The National Council on Behavioral Health estimates that 90% of all people have experienced significant trauma at least once in their lives. Trauma, whether psychological, emotional, or physical has been definitively linked to significantly increased rates of chronic diseases including COPD, Heart Disease, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Past trauma experiences play a pivotal role in a person’s capacity to fully and freely engage in life.

Qigong & Tai Chi are often touted as more gentle and holistic paths to healing, but are they truly more trauma-informed in and of themselves? Not necessarily, and it’s been shown that mindfulness practices such as Qigong & Tai Chi can at times cause re-traumatization in certain individuals.

So, how can we help? 

This session will review the key principles of Trauma-Informed programs as well as highlight the foundational skills associated with making Tai Chi and Qigong effective trauma-informed practices. As holistic practitioners,  the likelihood  we are engaging clients/students/practice group members with unrecognized trauma right now is practically guaranteed. In front of us is an opportunity to become more inclusive in our approaches and ensure that applying Qigong & Tai Chi practices are safe and effective for everyone. In this course, we'll address the needs to realize the widespread nature of trauma, recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, respond effectively to trauma responses, and avoid client re-traumatization.

You'll Learn How To:

• Describe the key physiological adaptations of Complex Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and their relationship to the mental, emotion, and physical healing;
• Explain the 5 core principles of Trauma-Informed Care and their effective application in Qigong & Tai Chi practice;
• Implement three strategies to begin making Qigong & Tai Chi trauma-sensitive