Qigong and the Chinese Five Elements: An Immersion Teacher Training (online)
With Mimi Kuo-Deemer

October 6 - 10, 2021, hosted by triyoga
 
This five-day immersion training for teachers and teachers in training will be a journey into qigong and its relationship to the Chinese Five Elements/Phases (Wuxin 五行). By honouring our bodies as a microcosm of Nature’s macrocosm, participants will discover how qigong supports our ability to live in greater harmony Nature, which is inherently balanced, harmonious and whole.  Interweaving highly experiential practices, Daoist and Buddhist philosophy, practical theory and relevant anatomy, this course will explore how and why qigong can positively impact one’s physical, mental and emotional health.  Key concepts and principles that underpin qigong practice will also be integrated and offered as ways to deepen one’s embodiment of the practice as well as offer a springboard for sharing qigong in clear, safe, authentic, and accessible ways.
 
Each day will include active practices, visualisations and meditations, discussions and applications of theories. Subjects covered include:
  • The Yin/Yang theory of balance and qigong’s Daoist and Buddhist roots
  • An exploration of each phase/elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water and their associated seasons, meridians and organs, characteristics, movement qualities, spirit, and emotions
  • Elemental qigong forms relating to each element/phase
  • Meditations and visualisations relating to each element/phase
  • Principles of movement, intention and energy flow
  • Contraindications and precautions in practice
  • Ways to structure a practice
  • Using language and imagery in qigong
 
Day One: The Great Source of Wholeness – Introduction and overview of concepts, principles and ideas underlying qigong and the Five Elements; exploration of the Wood Element theories, practices and forms

Day Two: Where Intention Goes, Energy Flows – Principles of movement, intention and energy flow; exploration of Fire Element theories, practices and forms

Day Three: Align the Body, Align the Heart – The spirits and emotions of the Elements; exploration of Earth Element theories, practices and forms

Day Four: Movement and Stillness – Structuring a practice, developing narratives and themes; exploration of Metal Element theories, practices and forms

Day Five: Harmony and Balance – Sharing qigong authentically, creatively and safely; exploration of Water Element theories, practices and forms
 
Prerequisites:
Previous attendance on Mimi’s Qigong for Yoga Teachers 3-day immersion, and/or a minimum of 18 months of consistent qigong practice.
 
Course Reading and course book:  Each participant will receive a course manual with a summary of the content and illustrated guide to forms. It is also advised to read in advance and have a copy of Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis: Nourishing Practices for Body, Mind and Spirit for the course.
 
Certification: Participants will receive a certificate for this training upon completion from Mimi.

Scholarships:
Three scholarship positions are available for this course:
  1. BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of colour)
  2. LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual and others)
  3. Financial Hardship

Contact Flavia at triyoga or download an application here to apply.
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Some kind words past participants have shared about this course (offered via Zoom in April 2021)


An excellent course; fabulous manual provided before the course. The course itself was very well structured and clearly delivered with real consideration for the long days on Zoom. I came away feeling I had gained a clear understanding of the 5 Elements and a deeper appreciation of qigong as well as some lovely practices and really useful ideas for improving my offering to my own students. – Melissa Cambell 

Mimi's training is a journey into the depth of our mind, heart, body and spirit. Flowing though rivers of wise words and a delicate and powerful energetic practice to give new life to the body, it delicately and harmoniously integrates all that is needed to re-emerge to a new depth of physical and spiritual. – Sara Parisi


This training was a warm and fruitful island on the vast ocean of knowledge thanks to Mimi's wise, open, supportive, and sympathetic teaching. Her unique approach makes one curious, researching, sharing, confident, and well-knowledged about their practices.  I feel lucky that I had a chance to shape my qigong journey with her, a great teacher. – Derya Boyaci

​Whether you're a movement practitioner or student, this training workshop is a wonderful and transformative journey. Mimi's knowledge is vast and her teaching skills are nothing short of brilliant, creative, engaging and utterly inclusive making this a truly embodied experience. Sensational! – Stella Zack-Idiz