Chi Kung: exploring the five elements: mixed levels

Discover the five elements of Chi Kung based on Chinese medicine theory. Explore how earth, metal, water, wood and fire elements relate to the seasons as you progress through the three terms. The earth and metal elements will be covered in this term.

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Key course information

Dates
20/04/12 - 22/06/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
10 weeks

Time
16:00 - 17:15

Fees
Full fee: £86
Senior fee: £51
Concession: £41

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
FFC82

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This is an introduction to Five Elements Chi Kung. These elements, based on Chinese theory, are Earth, Fire, Water, Metal and Wood. The Earth and Metal Elements will be covered in the autumn term; the Water and Wood Elements in the spring term and Earth and Fire Element in the summer term. Some theory will be discussed and work on static and movement postures will be demonstrated.
The aim is to introduce the Five Elements over the terms in relation to the seasons, showing some of their associated postures and movements along with the benefits.
We started term 1 with the Earth element and we finish term 3 with the Earth element – emphasising the importance of being grounded, centred and calm as we work through the elements.

What topics will we cover?

The course will cover the basic principles of the Wu Chi posture. In this term some basic theory relating to the Fire and Earth elements will be introduced. The Fire element is associated with Summer – like Wood, it’s a time of expansion, transformation, everything in nature is in full bloom at this time; . The related organs are the Heart (yin) and the Small Intestine (yang); there is also secondary Fire, organs being Heart Protector (Yin) and Triple Heater (Yang, not an organ, but more the thermostat of the body).
The Earth Element is associated with late summer; is nurturing, grounding and calming. The organs associated with this element are the Spleen (Yin) and Stomach (Yang).

Warm up exercises, static postures, movement postures as well as walks relating to the Fire element and Earth element will be covered.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

(for the Fire and Earth elements)
- practise the warm up exercises demonstrated
- hold the static postures
- describe and reproduce the movement postures
- demonstrate the related walk/s
- maintain the Wu Chi stance
- show some knowledge of the basic theory.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for those who already have some Chi Kung experience. For beginners, please see Chi Kung: moving from the centre or Chi Kung and Relaxation’ courses.

You will need to be able to read and write short sentences; follow verbal instructions; observe and copy physical movements and have the ability to use spatial awareness within a group.

PLEASE SEE THE PRE-EXERCISE CHECK LIST BELOW:

To assist us in providing a safe and healthy environment for you to exercise in please take a moment to consider the list below. If you have suffered from any of the conditions listed, please check with a medical practitioner whether it is suitable for you to undertake an exercise programme and bring a referral letter from your doctor to your tutor. If you have not checked, or if it is not suitable, please do not participate in an exercise or movement class.

- Do you ever have pains in your chest?
- Have you had any operations or injuries in the last year?
- Do you often feel faint or have spells of dizziness?
- Are you receiving medication for any condition?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Is there anything else we should know about your health?
- Do you have a bone or joint problem, such as Arthritis, Osteoporosis, back or knee problems?

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through demonstration and active participation. The course tutor will give individual instruction when necessary during the class to enhance and develop your practice. Some handouts will also be provided.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You should wear loose comfortable clothing. Bring along a blanket/shawl or warm clothing for the day
Certain books will be recommended.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other Chi Kung courses listed in the course guide. T'ai Chi courses.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2622

health@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30

Non term-time Tuesday 17.30 - 18.30 Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Health and movement studies

Tel: 020 7492 2622

health@citylit.ac.uk

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