Omtropy

Omtropy - ChiBall

Monica Linford taught highly energetic classes, but lacked the energy to do anything else and was plagued with frequent colds and injuries.  Despite being an expert in the latest health and fitness research and techniques, she lived in complete ignorance of her own physical limitations and unaware of the true state of her own health and well-being.  In 1991 she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) but continued at her hectic pace until needing a major operation on her leg.  Whilst recovering from the operation she was fortunate to be introduced to a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  He explained that in TCM, ME is referred to as a depletion of our living energy , the Chinese call it chi.  He recommended gentle, non-strenuous yoga classes and 10 to 20 minutes meditation a day to help deal with the emotional stress which was draining her energy and contributing to the ME.  After 6 months of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, yoga and meditation her energy levels began to return.

Having seen the benefits herself, she started to introduce some of the relaxation techniques into her own classes.  However some students left and she realised that they were a reflection of how she was a few years previously - unable just to be still and relax.  She also started to notice how much effort her students needed to be able to stretch.  To help them become aware of their physical limitations, she had to find a way of encouraging them to relax without realising it, and also to enjoy themselves.  She wanted to create at Eastern exercise class dressed up as an aerobics session from the West.  When visiting a physiotherapist for back pain, he got her to roll her bottom round on a small ball to relieve the pain caused by a trapped nerve.  She realised that by using the ball to move, stretch and reach, she was stimulating the energy pathways in her body almost effortlessly.  As her breathing increased, her chi (energy) was being stimulated.  The idea came to her that a ball is a perfect metaphor for energy and this marked the incarnation of the ChiBall Method which she developed over the next few hears.

Principles

The ChiBall method is a synergy of ancient and modern exercise philosophies.  Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine's concept of balance and well being it integrates:

• Tai Chi and Chi Kung - to cleanse, rejuvenate and refresh the body by working with the breath and the meridian system;
• ChiBall Dance - to generate mobility and flexibility through gentle, slow, continuous movement patterns which aids detoxification and oxygen supply to the muscles;
• Yoga - increases strength, flexibility, concentration and balance;
• Pilates - develops core strength, supports the spine, stabilises the pelvis and increases mobility of the joints;
• Feldenkrais - rediscovers the effortless movements of infancy;
• Deep relaxation - using breathing and visualisation techniques for mind and body calmness.

This class appeals to all ages and physical abilities.  The focus and blend of these elements changes according to the season to match the varying needs of our bodies and minds.