Qigong is a Chinese discipline that integrates movement and meditation.
By Jim Smedley
Staff Writer

GREENWOOD – Betsey S. Foster thought she would study Qigong for about six months to improve her balance as a telemark skier.

That was in 1988.

After 16 years of study and practice of the self healing art that combines movement and meditation, she will be begin teaching it in evening classes at Stephens Memorial Hospital today.

She described Qigong as a Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intentions.

“It’s very gentle movements done in conjunction with breath,” Foster said.

Qigong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs, according to the National Qigong Association.

“It’s for relaxation, for promoting good health and a gentle exercise to help heal from surgery or illness. It’s a way of restoring Chi – vital energy, bio-electric energy – within your body,” she said.

She said there is an accompanying philosophy with Qigong, but people do not have to accept it to benefit from the exercise.

Foster said she began teaching as a way of sharing Qigong. She said hers will be the first class taught in Oxford Hills.

She said Qigong could benefit anyone, regardless of age, ability or belief system. She said children can learn, but most often those she has instructed have been primarily adults, age 30 and older.

“It tends to be a little too internally focused for teenagers,” Foster said.

Her class will be at the board room at SMH and held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

There is a cost, but Foster said she uses a sliding fee.