My Story

My qigong journey started in 2005 when I was fortunate enough to be employed by a charity delivering a rehabilitation programme.  One of the classes introduced the clients to qigong and although I had practised yoga for many years I had never heard of this practice.  When the project ended I continued to try to practise what I had learned but struggled to make sense of it with such little knowledge. The reality was that I was waving my arms around, trying to remember the moves and not really getting anywhere.

After a life changing visit to India in 2009 I walked away from my career and with my horticultural knowledge I set myself up as a gardener. I soon found myself working full time in a job that I loved but it was starting to take a heavy toll on my body. Tendonitis in my forearms, elbow and shoulder joints became painful and finally so much pain my upper back, I could no longer practise any of the load bearing asanas in yoga. I endeavoured to find answers to my physical issues and knew I didn't want to take painkilling drugs every day so I tried physiotherapy, which seemed to aggravate the problems and then deep tissue massage which was excruciating and gave me next to no relief. I tried many alternative therapies all to no avail. Although I loved my newly found career I was beginning to question whether or not I could continue. I turned to the internet and started to research qigong thoroughly

Here began the miraculous recovery of my physical problems. I began to study and practise qigong every day and after about 6 months all the problems began to get easier, I felt much more comfortable in my body and continued to work as a gardener. I totally fell in love with the practice of qigong and started my training to teach Shibashi set 1 in 2018. I've continued my training with teachers in the UK, Europe and China and now teach a range of qigong forms both ancient and modern. The people I've worked with are from all walks of life from year 12 students to the more elderly living in retirement villages. One of the highlights in my teaching is taking  part twice a year at Oundle School's 'Have a Go Day' for young people with disabilities. They are often paired with carers who help them and the joy on everyone's face is a wonderful experience. 

Please visit the 'About Qigong' page for more information on this beautiful practice.