An Introduction to:
Taoist Yoga, Breathwork and Qi Gong
Join our 4-week journey to boost your energy, breathe deeper and find a sense of inner calm.
Course Overview
This beginner’s course is an introduction to the Taoist arts of Lishi. Through this journey, you’ll explore foundational practices that harmonise the body, mind, and spirit. Over the course, we’ll dive into three transformative techniques designed to cultivate balance, energy, and well-being.
TAOIST YOGA
Taoist yoga, also known as Kaimen, is an ancient practice that encourages relaxation and openness in the body. In Kaimen we move mindfully through different postures and through focusing on the breath and relaxing the body, our muscles, tendons, and ligaments are opened, promoting qi flow for increased vitality and suppleness.
BREATHWORK
Through Daoyin breathing exercises, you will learn how to take low and deep diaphragmatic breaths that energises the body and drives and powers the qi, giving you greater vitality. Daoyin benefits the whole organism by increasing the breath capacity and strengthening the respiratory system.
QI GONG
Combining relaxation from Taoist Yoga and whole-body breathing from DaoYin exercises, we will tune into the flow of qi. Through silk reeling and standing Qi Gong, we’ll use softness, relaxation, and deep breaths to move qi throughout the body, cultivating energy and leaving you revitalised and refreshed.
Winter
The Season of Reflection & Restoration
The next 4-week beginner’s course focuses on cultivating inner warmth, resilience, and balance to nurture the body and conserve energy during the colder months. Embrace winter’s natural introspection, through Taoist yoga, Dao Yin and Qi Gong, learn to root and calm the mind and body. This journey supports a smooth seasonal transition, helping you foster endurance, restore inner peace, and connect to a renewed sense of self.
Helen Wilson
I have been practicing the Taoist arts of Lishi for over ten years. I started in my early twenties when I was an art student – I had just moved to London and was in perpetual existential crisis that art school wasn’t helping with…! I started going to the weekly Lishi tai chi class which really helped me to relax, gain some perspective on things and get more in tune with my body, it was also really fun, hard work (I would leave each class achy) and made me feel alive 🙂
The immediate benefits I felt after my first class have only deepened and become more profound in the years that followed. Through following the principles and theory of Taoist practice that you learn in the classes, I am now the calmest and happiest I’ve ever been and feel better equipped to work through life’s ups and downs…
Reserve your spot
The Autumn Beginner’s Course is full but fill in the form below to hear about the next Winter Beginner Course.
Classes will take place at Hackney Showroom on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings.
Hackney Showroom (next to Clissold Park)
4 Murrain Rd,
Finsbury Park,
London
N4 2BN
Join our mailing list to stay updated on the next one.
Fill in the form below to ask a question or email me at helen@lishi.org
Continuing Your Journey
Once you’ve completed the beginners’ course, you’ll have the opportunity to continue practicing Lishi weekly at the same times for slightly longer duration. This will include a deeper dive into the yin and yang arts of Lishi including tai chi forms, partner exercises and soft kung fu.
FAQs
What should I wear?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing (T-Shirt, Jogging bottoms, trainers/pumps)
I haven’t done any movement practice before, is that ok?
This course is designed for beginners and it will teach the basic principals from each of the arts. All the exercises we teach can be adapted and tailored to exactly what you need. If they are too difficult you can ease off. If they are too easy, we can make them more challenging. Whatever your level of fitness, you have a lot to gain from these ancient exercises.
I can’t make all 4 classes, is this a problem?
It’s best to try and attend all four sessions as you’ll get a better sense of the arts of Lishi, there will be a possibility to join the other class that week if there is availability. Email me on helen@lishi.org to check.
Is it possible to drop in to one class?
It’s best to commit to the 4-week course to fully experience the benefits of Lishi and explore more of the breadth of the practice. This way, you can make a more informed decision about continuing and becoming more relaxed, flexible, energized, and confident.
Previous attendees have said:
“If you want to have better control of your energy and better mind-body relationship, with the bonus of a calming, meditative practice enhancing balance and strength, then this class is for you. Helen is a terrific teacher, touching on all aspects of this fascinating practice.”
Melissa
“Helen is a fantastic teacher! She creates a such a warm, supportive space. Left feeling so grounded and looking forward to next week’s session. Thanks Helen!!”
Dixie
“Helen is an inspiring teacher, her classes are engaging, I always feel simultaneously challenged and held.”
Sophie
“Very energising, relaxing and dynamic class- highly recommend this class for anyone interested in health, well being, mindfulness and meeting new wonderful people.”
