What is the ChiBall Method?

The ChiBall Method is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and incorporates a synergy of six ancient and modern exercise philosophies to promote balance and wellbeing; Tai Chi, Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais and Meditation. It integrates TCM's theory of yin and yang, chi - our vital energy, the meridian system, and the five seasonal elements.

The ChiBall movements and meditations are based on Chinese medicine's traditions which take an overview of how your body, mind and emotions function, helping you to rebalance all areas of your life. According to TCM, the purpose of daily exercise, healthy eating and harmonious living is to cultivate internal harmony so that the external can reflect radiant health and happiness.

The Philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine - a brief overview

When Chi flows through the meridians, it ultimately enters every cell in the body. Without a steady flow of Chi, our bodies do not receive full nourishment. Each organ has its own meridian, and there is meridian that affects each part of the body.

Dr. HONG LIU (The Healing Art of QiGong)

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has within its philosophy four main concepts

• Yin and Yang are opposite states of energy that are in constant motion, striving to achieve balance in all things
• Chi - our vital energy is the life force present in all creation. Chi keeps yin and yang moving and alive
• The Meridian System are invisible pathways within the body, through which the life force flows to our internal organs
• The Five Elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water, five natural elements through which yin and yang energies are expressed

Six exercise disciplines are incorporated within the ChiBall Method

1. Tai Chi-Qi Gong
2. ChiBall Dance
3. Yoga
4. Pilates
5. Feldenkrais and
6. Relaxation

These six disciplines and are used to

• teach the concept of balance within the movements and exercises - yin & yang
• promote cultivation and management of energy - chi or qi
• gain appreciation of our internal organs, energy systems and their characteristics - the meridian system
• experience the connection between each exercise element and our physical, mental and emotional strengths and weaknesses and create harmonious health by aligning with nature's example - the five elements

The ChiBall Method Elements, Yin/Yang and the Five Elements

1. Tai Chi-Qi Gong is rising yin & the wood element
2. ChiBall Dance links the rising yin energy to radiant yang and reflects both the wood and fire elements
3. Yoga is radiant yang and the fire element
4. Pilates is descending yang and the earth element
5. Feldenkrais is rising yin and the metal element
6. Relaxation is condensed yin and the water element

In addition to embracing the four key elements of TCM a Classical ChiBall class uses the six exercise disciplines to bring a mindful approach to the practise to cultivate balance, harmony and rejuvenation of the body's internal energy system

• Tai Chi and Qi Gong cleanses, rejuvenates and refreshes the internal body by working with the breath and meridian system
• ChiBall Dance is used to generate energy, mobility and flexibility using vigorous to gentle, slow, continuous movement patterns which aids detoxification and oxygen supply to muscles
• Yoga increases strength, flexibility, concentration, balance and self-awareness
• Pilates develops core strength, supports the spine, stabilises the pelvis and increases mobility of the joints
• Feldenkrais Method helps us rediscover the effortless movements patterns of childhood, and cultivates the art of listening and letting go
• Deep Relaxation induces calmness of mind and body through deep breathing, visualisation techniques and meditation