Benefits of Mind Body Classes in San Francisco

Feeling stressed, stuck, and frustrated?  Battling anxiety?  Experiencing chronic aches and pains?
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These are only a few examples of conditions that can be effectively eased and managed through mind body medicine.  With over 25 years of experience in internal arts training and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Dr. Mike J. Ng will guide you through a personalized journey of self-empowerment to revitalize energy, regain control, and restore balance in your life.
 
 
What is Mind Body Movement?
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Dr. Ng's system of mind body exercises is largely grounded in traditional Chinese medicine.  The most fundamental principle of Chinese medicine is that health is found in balance.  This can be seen in the concept of Yin and Yang, which is something that is seemingly simple yet incredibly profound and complex.
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Yin and Yang are present in all living things.  Contrary to popular belief that Yin and Yang are just complete opposites, they are in actuality, two sides of the same coin.  They are interdependent.  One cannot exist without the other.  Just as night cannot exist without day, light cannot exist without darkness, and left cannot exist without right, Yin and Yang are inseparable.  They are rooted in each other and represent two parts to a whole.  They are relative not absolute.  One needs Yin to have Yang, and Yang to have Yin.
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Yin and Yang also counterbalance one another.  When in harmony, Yin and Yang are equal.  However, just as change is inevitable in life, Yin and Yang do not remain static in harmony.  There are shifts in the dynamic of their relationship.  If there is a decrease in Yin, there will naturally be an increase in Yang to compensate, and vice versa.  Yin and Yang also respond to these shifts by transforming into each other.  That which is Yin becomes Yang, and that which is Yang becomes Yin.    
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The state of Yin and Yang is reflected in the flow of Qi (vital life force) and blood throughout one's body.  Qi and blood circulate via meridians, or energy pathways, that connect mind, body, and spirit, transmitting information and transporting nutrients to nourish one's internal organs and fuel one's bodily functions.
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It follows, then, that optimal health comes from the balance of Yin and Yang.  Under these conditions, the flow of Qi, blood, and body fluids is smooth and unimpeded, and one feels strong, robust, and full of energy.  When there becomes too much or too little of either Yin or Yang, the relationship between the two enters a state of disharmony.  This imbalance impacts the flow of Qi and blood, leading to stagnation, which in turn, can give rise to physical aches, pain, and soreness; emotional distress; and even internal disease.
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Through a combination of mind intent, breath work, and relaxed movement, Dr. Ng's mind body exercises open the body's meridian pathways, unblock stagnation, and stimulate the smooth circulation of Qi and blood.  In this way internal harmony of Yin and Yang can be restored. 
 
When Yin and Yang are in balance, mind and body become unified.  When your mind and body are one, you begin moving more quickly and effortlessly, feeling more energetic and spirited, working more productively, thinking more clearly, and ultimately, thriving at your best life.
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How does Mind Body Movement work?
 
Dr. Ng draws upon his expertise in internal martial arts, corrective exercise, and Chinese medicine to offer a comprehensive, multi-stage approach that uses movement to align your mind and body.  The basic premise of this approach is that all movements are initiated by the mind, guided by the Dan Tian (core energy center), and then expressed through the body.  
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To develop and solidify this body mind connection, Dr. Ng's San Francisco mind body classes will help you to develop yourself inside and out, focusing on areas such as structural alignment and posture, sensory awareness, mental clarity, flexibility, balance, joint mobility, relaxed power, and the ability to neutralize external forces. 
 
In this way, you enter a state of deep relaxation, develop focused intent, and discover a sense of rooted, centered grounding. 
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Who can benefit from Mind Body Movement?
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The beauty of mind body movement therapy is that it can be personalized to each individual's strengths and limitations.  We all have some degree of imbalance, and mind body medicine can hone in and address these specific needs. 
 
For instance, mind body therapy can help students and those with high stress jobs to deactivate the fight or flight response and trigger the relaxation response, while soothing neck and shoulder tension common to those who spend hours working at a desk. 
 
For those maturing in age, mind body movement offers the ideal wellness exercise to ease the effects of aging, improve balance and prevent falls, as well as lubricate the joints and keep the body limber to relieve chronic aches and pains. 
 
Those living active lifestyles such as athletes, dancers, and weekend warriors can similarly benefit.  Research has shown that the best way to recover from a heavy workout or athletic event is to engage in low-intensity exercises as opposed to remaining still.  As such, mind body exercise is the optimal active recovery workout to reduce muscle soreness and enhance muscle recovery by increasing blood flow without putting heavy strain on your muscles and joints.
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How do I get started with Mind Body Classes in San Francisco?
 
Start your journey with body mind classes in San Francisco!  Dr. Mike J. Ng's body mind movement principles are integrated in all of his weekly San Francisco Tai Chi, San Francisco Qigong, and San Francisco Bagua Zhang classes. 
 
Not located in San Francisco, planning a health and wellness event, or looking for more individualized attention?  Dr. Ng is also available for specialized training and development through private and group sessions as well as lectures, workshops, and demonstrations.  Please kindly use the contact form (located to the right of this page) or send an e-mail to discuss your goals and interest in improving your quality of life with San Francisco mind body movement medicine.
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