Body Restoration
Qigong, Mobility, Stretching
PSE Electrolysis Conference
Lancaster, PA
April 30, 2011
Basic Premises
We thrive with lots of varied movement
 Ability to move tied to well-being
 Move Better = Feel Better

Born to Move
Exercise correlated to health, longevity
 Mobility linked to quality of life
 Maintain physical abilities over many
decades:

◦ 2004 NY Marathon: 19 y.o. times = 64 y.o.
times (Born to Run)
◦ Roy Taylor set deadlift record of 451 lbs at
age 69
Progress?
“Is Sitting a Lethal Activity?” –New York Times 4/17/11
Mind-Body Link
“To keep the body in good health is a
duty... otherwise we shall not be able to
keep our mind strong and clear.” -Buddha
 Exercise in children affects mental
development and behavior
 Active seniors stay mentally sharp
 Exercise boosts mood

Zen and the Art of Moving


Movement is a skill. Cultivate and maintain it.
Unify the mind and body. Pay attention to
movement.
Approach
Prefer open, extended postures
 Ensure mobility of all joints
 Use breath to control diaphragm and
linked fascia

Open Postures
Modern life full of flexed, closed postures
 Counterbalance with opening movements
 Studies show posture affects perceptions:

◦ Upright posture = confidence,
slumped posture = uncertainty
(Ohio State 2009)
◦ Open, expansive postures increase feeling of
empowerment (Harvard/Columbia 2010)
Joint by Joint Mobility
Body ideally acts as coordinated unit
 One joint not moving properly can effect
many other joints in chain

◦ Especially with thoracic spine and hips

Ensure that every link in chain can move
Breath Control
Fascia spans entire body, linked
to diaphragm
 Combine lung inflation with
diaphragm control to move and
stretch soft tissue
 Massage effect =Turn mobility
exercises into “qigong”
