Finding Balance with Free Qigong Classes

The Huntley community have joined a global movement and embraced an ancient Chinese form of exercise know as Qigong (Chi Gong). It is an easy-to follow combination of deep abdominal breathing, gentle movements and mental focus that has help over 80 million people a day achieve calm energy.  Qi or Chi (pronounced chee) means energy and Gong means practice and literally refers to “energy exercise.”

I was first introduced to Qigong by Dr. Pam Fernandes, a Huntley chiropractor, who leads a free one hour class at the American Community Bank. Dr. Fernandes began studying this ancient preventive health care method more than 15 years ago from Dr. Richard Yennie who is a leading expert on acupuncture and Qigong.

Dr. Fernandes has been sharing her knowledge of Chi Gong (her preferred spelling) to our community for over five years. At this week’s class I asked Dr. Fernandes why she teaches Qigong for free.  Dr. Fernandes replied, “I have a vision for the residents of Huntley and the surrounding area to ‘live long and prosper’, to put it in Treky terms.  I deeply believe that the best way to a long, healthy life is as Thomas Edison stated about future doctors: ‘The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.’ In my twenty-three years of practicing chiropractic and acupuncture, the past six have been in Huntley.  I am so grateful to this community for the wonderful receptivity they have given Fernandes Chiropractic and as a way to express my gratitude I teach Chi Gong (Qigong) classes.”

Dr. Fernandes's class has a core group of students who have been attending for over two years. They are reaping the benefits of this ancient Chinese healing system. They all echo the same feeling of calm relaxation and getting the stress out of their lives. Judy says “it just gives you a good feeling letting the energy flow through you. Our world is going fast and it is a beautiful way to calm down. It releases your anger and brings you within yourself. Judy and her friend Debbie first met Dr. Fernandes at a talk she gave about achieving balance in your life. Debbie reflects how Dr. Fernandes is calm and gentle as she walks you through the movements.

Sophia mirrors the comments, “it is a very calming wonderful way to forget about everything and spend a half hour in total piece. Qigong impacts on how I view things. It is human nature to spend time thinking about scenarios that could happen in the future. Qigong really lets you stay in the moment.” These three women were all in agreement that Qigong has brought positive balance to their lives.

The class appeals to all ages. One of the young mothers who attended this week’s class said she enjoyed the self massage she found missing in her yoga classes. She had been invited to attend by two other friends. Dr. Pam, as I like to call her, has developed an eight week course to learn the basics of Chi Gong so we can use the technique on our own.  The women I spoke to still attending the group class to enjoy Dr. Pam’s method of finding your Chi.

Classes are free and open to all ages at the lower level of the American Community Bank (map) every Tuesday (except the second Tuesday of each month) from 1:30-2:30 pm. No registration is required just remember to dress comfortably, bring a yoga mat or bath towel. Dr. Fernandes would like to encourage you to come and enjoy a pathway to optimal health. She will also be speaking on the benefits of Chiropractic Health at her annual Girlfriends’ Luncheon Friday, March 11 from 12:30 to 2:30. It’s free if you bring a friend (girl or guy) or $5 a person. Call (847) 669-6071 to reserve a seat or if you need more info on the Qigong classes.