Course Syllabus
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Introduction to Energy Work
Date: November 5, 12 and 19th
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Island Lake Community Center (gym entrance)
Instructor Information
Name: Cyndie Shea
Email: cyndiesverve1@gmail.com
Phone: 224-256-7535
Course Description: This is a 3 week course designed to
introduce energy work from the world of Complementary
and Alternative Medicine. Showing how the mind and body
are connected and can heal from within. Each week a new
discipline will be introduced and practical application
applied. The mind – body medicine basic techniques that
will be explored are Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong as well
as an overview of CAM on day 1. Open to all.
Course Materials: Comfortable apparel, water bottle,
towel and mat or large towel. Some of the class
postures will require floor work. Free of Charge.
Course Outcome: By the conclusion of this course the
participant should be able to distinguish between the
basic techniques of Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong as well as
have the basic concept of proper breathing and focus
techniques.
Schedule: Each week will be split into 3 – 30 minute
segments, except for week 1.
Week 1
Overview of CAM
Week 2
Introduction to
Tai Chi
Instruction of
Tai Chi
Practical
Application
----
Week 3
Introduction to
Qigong
Instruction of
Qigong
Practical
Application
Mental Fitness
Introduction to
Breathing
Instruction of
Yoga
Practical
Application of
Yoga
*Note – All participants must fill out a Health
Questionnaire in order to partake in classes.
Lecture Notes
Week 1
Section 1 (30 minutes)
Introduce myself
Get to know the participants
Collection of Health Questionnaires
Handouts dispersed
Overview: Define Complementary and Alternative Medicine
– Power Point
Define Energy Work
As energy flows, it flows through all living things in
distinct patterns. This pattern of flow is called qi,
the life force within your body. Energy work refers to
the techniques that are part of ancient traditions in
which the practitioner manipulates the bioenergy of the
client. Bioenergy is energy contained in all living
biological organisms. Certain forms of exercise have
been developed for the cultivation of bioenergy; these
are yoga, qigong and tai chi. There are three concepts
to understanding energy work; they come in the form of
intent, cooperation and the tripartite nature of human
beings. Intent is that of what the practitioner
projects to the client; the intent to heal. Cooperation
between practitioner and client involved in the healing
process. Tripartite concept refers to the acceptance of
the three parts of a human: body, mind and spirit.
Introduction to Breathing
Breathing or as it is known within these disciplines is
pranayama. In order for each of these In order for each
person to get the most out of their energy work they
must first learn to breathe properly. I have a video to
show to teach the art of breathing.
Yoga pranayama 1, the full breath (You Tube Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0ZlG6BmKJ4&list=SP041504B26F01AB62&index=1
Section 2 (30 minutes)
History of Yoga
Yoga is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline where
breathing, simple meditation and exercise is
implemented to control one’s mind and body. Yoga simply
is a process of reversing the normal outward flow of
energy and consciousness so the mind becomes the center
of awareness.
Simple Yoga Warm Up (You Tube Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQnH6VU2pi8
Instruction of Yoga
Ashtanga yoga poses for beginners (You Tube Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg2lwuRuRtc
Section 3 (30 minutes)
Practice poses
Discussion and Question and Answer
Week 1 Handout
Breathing Techniques
Mastering the breath (Pranayama) is one of the main
techniques and tools in Yoga, and I believe this is the
most powerful tool we have to enhance our health,
mentally, physically and emotionally. The full breath
is the first pranayama exercise which sets the correct
base for all the other pranayama exercises, let your
breath be relax and deep. The breathing exercise that
was shown in this class is suitable for beginners, this
ancient routine was part of hatha yoga.This breathing
exercise can help your health and induce relaxation.
Pranayama is often practiced after yoga poses and
stretches and may also be implemented with meditation.
Yoga
Poses
Sun Salutation to Downward
Facing Dog
How do you believe that Yoga could best fit into your
life?
_______________________________________________________
_____________________________
What did you believe that energy work was before you
entered this class?
_______________________________________________________
_____________________________
Would you like to learn more about Yoga and its ancient
practices?______________________
Below are Resources to find Classes in this area. My
Yoga Online ~ http://www.myyogaonline.com/?gclid=CLz_rODiq7oCFSNp7AodaU8AtQ
Lecture Notes
Week 2
Section 1 (30 minutes)
Greetings and breakdown of today’s class
Handouts dispersed
Introduction to Tai chi
Tai Chi is implemented to improve one’s Qi. Qi is the
circulating life force whose existence and properties
are the basis of much of the Chinese philosophy and
medicine. Tai Chi is a Chinese method of slow
meditative exercise implemented to achieve relaxation,
balance and health. Tai Chi Chuan means “Supreme
Ultimate Force”. Supreme ultimate is very often
associated with the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang a
very dynamic duality. Tai Chi is a slow, graceful,
fluid movement, an almost undetectable rhythm. Tai Chi
is a combination of mental concentration done with slow
controlled movements meant to focus the mind. Tai Chi
is also used as training to promote and maintain good
health.
Section 2 (30 minutes)
Instruction of Tai Chi
Basic Warm – up
Sun Salutation A
Tai Chi for beginners – Yang Basic 8 Step (You Tube
Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOPHsY0FnlE
Participants follow through with video
Section 3 (30 minutes)
Practice Yang Basic 8 Step
Discussion and Questions and Answer
Week 2 Handout
Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai chi is a holistic approach to wellness that
includes the body, mind and spirit: the concentration
is on the relief of the physical aspects of stress on
the body and mind. The focus and calmness that is
brought about by the meditative ways of Tai Chi have
been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that this
discipline can maintain optimum health. There has been
much research to this effect that the practice of Tai
Chi can bring about the promotion of balance and
flexibility. What a great way to bring about the mind,
body and spirit balance. Scientific studies show that
Tai chi has helped with acute tension headaches and
have been helpful with migraines.
Some helpful research information:
Tai Chi and Qigong Show Some Beneficial Health Effects
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/071910.htm
Tai Chi Helps Parkinson’s Patients with Balance and
Fall Prevention
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/news_articles/Li_TaiChi_and_PD.htm
Tai Chi Movements
After participating in Tai Chi do you think you would
benefit from its practice? __________
What other types of Complementary and Alternative
practices would you be interested in?
_______________________________________________________
_____________________________
Tai Chi Resources - Instructor Locator
http://www.americantaichi.org/about.asp
Lecture Notes
Week 3
Section 1 (30 minutes)
Greetings and breakdown of today’s class
Handouts dispersed
The Importance of Mental Fitness, Did You Remember To
Exercise Your Mind Today? – Power Point
Introduction to Qigong
Qigong Pronounced (Chi Kung) is an ancient Chinese
health care system that integrates physical postures,
breathing techniques and focused intention. As in the
power point there are many ways to implement mental
fitness, Qigong is a great way to stay focused and keep
one healthy. As the American Master Cohen; he referred
to Qigong as “working with the life energy, learning
how to control the flow of distribution of qi to
improve the health and harmony of mind and body.” The
idea of flowing energy is shared by many that practice
Qigong. The qi system of healing has been documented as
far back as 4000 to 5000 years ago. There are actually
two foundational forms of Qigong the first would be
dynamic or active; this involves visible movement of
the body. This is what you will learn today. The second
form would be meditative or passive positions that
involve inner movement of the diaphragm – breathing.
Section 2 (30 minutes)
Instruction of Qigong
Basic Warm up
Sun Salutation A
8 Brocades of Qigong (You Tube Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQbfysOBxhI
These brocades should be practiced every day and using
5 – 10 breaths per brocade
The 8 Brocades of Qigong
Pressing the Heavens with Two Hands (lifting the sky)
The Archer’s Bow
Separating Heaven and Earth
Wise Owl Gazes Backward
Dog Wags its Tail
Touch your Feet
Clenching Fists and Blazing Eyes
Shake Illness from the Body
Section 3 (30 minutes)
Practice the 8 Brocades of Qigong
Discussion and Question and Answer
Week 3 Handout
Health benefits of Qigong
The 8 brocades is one of the most frequently practiced
sets of exercises in qigong and have been practiced for
over 1000 years. The 8 brocades give life and energy to
the whole body by massaging the internal organs which
in turn promotes health and longevity by channeling qi
to each of the internal organs associated with the five
chakras. I have included the health benefit of each
brocade.
The 8 Brocades of Qigong
Pressing the Heavens with Two Hands (lifting the sky) –
Strengthens the digestive system
The Archer’s Bow – improves circulation, strengthens
arms shoulders and chest, also cures insomnia
Separating Heaven and Earth – combats stress, corrects
imbalances in the digestive system
Wise Owl Gazes Backward – strengthens neck and eyes,
balances any imbalances in the liver and gallbladder
Dog Wags its Tail – releases tension and promotes
healthy functioning of the bladder and kidneys
Touch your Feet – promotes healthy qi flow around the
body and kidneys, strengthens the back
Clenching Fists and Blazing Eyes – increases the qi
coming into your body, boosts concentration and energy
level
Shake Illness from the Body – shakes illness away,
promotes a sense of wellbeing and relaxation