Newsletter   •   Sep 10, 2026

Awaken Your Vitality: The Ancient Healing Power of Five Animal Qi Gong

September 2026

Welcome everyone to our September newsletter!

At last, winter ends and we welcome the spring season. Though early spring can still feel crisp and refreshing, there is so much to see, hear, and immerse ourselves in as nature begins to bloom. As the days brighten, there is a gentle boost in our energy that naturally invites us to move, refresh our routines, and embrace the new season.

To help align our practice with the season, I wanted to share a few exciting updates on how we can continue supporting our health together.

I am delighted to be offering a special Five Animal Frolics Qi Gong Workshop in October, joining forces once again with experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist Paige Olsen.

Developed over 1,800 years ago by the legendary physician Hua Tuo, the Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi) is one of the oldest and most effective systems for mind-body wellbeing. By embodying the spirit and movements of five animals, we work directly with internal organs, meridians, and core vital energy:

• The Tiger (Wood): Strengthens the waist, back, and joints, building courage and internal power.
• The Deer (Water): Encourages spinal flexibility and gentle twisting to nourish kidney energy and inner calm.
• The Bear (Earth): Focuses on grounding, stability, and digestive health through gentle torso rotation.
• The Monkey (Fire): Improves agility, balance, and hand dexterity, bringing a light-hearted joy to practice.
• The Crane (Metal): Expands the chest and lungs through gentle, wing-like stretches to enhance deep breathing and emotional clarity.

This workshop is designed to welcome everyone, regardless of fitness or prior experience. It is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, listen to your body, and enhance the vitality that nature offers us this season. More details of the workshop is at located here. Day one focuses on the Five Animal Frolics Qi Gong form, while day two explores the Five Elements connected to these movements. There are limited spots for the workshop. Secure your place early to avoid disappointment.

It is always encouraging to see modern research confirm the health benefits of Tai Chi and other Chinese exercises. The recent study published at British Journal of Sports Medicine this year has this finding: Tai Chi was found to significantly ease chronic musculoskeletal pain and stiffness while boosting bone mineral density in people with osteopenia and osteoporosis. If you are interested in finding out more about this largest review, the link is here. Please share this significant finding with others and encourage them to give Tai Chi a go!

For me, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are not merely physical routines, they offer a quiet space to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and vitality. Beyond improving physical strength and flexibility, moving with awareness acts as an anchor in a fast-paced world. As we learn to harmonize our breath and movement, we develop an inner balance, discipline, and calm that help us navigate everyday stress with far more ease.

For those who attend this term, I hope your Tai Chi commitment with regular practice brings you the fruits: a strong body and a calm mind. I also hope you are having fun and making friends and social connection through our weekly classes. I want to thank everyone for your presence and dedicated energy that make our Tai Chi community so special. Our last Tai Chi class this term will be on 25th September. There will be a two-week break before the new term starts.

Our term 4 Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes will officially begin on Wednesday 14th and Friday 16th October respectively. To enroll and start your holistic self-care journey, please click here. There are also many free online resources to keep you active and relaxed outside the class time. Let’s continue moving, meditating, and staying grounded together as we step into this new season. Whether you are returning to deepen your practice or taking your very first steps, having a simple and regular Tai Chi routine is a powerful way to bring balance and energy into your everyday life.

I look forward to seeing you in the class and the Qi Gong workshop soon.

Yours in Tai Chi,

Fang & the Meridian Connection Team