Footwear: Qigong is often done barefoot, but shoes with non-skid soles (like sneakers) are also fine. If I wear shoes, I prefer a thinner sole (think Keds), but you may have different needs. Because they can be slippery, socks are not recommended unless they have a non-skid bottom. Flip-flops, shoes with leather soles, and shoes with heels are not appropriate. Also note that some locations may not permit shoes in the practice area.

Clothing: No special clothing is required, but please wear something that allows you to move freely. This can be workout clothes or street clothes, as long as they allow you to do things (to the extent that you are able) like squat, stretch your arms above your head and in front of you, and bend over to touch your toes.

Exercises can be done either standing or sitting in a chair. You can switch back and forth as needed.

In a typical class there is little to no floor work, though on occasion we may do some exercises or stretches on the floor. Student ability and preference will be taken into account before doing floor work.

Any of the exercises can be modified if you have an injury or restriction that prevents you from doing an exercise as shown. Perfect form is less important than the intention of doing the best that you can within your own limits.

Qigong is not typically covered by health insurance in the US, even when used to help with a specific medical issue. However, you may be able to use money from your FSA (flexible spending account), HSA (health savings account; sorry, those on Medicare are not eligible for HSA's), MSA (medical savings account), etc. Check with the company that runs your plan for the following: alternative healing, complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM), qigong, medical qigong, tai chi, Chinese or Oriental medicine. We are happy to work with your medical provider on a letter of medical necessity (LMN) if one is required. We can also provide a superbill for you to provide to your health insurance if you are able to submit claims on your own.