Conference Recap
Many thanks to all those who made the First Conference on Medical Qigong & Integrative Medicine, held January 7th & 8th, 2011, a GREAT success – a special thanks to all the volunteers, keynote speakers, presenters, teachers, performers, exhibitors and attendees!
The opening ceremony energized the evening with a breathtaking harmony of healing music, qi-inspired dance and celebration. We are honored for the grace, beauty and talent of Jennifer Lovejoy, Lauri Amidon, Nathalie Guillaume, Mary Anchondo and Rimma Drovetskaya.
Saturday morning began with a stellar Yi Ren® Qigong practice led by Bill Fouts, senior IQ&IM instructor. Jennifer Lovejoy, Ph.D. presented fascinating information about how we can apply the lessons of internal alchemy with our daily life and guided us through a meditation – allowing us to experience the transformation within our own body and mind connection. Lauri Amidon, Sylvia Nogaki, Diana Lindsay and Joyce Greenberg courageously spoke of their healing stories with Yi Ren® Qigong – a true inspiration of this self-healing modality! Guan-Cheng Sun, Ph.D. shared results from a recent survey project, Impact of Yi Ren® Qigong on Self-Care. This study, along with the many healing stories that have surfaced over the years, led to the creation of IQ&IM’s new Inspired Self-Healing Program (ISHP), which will launch in February 2011. Dr. Sun also announced the institute name change to the Institute of Qigong & Integrative Medicine.
After the lunch break, David Kearney, M.D. acquainted us with the practice of mindfulness-based stress reduction and led us through an unforgettable mindfulness eating exercise using a raisin. Amy Putiri, M.S. C.N. presented results from the pilot study, Qigong as Self-Care Improves Glucose Management in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes, while Michael Friedman livened up the afternoon with his experiences as a study participant and his journey as a dedicated Yi Ren® practitioner. Additionally, IQ&IM instructors Mark Wigzell and Lauri Amidon demonstrated exercises specifically designed to heal type 2 diabetes.
Bill Fouts and Dr. Sun introduced the Certified Teacher Training Program along with Ann Moses and Victor Steffens, Ph.D., who spoke of their unique experiences with Yi Ren® Qigong and the teacher training program, in addition to how Qigong has impacted their lives and professional careers. Whether you are new to Yi Ren® Qigong or a long-time practitioner, we hope that you enjoyed the afternoon break-out session to experience Yi Ren® Qigong led by Bill Fouts and certified IQ&IM instructors.
Nooshin Darvish, N.D. FICT wrapped up the conference agenda with her beautiful explanation of the Art of Integrative Medicine – weaving in all aspects of this year’s conference theme: Cultivating Healthy Qi, Developing Healthy Behaviors and Building Healthy Community.
On behalf of the First CMQIM Committee, I am pleased to announce that we are planning for next year’s conference in April 2012. In an effort to make the proper adjustments, it is helpful to gain your perspective of your experiences during this year’s conference. Please complete our survey by Monday, January 31st, 2011. The survey may take up to 10 minutes to complete. Your feedback is important to us – tell us what you think!
Peace & Blessings,
Amy
