A Tai Chi Gung class being offered at the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center promises to deliver many benefits to students.
Rosemary Maguire, who is teaching the class, said she not only sleeps better after practicing the ancient art form, but her vision has improved as well. “There are many benefits from practicing Tai Chi Gung,” Maguire said.
Classes will take place at 12:30 p.m. Mondays in Classroom 4, with the first class free. Maguire said she is learning from an online course provided by Lama Rasaji at rasaji.com. According to the website, Rasaji “is one of only 12 Master Lamas in the entire World. He lived and trained at the original Tai Chi Gung Lamasery in Tibet.”
The site says the school was opened by Lao Tzu more than 3,300 years ago and that the teachings are based on the Siddhi Yoga Master lineage, which dates back more than 10,000 years. Tai Chi Gung is a combination of Tai Chi and Qigong, forms of exercise that incorporate slow, deliberate movements, mediation and breathing exercises.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi can decrease stress, anxiety and depression while also improving mood, energy, agility and muscle strength. The Mayo Clinic says more research is needed, but there is some evidence that indicates Tai Chi can also enhance quality of sleep, enhance the immune system, help lower blood pressure, improve joint pain, improve symptoms of congestive heart failure and overall well-being, as well as reduce risk of falls in older adults.
For more information, stop by the multigenerational center at 7521 Carmel Ave. NE or just pop into Maguire’s class on Monday.