Do you have Monkey Mind?

Do you have Monkey Mind? Holiday anxiety can lead to what the Chinese call a restless mind: Monkey Mind. Unmet expectations, overspending, and simply doing too much can lead to anxiety.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the effects of psychological stress can weaken immune function and trigger inflammation, raising the risk of autoimmune disease, coronary artery disease, and depression. For years, research has laid out the facts that these ailments respond well when stress is removed. Qigong is compatible with traditional and complementary medicine, enhancing recovery.

"Just as people practice daily dental hygiene by brushing their teeth, committing to some mindful relaxation is a form of brain hygiene - it cleans out and strengthens the synaptic connections in the brain," says Daniel J. Siegel, MD, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and author of "The Mindful Brain."

In our busy, tech-filled lifestyles few of us really relax. Just sleeping doesn't count, especially if you go to bed with a full mind of stress.

This is where Qigong ("chee gong") comes in. It's a Chinese practice that incorporates physical postures, breathing techniques, and mental focus, intended to improve physical and emotional health.

"When you remove outside stimulus you can go inside and support your spirit," says Qigong Master Teacher, Dawn Song. "In the relaxation process comes health benefits."

What seems like a very simply exercise (we're not talking treadmills or weights here) ...can be very difficult due to the speed at which we live our lives.

"However, everybody can benefit from Qigong. Even for those who can hardly move there are many simple forms that can be done. It's not uncommon to hear a new class member say, 'I can't believe I didn't know how to breathe.' Qigong gives you something to focus your mind on and therefore let go of everything else. In doing this you support your spirit," says Song.

Song has her Masters in Education, is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Qigong Teacher, and has studied, practiced and taught the healing arts for over 40 years.

Recently returned from five full days of additional instruction on the Soaring Crane style, Qigong instructor Joyce Brown has found relief from back pain.

"Sometimes good health is just a matter of paying more attention to your body," she says. "Before I started with Qigong I felt like I was 70. I'm in my 50s and now, with practicing Qigong, I feel like I'm in my 40s! Qigong is a tool you can use for your health."

Both Song and Brown are offering classes in Sisters:

Master Teacher, Dawn Song, Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Sisters Women's Gym, 413C W. Hood Ave., $10. Learn more at http://www.DawnSong.com or call 541-550-2929. Men are welcome.

Instructor Joyce Brown, Saturday and Sunday, January 24-25, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tollgate Rec Center. To register call 420-5875 or e-mail [email protected]