Canadian Psychologist in Moncton to present book on self-healing methods, November 22.

A13

Ashleigh VanHouten

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

Speak Up

How good do you feel right now? Are you well rested, energetic, healthy, happy? The sad truth is most of us could use work in these areas. While we may spend lots of money on the concept of "self-healing" - energy pills, hypnosis, you name it - most of us never really get there; we would rather find a quick fix than actually take time out of our busy schedules to feel better. Still, every one of us wants to live a longer, healthier life, and a local author may have found the answer for us.

New Brunswick psychologist Dr. Chok Hiew's book, Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong Healing: Healing Self, Healing Others, describes the art of Qigong practice, an ancient Chinese form of self-healing that has found followers all over the world. Qigong is a meditative practice often using slow, graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote circulation within the body and enhance overall health and well-being. There are more than 10,000 styles of Qigong and over 200 million people practicing these methods around the globe. Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong (CFQ), a modern form of Qigong training, harmonizes mind, body and spirit to create a state of deep relaxation - which one of us couldn't use a little more of that?

To help readers find that harmonious balance between mind and body, Dr. Hiew's book introduces healing exercises and mediation techniques that can eliminate chronic pain and disability as well as enhance circulation and reduce stress.

Now, if you're wondering whether CFQ may be too difficult or complicated for you, don't worry; the practice is essentially a set of calm, smooth breathing and movement patterns and can be practiced by all ages and all fitness levels. While some see it as a spiritually connecting experience, others view it as simply a great way to warm-up for the day, a way to stretch and kick-start their metabolism. Even better, it's something you can do easily in the comfort of your own home, at any time.

And if you still aren't convinced, medical Qigong treatment has been officially recognized as a standard medical technique in Chinese hospitals since 1989 and has been included in the curriculum of a number of major universities in China. In 1996, the Chinese government listed the practice as part of their National Health Plan.

Dr. Hiew, who will be presenting his book and the CFQ technique in Moncton on November 22, has been a Professor of Psychology at the University of New Brunswick for over 30 years. As a trauma specialist in international psychology he has introduced the practice of Qigong in humanitarian work for at-risk families and children facing exploitation, disease, armed conflict and natural disasters. As a founding trainer of CFQ Qigong he has pioneered research and its application and authored and co-authored seven books with Master Yap Soon Yeong, renowned CFQ Founder from Malaysia. He trains healing instructors throughout North America and offers workshop training to audiences everywhere. Dr. Hiew, who grew up in Malaysia, has lived in Fredericton since 1974.

Join Dr. Hiew as he presents his latest book on the healing Qigong technique on Sunday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Wedgewood Hall/Beausejour Curling Club on 80 Lockhart Ave in Moncton. This morning session is a free event that includes a book presentation, book signing and a group healing session. In the afternoon, from 2 to 5:30 p.m., the author will take you through healing movements and a light meditation session for $25. For more information, please contact Micheline Gaudet at 506-854-4042.