The Shaolin Therapy Clinic Ireland Frequently Asked Questions:   Q: What is Shaolin Cosmos Qigong? A: Qigong or Chi Kung as the art is also known, is a very ancient art and modern science. It is different from physical exercise as it it the training of energy and mind.There are many styles and schools of Qigong, we practice Shaolin Cosmos. In 527AD, Bodhidharma (a prince who had given up his wordly goods to study Buddhism), arrived at the Shaolin Temple in China. This temple was known as 'the foremost temple beneath Heaven'. He taught the monks in the temple a set of exercises, which allowed them to stay in meditation but move around. He had wisely noticed that while they were spiritually advanced, physically they were very stiff from sitting for long periods, were sleepy and also had little energy. This set of exercises was known as The Eighteen Lohan Hands. He also taught a set called Sinew Metamorphosis which we have also directly inherited. Q: How is Shaolin Cosmos Qigong as taught in the Shaolin Wahnam Institute different from other types of Qigong? A: In Shaolin Cosmos Qigong we learn to generate energy by means of a meditative state of mind.. The generation of energy is visible as the client moves spontaneously, as soon as the chi or energy begins to flow more strongly through the meridian system. It is very enjoyable, although initially some clients may be a little nervous allowing the spontaneous movement to happen, feeling that they may lose control. However, at each session the movements are allowed to happen little by little, under the supervision and encouragement of a qualified instructor/Master. Q: What benefits should I expect to attain? A: Each client is different and has different aims and aspirations. Generally speaking, clients begin to feel an immediate sense of relaxation, calmness, better sleep, hope and deep sense of joy. Some begin to feel pain relief or other sensations of energy flow e.g heat, cold, pins & needles, watery eyes, runny nose, etc These are common signs that the energy has started to flow more strongly through the system and healing has already begun. Many people practice Shaolin Cosmos Qigong for lifestyle reasons e.g being able to deal with stress more effectively, for increased mental clarity-being able to clear the mind of thoughts enabling a more efficient use of the mind in dealing with problems, study etc. Others still come to develop internal force and vitality and others for spiritual cultivation. At its lowest level Shaolin Cosmos Qigong improves our health, eliminates pain from back injuries, arthritis, migraines, headaches etc, at its highest it can bring us nearer to God. Q: What happens at the Shaolin Therapy Clinic? A: The Clinic has opened in Dublin and Kerry, to allow clients access to the expertise of Sifu Joan on a one to one customised private basis. Clients are assessed and asked to set aims and objectives at the first session. Depending on the 'problem' if any, Sifu Joan will initiate the client into 'chi flow', open significant points (at the healing/ therapy consultations) to allow the chi to flow more freely, and set up a special customised daily programme for each client. The length of each session will depend on the presenting problem, but should be no more than one hour. The teachings of Shaolin are simple, but profound and are also direct and effective. The quality of the session is important not the quantity. If Sifu Joan can help the client in less time than it may take others,  it should be seen as a bonus, allowing extra time for the client to enjoy family and friends. The common problems seen at the clinic are: back injuries, headaches, neck pain, sports injuries, migraine, phobias, arthritis, allergies, stomach problems, kidney problems, lung problems, irritability, PMS, impotence, infertility, heart and circulatory problems and stress. All ailments are assessed before treatment. Following extra training, Sifu Joan now specialises on clients who wish to throw away their crutches, walking aides and wheelchairs. This is a very  specialised area. Consultations are over a one week period, twice a day and very tough. The client really wishes to walk again. Fee includes a one week stay with bed and breakfast in The Malton Hotel, Killarney and is €5000.00. Q: What is the sequence of attendance? A: Once you email or ring for an appointment, you will be seen as soon as there is availability. Clients are usually asked to attend for 3 private consultations within a 3 month period. Each consultation is charged as follows: Shaolin Therapy €360.00 - €5000.00 per course.. The amount of time between consultations depend on the presenting problem(s), the dedication of the client to continue to enhance treatment daily and the mindset of the client.. Please contact Sifu Joan for further clarification for your individual needs at the following email: sifujoan@gmail.com or fill in the booking form page. Q. What should the client wear and bring to the clinic? A: It is recommended that loose clothing be worn, as tight fitting garments/jewellery may constrict the flow of energy. Clothing is worn throughout the session as are shoes/runners. Nothing else is needed for the session. Q: What is the duration of daily practice? A: Again, in line with the Shaolin philosophy of being simple, direct and effective. The best results are seen from a practice session of 15 minutes twice a day. Recommended times are early morning (6am -9am) and evening (9pm -12midnight). Practising for longer periods or increased sessions are NOT recommended due to the high standard of this type of Qigong. Q: Who is Sifu Joan Browne? A: Sifu Joan Browne overcame a chronic back and neck injury by practising Shaolin Cosmos Qigong taught to her by world renowned Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit. Her prognosis was that she would end up in a wheelchair and she was on high doses of medication a day for six years. Not only that, she was also attending an osteopath, physiotherapist, on home traction and attending anybody else who would help relieve the constant deep seated pain. Her diagnosis was 2 fused discs in her neck and 4 protruding discs in her upper back.She felt hopeless, alone and despairing as well as in constant pain.  After attending Grandmaster Wong's Intensive course in Malaysia in January 2000,, she was surprised that her daily practice was helping to keep the pain under control, thus enabling her to throw away the painkillers. Emotionally she had never felt so good and after 8 months, the pain was completely gone and full movement was restored. She was then accepted by the Grandmaster to become one of his disciples and was extremely honoured. She has spent the last ten years studying all aspects of Shaolin and Shaolin Cosmos Qigong and continues now as an inner chamber disciple of this wonderful gentle Grandmaster. She founded the Shaolin Wahnam Institute of Ireland in 2001 has been teaching groups in Ireland since 2002. She has also taught in London & Manchester in the UK and Tokyo, Japan. Her own depth of skill has vastly improved due to her continuous training with Grandmaster Wong and because of this continuous training, she can offer the very best to her clients in terms of techniques and skill simply using only Shaolin Cosmos Chi Kung. Master Joan works with chi, which is why her results with her clients are extraordinary and unique. She is the Chief Instructor in Ireland, is a Shaolin Wahnam Certified Shaolin Therapist. She is a registered Psychiatric nurse having nursed for over 12 years in acute and geriatric settings. She is the leading expert in distant chi transmission in Ireland  Q: How do I apply for private sessions? A: Application may be made using the application form here.  A reply will be sent directly to the email address which has been given in the application form, so please make sure that it is correct. An appointment will be given and also details of payment options. If an appointment is cancelled by the client without good reason, the first session payment is forfeited. All private sessions take place in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 and in The Shaolin Wahnam Centre, Gortluachera, Kilgarvan, Co Kerry.  Payment can be made on the day of the consultation or beforehand by paypal, cheque or cash. Q: What age group is acceptable? A: Because of the gentle meditative and energy movements, Shaolin Therapy or Medical Qigong is suitable for any age group. Children usually from 8 years upwards and Adults any age. Children need to be supervised during home practice by an adult. Q: Is there a high level of fitness needed? A: No, the movements are chi movements and are very gentle, even people in wheelchairs are able to practice. Q: Does Sifu Joan travel to other countries? A: If there is not an available Shaolin Chi Kung Master in the country of enquiry, the answer is Yes! ,  Travel and accommodation expenses should be included. Please contact the Shaolin Therapy Clinic for further information or fill in the application form.