 Birthing from Center specializes in holistic exercise for pregnant and new mothers. By infusing prenatal care with the ancient healing arts of T’ai Chi and Yoga, Birthing from Center creates a nourishing practice that celebrates the miracle of pregnancy and birth. This supports a woman’s internal birthing strength and wisdom so that she and her baby can experience pregnancy and birth from center. What is T’ai Chi T’ai Chi began in China as an ancient healing art rooted in the very essence of who we are. T’ai Chi is a martial art, an internal healing art, a spiritual practice, a philosophy and most importantly, a way of being balanced and centered in life. T’ai Chi is rooted in the harmony and balance within nature and within our own mind, body and spirit. T’ai Chi balance stems from a commitment to center. What is Yoga? Yoga stems from the Sanskrit word yuj, meaning to join, to unite. The ancient healing art that originated in India is a doorway to self-understanding and a vehicle to unify the mind, body and spirit in the sacred heartbeat of center. This unification is beyond words; it is this essence that creates the foundation to our core and the path to center. This journey into center involves awakening self-awareness and discovering balance within our environment. What is Center? Center is the internal reservoir that knows and feels truth in every moment. Within T’ai Chi, our center is called the tan tien or hara in Yogic terms, and is located about two inches below the belly button and one third of the way inside the body. The tan tien or hara is the heart mind center. It is the energetic, emotional and physical core of our being. Balance occurs when our center is in equilibrium with the heavens and the earth. Birthing from Center integrates T’ai Chi and Yoga to teach us how to move in balance and in connection to our center. Taking the time to connect and establish an intimate relationship with center provides the foundation for moving from center in extraordinary experiences, such as birth. Create Internal Space The practice of Prenatal Yoga and T'ai Chi create frequent travel through the body’s internal channels optimizing the cultivation and circulation of qi or prana (life force). Like a flowing river, circulating qi or prana clears out places of stagnation while simultaneously preparing the body for birth. This helps create more internal space for mother and baby to be more comfortable during the growth and development of pregnancy. In addition, the circulation of qi builds physical endurance, awakens internal strength, stability and balance and establishes a clear sense of physical and mental invigoration without stress or strain. It is the perfect activity for a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Peaceful Birth Warrior Childbirth challenges a woman’s normal paradigms by pushing her beyond her everyday comfort level. Prenatal Yoga and T'ai Chi teach a woman how to yield to the guidance of her body without resistance. Each moment can then unfold one at a time. Childbirth is best handled one moment at a time. When a woman practices being present and connected to the moment with a quiet mind and open heart, she truly prepares herself to handle whatever birth presents. Connect with Baby Birthing from Center creates the time and space for mother and baby to unify in the heart beat of center and to truly experience the depth of bonding. Practice strengthens a woman’s ability to listen inwardly and deepens her connection with her baby. This creates the opening for a relationship based on balance, center and inner stability. The gentle nature of Prenatal Yoga and T'ai Chi penetrate the inner core of a woman’s body and radiates outward, thus fully saturating her baby in profound healing energy. Modern science has yet to explain the healing potency that is available from qi cultivating practices like T’ai Chi and Yoga. Prenatal T’ai Chi and Yoga require a commitment to the present moment. Each moment is an opportunity to breathe, listen and move into balance. This enhances mindfulness of the body’s limits and personal responsibility for maintaining comfort. Birthing from Center offers appropriate Prenatal Yoga and T'ai Chi practices for preconception through postpartum. These practices are a wonderful complement to professional healthcare and an integral component in a woman’s whole well being. Copyright © 2003-2006 Birthing from Center. All rights reserved. |