1. Qigong Class is Popular Offering
Northwestern is partnering with Spring Forest Qigong to offer a Qigong course to students this
fall. The current session ending Nov 16, has 32 attendees that are mostly students. The Level
One class includes lecture, discussion and active exercises that focus on increasing self-
awareness, building internal energy, and developing a healthy body. Northwestern offered the
course to staff and faculty during the summer and then decided to expand the program for
students.
Kathy Allen, associate dean of academic services for Minnesota College of Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine, took the introductory Qigong course and felt an improvement in her overall
health. liThe class really helped me reduce stress," said Allen. "I feel calmer and have more
energy during the week."
The class is taught by Sheila Judd, director of education at Spring Forest Qigong. Judd started
teaching Qigong six years ago after experiencing her own health challenges. "I was looking for
holistic healing to help me," says Judd. "Qigong helped me learn more about who I am and
what I'm here to do."
Participants who practice Qigong are usually looking for help with stress, pain in the body,
spiritual development, or help with more serious conditions such as cancer or heart disease.
"Some people experience immediate reduction in stress or pain, while others experience it
later," Judd said. "Participants begin opening up to the energy and how it works to balance the
mind, body and heart.
Portia Richardson, T1 MCAOM student, has enjoyed learning about her mind, breathing,
posture and sound. "I think it's fundamental to understand Chinese medicine because
experiencing Qi in my own body will allow me to understand how it works in other people,"
said Richardson.
Richardson is among many students who are learning how to apply Qigong to their everyday
lives. "I am expecting to develop some practical techniques to help me increase my own
awareness," said Richardson.
Judd expects to see an increase in participants that have a desire to learn Qigong as stress in
our daily lives continues to grow. "People are looking for tools to help balance their energy as
well as learn techniques to help their family and friends balance their energy," said Judd. "The
techniques we teach are simple for anyone of any age or experience level to learn and
practice."