutical skin care line that is the missing puzzle piece for spas that want to serve clients who have SENSITIVE and HEALTH-CHALLENGED SKIN ® COMPLEMENTARY SKIN CARE dayspamagazine.com/freeinfo • Use FreeInfo #35 Y o u r W e l l n e s s S p a . i n d d 7 2 Your Wellness Spa.indd 72 6 / 3 / 1 4 1 1 : 4 3 A M 6/3/14 11:43 AM