Qigong for People with Disabilities
Qigong is highly recommend as a key part of any wellness program. (Qigong is pronounced chee gung.) Qigong is very easy to do; it is separate stretching and bending exercises that can be adapted to any activity level and have been shown to significantly improve physical health. It includes deep breathing and inner focusing aspects that are not only powerful for physical health but have a profound impact on emotional health. Inner spirit growth is facilitated as well.
"Qigong for People with Special Needs" Program in a Box offers a simple program that can be offered at any site.
On-site programs are offered for a variety of disability levels and ages.
"Qigong for People with Special Needs" Program in a Box offers a simple program that can be offered at any site.
On-site programs are offered for a variety of disability levels and ages.
- Classes are1 hour. Classes can be offered daily or weekly.
- Interested staff are trained so that they can continue to do the qigong exercises with clients
- A typical program runs 8-12 sessions two or three times a year and with consultation as needed for staff to continue the program in-between sessions.
Currently providing classes to developmentally disabled adults at 5 Milwaukee Center for Independence (MCFI) sites. Many staff have said this is the most effective program they offer (e.g. compared to music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, etc.) Qigong has the same mind-body benefits of yoga and tai chi but is much easier to learn and do.
Program Specifics:
Clients learn Qigong stretching & breathing exercises.
Exercises are performed as a group of up to 15 participants with demonstration, direction, mirroring movements, and some individual work for guiding and correcting movements.
Centering and grounding are emphasized to increase focus and relaxation.
Deep Abdominal Breathing exercises are taught to stimulate the “relaxation response” and improve performance.
Spontaneous qigong is taught which is excellent for release of emotions and tension, and well as developing inner self trust.
Students develop a "qigong performance" for their family & peers.
Videotaping to create a personal program DVD is optional.
Over time perform guided meditations for up to 10-15 minutes, and can begin to do peer led short meditations.
Sharing & discussion about individual’s use of exercises to calm anxiety/anger or “wake up” after lunch.
Outcomes have been substantial.
What people are saying about these classes:
-The clients are much calmer and the day goes much better after Qigong.
-Our clients really look forward to Qigong. They are going it in the halls and swimming pool on their own. It touches each person at their level.
-It really helped "Tom" to calm down. He was starting to lose control and I had him mirror a Qigong balancing exercise he had learned in class and he was able to regain control and the situation did not escalate into a serious problem.
-Kathy is great. She really connects with them as individuals.
Senior Program and Alzheimer's Program
Ages range in 50s-90s. Wheelchair bound & wanderers welcome. Enclosed area needed.
Clients are worked with individually in a group setting of up to 10-15 clients (dependent on cognitive level). Calming music with affirming messages is played to enhance the experience.
Exercises can be done seated or standing, and modified for any activity level.
Participants mirror or are guided manually to do the exercises.
Participants progress to up to a 10 minute guided meditation.
Outcomes:
Program Specifics:
Clients learn Qigong stretching & breathing exercises.
Exercises are performed as a group of up to 15 participants with demonstration, direction, mirroring movements, and some individual work for guiding and correcting movements.
Centering and grounding are emphasized to increase focus and relaxation.
Deep Abdominal Breathing exercises are taught to stimulate the “relaxation response” and improve performance.
Spontaneous qigong is taught which is excellent for release of emotions and tension, and well as developing inner self trust.
Students develop a "qigong performance" for their family & peers.
Videotaping to create a personal program DVD is optional.
Over time perform guided meditations for up to 10-15 minutes, and can begin to do peer led short meditations.
Sharing & discussion about individual’s use of exercises to calm anxiety/anger or “wake up” after lunch.
Outcomes have been substantial.
- Improved coping mechanisms and ability to calm themselves (de-escalate) using qigong exercises are significant.
- Staff say the whole day (often a Thursday or Friday) goes much easier on "qigong day" because clients are calmer, more focused, and happier. (Qigong research has documented a mood lifting effect for depression and sadness,as well as anger management.)
- Participation by typically reluctant/non-participatory clients is significantly improved.
- Improved balance, strength, and range of motion of constricted joints,
- General feelings of increased physical vitality.
- Ability to ambulate and distance able to ambulate has also improved. (Decreased falls is also a highly researched area of benefit for qigong.)
- Weight loss with frequent or daily qigong
- Personal interaction with praise for real individual improvement has a profound effect on self image. The group celebrates each other's successes.
What people are saying about these classes:
-The clients are much calmer and the day goes much better after Qigong.
-Our clients really look forward to Qigong. They are going it in the halls and swimming pool on their own. It touches each person at their level.
-It really helped "Tom" to calm down. He was starting to lose control and I had him mirror a Qigong balancing exercise he had learned in class and he was able to regain control and the situation did not escalate into a serious problem.
-Kathy is great. She really connects with them as individuals.
Senior Program and Alzheimer's Program
Ages range in 50s-90s. Wheelchair bound & wanderers welcome. Enclosed area needed.
Clients are worked with individually in a group setting of up to 10-15 clients (dependent on cognitive level). Calming music with affirming messages is played to enhance the experience.
Exercises can be done seated or standing, and modified for any activity level.
Participants mirror or are guided manually to do the exercises.
Participants progress to up to a 10 minute guided meditation.
Outcomes:
- Increased ability to focus,
- Increased mobility and flexibility.
- Emotional and tension release
