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.
Spring
The Season of Growth & Renewal
The next 4-week beginner’s course embraces the vibrant energy of spring—a time of awakening, expansion, and renewal. Just as we see nature start to show signs of growth, this practice focuses on cultivating flexibility, vitality, and smooth energy flow. Through Taoist yoga, Dao Yin, and Qi Gong, learn to release stagnation, open the body, and harmonise with the season’s rising yang energy. This journey supports a fresh start, helping you build strength, restore balance, and move forward with clarity and vitality.
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
Dates and Times:
Tuesdays evenings
6:30 – 7:45 PM
Starting 18th March for 4 weeks
£60
Thursday mornings
7:15 – 8:30AM
Starting 20th March for 4 weeks
£60
Join both Tues and Thurs courses
Starting 18th and 20th March for 4 weeks
£100
Join one of our two beginner courses starting in March. Both courses cover the same material and you are welcome to attend either class or to deepen your practice, you can attend both for a discount.
Each 1hr15 class meets at Hackney Showroom. Places are limited and the courses tend to get booked up fast so secure your spot by booking online.
Join the mailing list below to get 10% discount on the course.
Hackney Showroom (next to Clissold Park)
4 Murrain Rd,
Finsbury Park,
London
N4 2BN
Get 10% off the courses by subscribing below. Can’t commit to the Spring beginner’s course? 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.”
