Discover The Ancient Movement And Breathing Practices To Bring Vitality, Balance, and Harmony To Your Life
Gateway Healing Center is one of very few places on Long Island dedicated to teaching the proper techniques of Tai Chi and Qigong. Sifu Joseph Cheung teaches beginners as well as those who are more advanced in their practice.
What Is Tai Chi?
Pronounced “ty-chee”, Tai Chi is an ancient martial art, rooted in Chinese culture, which embraces the body, mind, and spirit. It is a series of slow and fluid movements which build upon each other. The movements flow one into the next without pausing, which ensures constant motion for the body. In Tai Chi, the emphasis is on the internal, through breathing and mindfulness. The slow gestures encourage those who practice to slow down and control all movements of the body.
Benefits of Tai Chi
- Stress reduction
- Mood improvement
- Better sleep
- Cognitive Improvements
- Improved balance and strength
- Pain Reduction
Why Choose Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a safe and slow form of moderate exercise. It is suitable for those with heart or respiratory issues, as it is lower intensity and can be modified. Tai Chi can be used as a form of meditation, a form of movement, or both!
With Sifu Joseph Cheung, you will experience a private and personalized lesson, focused on your health and wellbeing. Because he has worked with people of all experience levels, he has a keen awareness of the body’s motions. This allows him to assist his students to modify the poses or make them more challenging, wherever fitting. Joseph focuses on Yang style Tai Chi, which is a great place for beginners. The movements in Yang style Tai Chi are slow and graceful.
What Is Qigong?
Pronounced “chee-gong”, QiGong was developed centuries ago in harmony with traditional Chinese medicine. The word Qigong translates to something quite meaningful. “Qi” means “subtle breath” or “vital energy” and “gong” means “skill cultivated through steady practice”. Together the words describe a movement practice that harnesses the power of the breath, with an intention to create balance and peace within the body.
Qigong first focuses on coordinating physical movements with the breath. The practice includes sets of repeated movements, done slowly, fluidly and with great intention. Those practicing Qigong are guided to focus on deep breathing, proper form and alignment, while finding a meditative state within which to practice. From the traditional perspective, Qigong optimizes the flow of energy in one’s body which can benefit the physical and spiritual body in many ways.
Physical Benefits Of Qigong:
- Lowered blood pressure
- Pain alleviation
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved overall wellbeing
- Improved mood and stress levels
- Enhanced mental clarity and focus
What is the difference between Tai Chi & Qigong?
Like Tai Chi, QiGong is concentrated, slow moving, low-impact and ideal for all body types. Both practices work with movement and breathwork, but with differing techniques. Although there are many similarities between the two practices, there are differences that set them apart.
Tai Chi
- Originally developed for self-defense
- Emphasis on integrating the body, mind, and spirit
- Promotes balance, relaxation, and coordination
- Attention to proper posture and alignment
- Movements are performed within a certain sequence
Qigong
- Originally developed as a holistic practice
- Emphasis on balancing the energy systems
- Promotes health and longevity through movement
- Attention to movement to stimulate Qi (life force)
- Movements are slower and more repetitive
Tai Chi and Qigong At Gateway Healing Center
Sifu Joseph Sing Cheung is our Tai Chi and Qigong instructor, providing both group classes and 1:1 private lessons.
Private lessons can take place at Gateway Healing Center or virtually. One-on-one coaching allows the instructor to give undivided attention– to ensure proper breathwork and movement. A private lesson is ideal for anyone who is a beginner and wants to gain more confidence in this style of movement. Private lessons are also beneficial for someone who has been doing Tai Chi or Qigong for a longer period of time and is looking for instruction on advanced techniques.
The virtual group classes are interactive and are ideal for people of all ages and abilities. Sifu Joseph guides the class through the movements, offering insight and corrections to anyone who needs it. Members of the class are able to ask questions and for modifications. This class is ideal for someone who has space in their home or yard to move about freely.
Sifu Joseph recommends those participating in a QiGong or Tai Chi class wear loose fitting clothing to allow freedom of movement.
Prepare for your virtual group class by having:
- Stable internet connection
- Space in your home to move
- The registration link handy at the time of class
When you take the class virtually, you're welcome to remain on-screen and unmuted, or if you'd prefer the privacy you can turn off your video. Questions and interactions are welcome during class!
To prepare for your in-person, private class:
- Please arrive at Gateway Healing Center a few minutes before your scheduled time
- Wear loose fitting clothing
- Bring a water bottle and a towel
This private instruction is meant to help deepen your practice, from wherever you are starting. Feel free to interact with your teacher, ask questions, make mistakes, learn and have fun!
Like any other movement practice, continuing your work with ongoing instruction can help you meet your goals, learn new techniques, and avoid injury.
You can schedule your private or virtual group classes in advance. This way you can create consistency for your practice.
Booking Your Tai Chi or Qigong class at Gateway Healing Center
You can book your Tai Chi class here or your Qigong classes here. If you do not see a day or time that fits with your schedule, please call us to see if we can make accommodations.