I continue to learn and improve

I have signed up for Michael’s Qigong beginner class for the fourth time. Not because I didn’t learn from the first class, but because I continue to learn from each class I repeat. I enjoy being in Michael’s class and practicing with fellow classmates. Michael’s teaching method is welcoming, calm and non-judgmental. He breaks down each movement into small parts so that you understand and complete them properly for your best benefit. He is unendingly helpful and kind and makes the world of alternative medicine very approachable. I am very grateful I signed up for his class and may continue to repeat the class many more times.

~ Jane, OH

The benefits of the practice have been surprising

I found the overall practice of Qigong to be the most beneficial thing. The benefits of the practice have been surprising in relieving physical pain. I have a history of neck pain/spasms that would result in being unable to move my head side-to-side and experience significant pain. These symptoms were very slow to resolve, sometimes taking up to two weeks to feel better. While taking the class, I experienced one of these episodes. The pain in my neck was significantly lower and I was able to maintain mobility. The symptoms even resolved much quicker in about 2-3 days.

Also, I have found the practice to be a great way to connect with myself and body and focus on slowing down and breathing. It is a great mindfulness practice.

I found Michael’s instruction to very clear and easy to follow. I appreciated both the demonstration of the physical movement and verbal cues. Michael created a very welcoming, safe, and supportive learning environment. I found that with his guidance, I was able to learn the series of movements much quicker than I had anticipated.

~Katie M, OH

Michael and our morning community build a sense of hope and peace

Michael and our morning community build a sense of hope in others and find comfort in connection, mentally practicing together provides a sense of peace. Emotionally I feel refreshed and lighthearted after. I am physically struggling with my body and find these movements help by giving me a sense of relief.

~ Martha W., OH

Qigong practice helps me manage stress better throughout the week

My participation in the Qigong Community of Practice has supported my centering and grounding through the practice of qigong, resulting in better managing stress throughout the week. Additionally, the community energy is encouraging and welcoming – and helps me show up and maintain my practice. Big thanks to Michael for this continued offering!

~ MaryJo B.

I stand with more confidence as I lift my head up and adjust my posture

As I go about my day – so often I think ” Head to the sky”. I stand with more confidence as I lift my head up and adjust my posture. I recognize my entire body is involved. Following Michael’s instructions was very easy. Some of the eight movements were more difficult than others. The class would stop and repeat movements as needed. If a student had a question, Michael would send all students emails with additional information. I took this class twice and wouldn’t mind taking it again, continually learning something new in every session. Thanks Michael!

~ Julie, OH

The most impactful thing was learning to feel the energy and Qi

I learned a lot of useful things, but the most impactful thing was learning to feel the energy and Qi at the end of class. That was invaluable and something I can continue to build on and incorporate into other aspects of my life. Michael was excellent at explaining the concepts and working with students who needed help with the movements.

~ Chris B., OH

Doing the movements really helped me mentally and physically

Warm ups and movements were very easy to follow. Focusing on the breath while doing the movements really helped me mentally and physically. I liked that we would repeat the movements and then get pointers on how to fine tune the movements. The videos are very helpful references and the information on the acupressure points has been very helpful as well.
~ Kayce B., OH

Learning Qigong with Michael was amazing

Learning Qigong with Michael was amazing. The best part was feeling energy within and around me during class. Instructions, warmups and movements were easy to follow.
~ Carol, OH

I have not been to the chiropractor or taken medication for a migraine

I’ve taken Michael Brennan’s group Qigong class at The Ohio State University Center for Integrated Medicine three times in the past year and have developed a personal Qigong practice at home, doing the forms that Michael taught me. Before Qigong, I suffered from migraines and experienced pain and tightness in my neck, shoulders and lower back. Thanks to the highly effective and healing benefits of Qigong, I have not been to the chiropractor or taken medication for a migraine once in the past year. Take Michael’s class. You wont regret it.

~ Keila N. H., Grateful Student, OH

Effects have been surprisingly profound

The in person instructions and videos are excellent! I have been doing the 8-brocade routine twice daily 3-8 of each. Effects have been surprisingly profound. Weight and blood pressure went down a little bit. Sleeping better. Feeling calmer and more focused.

~ D.J., OH

Qigong classes where none of the movements are painful

When I broke my left big toe 14 years ago, I found myself in pain more often than not during my Vinyasa yoga class. I no longer could do the down dog or child’s pose positions without significant modification, and so gave up on yoga completely. It has been a gift to take the Qigong class with Michael Brennan, where none of the movements are painful, movement is incorporated with gentle breathing, and small corrections are constantly made on a one on one basis to maximize the benefits. Examples of corrections are making sure to bend my knees before rolling up from a bent over position, avoiding putting my shoulder into an unusual angle (and instead having it align in a straight line), and holding my ‘owl’ position with my hands in a way that allows my chest cavity to be larger by taking advantage of how my shoulder blades are positioned. One of Michael’s many gifts is a melodic deep voice that makes it easier to remember the lessons about what to do during the movements, what the health benefits are, how the movements connect to the body’s meridians, and the sequence of movements. A huge bonus is the dedicated community to practice three mornings a week via zoom after learning the movements.

~ Emily P.

Qigong is a perfect example of less is more

It was so interesting to experience subtle energy. When we play sports or do aerobic exercise, we work so hard to get results, but Qigong is a perfect example of less is more. Michael made everything easy to understand. He’s very calm and patient.

~ Laura B., OH

Michael is patient and gracious with his students

While I have a very significant back problem, I am able to do all of the movements and I feel better after I finish.  I also feel better the next day. And each time I repeat the class, I learn to further refine my movements and I increase my knowledge. I have been repeating the class for a year and enjoy it each time. Michael is patient and gracious with his students.  He is always willing to explain or demonstrate the movements again.

~ Jane H., OH

Michael clearly explains how to do the Qigong movements

Michael is such a great Qigong teacher. I really enjoy his class. He not only clearly explains how to do the Qigong movements but also the reasons behind them and their purpose.

~ Trish, OH

I learned to pay attention and enjoy playing with the QI!

Michael is a wonderful teacher and does a great job. I learned the 8 movements, the prep/massage, how to develop a practice and to pay attention and enjoy playing with the QI! Thank you, Michael!

~ Keila H.

Spirit of compassion was palpable in class sessions

Michael mentioned multiple times throughout the course that it was important to practice compassion with ourselves when doing the movements. That spirit of compassion was palpable in class sessions – it helped me to relax and re-center with the group after stressful workdays, and my movement practice outside at home has helped me to give more compassion to others in my day-to-day, as well. The instruction was very easy to follow and engaging, with plenty of humor and analogies to help the information stick. It has inspired me to continue learning Baduanjin and study more about TCM in general.

~ Bryce P., OH

Understanding that energy flows where attention goes

I felt the oral instruction and physical demonstrations were concise and simple to follow. Reiterating the instruction during the demonstrations, as we followed along, really helped to experience and feel what we were learning. There were many things that I found equally useful. One being the coordination of breath and movement. I had never studied anything like this before. Another profound realization was the pauses between breathing and moving. For me, in many ways, it was a metaphor for life. Lastly, the power of the mind to move the energy has really been very useful in understanding that energy flows where attention goes.

~ Sami T., OH

Michael is a kind soul and radiates grace, patience, and wisdom

I have been being pulled into this type of movement/mindfulness for a while and I am so glad I pulled the trigger and registered for this class. Honestly, there are so many things that I found were beneficial during the course. Some of the moves I struggled with actually illuminated some things for me emotionally by learning the meaning behind the movements. Michael is a kind soul and radiates grace, patience, and wisdom. The instructions were very easy to follow. I also appreciate the background and the intention explained behind the warm-ups and moves. I am so grateful I took this course and look forward to the next one I just registered for 🙂 I have a feeling I will be doing way more than 2 courses moving forward!

~ Aleah C., OH

It has helped me immensely with body awareness and proprioception

Learning correct form has been useful and I like that all eight movements can be accomplished in five minutes, in street clothing, and no equipment, making Qigong a practical mind/body practice for lifelong wellbeing. The videos and written instructions are well done and beneficial. It has helped me immensely with body awareness and proprioception. Michael carefully broke the movements down into achievable tasks and cues for remembering the sequence and correct form. Establishing rapport early in the class setting and honoring each student’s zone of proximal development allowed me to make progress in a safe, nurturing environment, that motivates continued practices. Michael skillfully monitors the students, adjusts and modifies to support learning and the integration of Qigong principles.

~ Thomas. W., OH