Movements of Harmony
Tai Chi ~ Qigong Facilitator
My friendly, person-centered approach, will provide your clientele with an experience of harmony and serenity, while also providing them with a gentle workout.
As a Recreation Therapist by trade, I consider all participant's levels of strengths and abilities in my program facilitation.
Benefits include:
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promoting mindfulness and a state of tranquility
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easy to follow, range-of-motion exercises, including gentle rocking and stretching movements
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fosters a positive mood
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decreases agitation and restlessness
A Bit About Me
My Experience, My Passion
As a Recreation Therapist by trade and Tai Chi / Qigong facilitator, Daniel Semenuk has an impassioned belief that everyone should be engaged in leisure interests that aim to increase their well-being, regardless of their capabilities. With this tenet in mind, Daniel has become a firm believer that practicing Tai Chi / Qigong has the propensity to increase everyone's wellness and enhance our true spiritual nature. After training with the revered Sifu Wing Cheung in Ontario, Daniel has gained a deep understanding of Tai Chi / Qigong philosophy.
Daniel has been serving the Southern Ontario and Greater Toronto Area since 2010, having started as a rehabilitation therapist in the field of acquired brain injuries (ABIs) and eventually shifting to the field of recreation therapy in long-term care & retirement homes. Daniel began facilitating Tai Chi / Qigong in the community in 2018.
Daniel holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Toronto and post-graduate diploma in Recreation Therapy from Mohawk College. Daniel is currently enrolled in the Traditional Chinese Medicine program at Eight Branches ~ College of Eastern Medicine, studying acupuncture, Eastern herbalism, and manual therapy. He is a practitioner of Aikido, Goju Ryu Karate, and Wing Chun, and an avid ecotherapy enthusiast.
Introduction to Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi
Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi is a set of Qigong exercises which is based on the philosophy of Tai Chi and extracts some of the best movements from the Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. It places emphasis on synchronizing the 18 movements with proper breathing techniques. It is a gentle, beautiful and flowing Qigong exercise routine that is both a joy to do and deeply relaxing.
Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi is designed to improve the general health and wellbeing of the practitioner. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. And the overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. This Qigong is very effective and easy to learn. The gentle movements doubled by the rhythmic breathing are suitable for people of all ages as it does not put too much stress on muscles and joints if done correctly and can be practiced sitting or standing. It is practiced around the world by over 10 million people, and is considered a national health exercise in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Services offered
Bringing the essence of mindfulness, relaxation and movement to your clientele.
Long-term care ~ Group Session
(35 minutes)
$70/each session
Packages: $130 (two sessions/mth), $180 (three sessions/mth)
This class is designed for long-term care residents with any level of ability. It includes modified movements from the level 1 Qigong Shibashi forms, which are easy to follow, yet effective in producing a sense of relaxation, while also benefitting from range-of-motion exercises. Some of the movements include a gentle bend at the waist and a gentle twisting of the torso. A spacing of at least 4 - 6 feet from the next participant is advised, side-to-side. Instructions and reminders are provided to residents throughout the session with which best form to use to ensure they complete them safely and in best practice. All sessions are run alongside relaxation music (a music player is brought to each session).
Retirement Home ~ Group Session (40 minutes)
$75
Packages: $140 (two sessions/mth), $195 (three sessions/mth)
This class is designed for residents of retirement homes with any level of ability. It includes movements from the level 1 & 2 Qigong Shibashi forms with a slightly increased difficulty than the LTC session, which are easy to follow and effective in producing a sense of relaxation, while also engaging in range-of-motion exercises. Some of the movements include a gentle bend at the waist and a gentle twisting of the torso and can be completed standing or sitting. A spacing of at least 4 - 6 feet from the next participant is advised, side-to-side. Some additional theory behind Qigong / Tai Chi and mindfulness will be presented throughout the session. All sessions are run alongside relaxation music (a music player is brought to each session).
1:1 session (30 minutes)
$65/each session
A 1:1 session scheduled directly with Dan. The first session will start with learning the movements. Any additional sessions will work on refining the movements. Focus will also be placed on proper breathing techniques and mindfulness techniques. This 1:1 session would normally be facilitated at the client's residence (however alternate locations can be selected - e.g. outdoor spaces such as parks, dependent on the season). All sessions are run alongside relaxation music (a music player is brought to each session).
Water Tai Chi (Ai Chi) ~ (30 minutes)
(SOON TO COME)
This class is designed for the pool setting. It includes modified movements from the level 1 Qigong Shibashi forms, which are easy to follow yet effective in producing a sense of relaxation, while also completing range-of-motion exercises. Some of the movements include a gentle bend at the waist and a gentle twisting of the torso. A spacing of at least 4 - 6 feet from the next participant is advised, side-to-side. All sessions are run alongside relaxation music (a music player is brought to each session).
"Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice... has value in treating or preventing many health problems."
~Harvard Women's Health Watch, May 2009, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
