Begin with “Gather Energy From the Heavens,” move into “Shoot the Golden Eagle;” flow into “Separating Heaven and Earth.” If you were studying Qi (chee) Gong right now you would have recognized its first three basic movements. Qi Gong, the oldest of all the martial arts, began 3,000 years ago in China. “Qi” is Chinese for energy, and “gong” is skill. Qi Gong is an exercise and healing technique that involves meditation, controlled breathing and movement exercises.

In 2005, Judy Milinowski began practicing Qi Gong in Machu Picchu, Peru with a group of 25 adults. This was one of many tours she led through her company Alternative Adventures. Milinowski brought students to locations around the world where they would experience, and be transformed by, the ancient, healing and spiritual energies there.

On that 2005 trip, a member of the group was a Qi Gong Master, unbeknownst to Milinowski who knew him just as a friend of her business partner. “He would go out early in the morning doing Qi Gong movements,” recalled Milinowski. “We would watch him and we were fascinated by it. We went out to practice with him every day during those two weeks. We were finding it was a way to harness the energies at Machu Picchu.”

Returning from Peru, Milinowski studied with Qi Gong Master Ken Cohen who authored the book “Art and Science of Qi Gong,” for four years. She became a teacher of Qi Gong in 2010. Milinowski is also a Reiki Master, a Shamanic Practitioner, a Certified Behavioral Kinesiologist, a certified yoga teacher, and is certified in Mind/Body Medicine. She is also the co-creator of Holistic Training in Universal Healing, a two-year certification program in Mind/Body/Spirit Medicine.

Milinowski has been offering Qi Gong and meditation classes in the region for several years. This summer, she led outdoor Qi Gong at Barrett’s Park on Saturday mornings at 8 through early October with up to 25 people. There was enough space there to maintain the six-foot distancing necessary due to COVID-19.

She’s also gone the virtual route. She continues to offer three virtual Qi Gong classes each week on Zoom, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9, and Thursdays there is Qi Gong Meditation at 4 p.m. Donations per class are welcome ($1, $5 or $10). Half of those donations go to Boothbay Region Food Pantry. Milinowski estimates that by the end of October, her Qi Gong students will have donated $1,000 since March.

“Everyone knows about yoga. I want to bring Qi Gong to the community,” she said. “Even if you’ve never exercised before you can do this at any age. Practicing Qi Gong, you stand in one place. I’ve had some students sit in a chair. The most you’ll do is step out as far as you can from side to side.” 

This month, Milinowski is offering the 10-week course “Journeying Into Qi Gong For Self-Healing,” Oct. 19 through Dec. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. EST. Each week, she will cover one of the 10 phases of Qi Gong. Week one begins with what Qi is and how to access it. There will be meditation and visualization components, and breathing techniques as well.

Find a full description of this course, the registration form and payment information at www.judymilinowski.com. If you have questions, send her an email: milinowskij@gmail.com

A free two-hour introductory session on ZOOM about Qi Gong will appear Monday, Oct. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. The first intro session held Oct. 5 was well attended.

Milinowski also teaches special Qi Gong exercises for brain optimization for better clarity, memory, focus and concentration.

Milinowski said she’s more excited and passionate about Qi Gong than ever. and wants everyone to experience the benefits she has derived from her daily practice.

“Our culture, in general, has not caught up with this powerful healing modality. People are so stressed out, especially in this time (COVID-19),” Milinowski said. “You need to really bring it into your life. In Qi Gong you are using your mind to harness energy, experience the incredible connection with Mother Nature. You learn how to tap into it… The benefits of Qi Gong will impact everything you do.”