Volume One: Integrating Neuroscientific Principles is mostly lecture that presents an introduction to how the brain processes information and, using that information, how to use specific patterns of movement to activate and create new neural pathways in the brain. Learn how we use mental practice and visualization to tap into the power of training the mind to affect mental, and physical, well being, and even to repair brain injury.

Volume Two: 12 Key Exercises to Activate the Brain are combined to provide a full one-hour practice session. The constant rhythmic motion is profoundly relaxing. The 4 parts include: 1) Spinal Dynamics, 2) Head and Neck Circulation, 3) Mental Practice, and 4) Left/Right Brain Synchrony.
In each part we focus on both a physical exercise and mental exercise that involves a visualization of energy movement.
The beginning focuses on the dynamics of the spine and the concept of central equilibrium. This is the physical straight spinal column relaxed and balanced in gravity along with fluid energy dynamics created by movement and the mind.
Mental Practice is described for each movement where exercises are designed to train the mind to work within the physical body, generating a visualization of energy flow. The exercises teach you to create a strong root, or sense of balance, how to cultivate a sense of qi, and a method of effortless walking with intent, focus, and energy.
Exercises to balance left and right brain activity have powerful effects both mentally and physically. Here, the mind is trained to move the body, balanced around a singular point of focus.
Head and Neck Exercises provide an abundant blood supply to the brain. Head and neck massage, relaxation and meditation can increase circulation, particularly to areas damaged by stroke or brain injury as well as open doors to higher consciousness.

email Susan for more information: mail@susanamatthews.com

12 Key Exercises for Brain Health

1) Arm Swings with Mental Intent on Central Equilibrium (Zhong Ding)
2) Gathering Energy using Mental Intent for Up/Down Energy Movement
3) Spiral Up and Stretch
4) Head and Neck Massage
5) Relaxing, Qi Filling Breath Meditation
6) Zhong Ding Rooting and Stretching
7) Left/Right Sinking
8) Qi Walking with Central Equilibrium
9) Sitting Figure-8 Qi Circles
10) Open the Back
11) Backwards Bicycle Punches
12) Arm Swings with Central Equilibrium and Bicycle

These two DVDs contain elements of Brain Workshop training for speeding neural repair and plasticity in patients with movement disability such as those who are recovering from stroke, brain injury, or who have progressive neurological symptoms as seen in Parkinson's Disease.

They also contains tools and specific movement principles for therapists to use to aid in learning and memory acquisition. For example, speech and reading therapists can incorporate rhythmic movement as a right-brain activity to facilitate left-brain repatterning.

Similarly, this mind-body integration training uses movement synchronization and rhythm coupled with mental practice that effects both physical and mental balance.

For mental health, Brain Workshop technique is like EMDR therapy using the whole body.

What is Tai Chi, Really? George Xu Answers

Tai chi has a long history in China. Long ago, martial artists in China discovered that using "internal" principles in the practice of taijiquan improved their health overall as well as their fighting skills. During recent years, tai chi has been increasingly recognized among westerners for its great health benefits. Highly-accomplished Chinese tai chi "masters" who have come to the United States since before the 1970s deserve credit for introducing tai chi to the western world.

In What is Tai Chi, Really? Master George Xu, with Susan Matthews assisting, discusses and demonstrates internal principles while performing selected Chen and Wu Style postures. They give the viewer a better idea of what to look for when practicing. Both Master Xu and Sifu Matthews demonstrate a section of the form, then discuss internal aspects. Master Xu demonstrates with Susan how power comes from utilizing internal principles of tai chi.

Whether or not you practice tai chi for its health benefits or for martial skills, it is the internal principles that make any tai chi practice beneficial.

What is Tai Chi, Really? is for anyone wanting to learn internal principles of taijiquan. The information it contains can benefit beginner or advanced practitioners, whether you focus on health or fighting. Even non-internal martial arts practitioners can use the information to incorporate into their particular style of practice.

Filmed at Shanti School of Taijiquan in Durango, Colorado. 46-minutes. $19.95

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Internal Structure Testing: Chen Style Tai Chi
with George Xu and Susan Matthews

One of the best things about attending a tai chi workshop with a master from China is having an opportunity to see internal martial art principles applied by a highly experienced practitioner. To understand the principles you should train with a high-level master as often as possible. But not everyone is close enough to a teacher, or can afford to attend regular private lessons, or even weekly group classes, with an authentic master teacher.

Watching Internal Structure Testing is like being part of a private instruction session. Master Xu and Susan Matthews discuss energy-body movement concepts while they practice selected Chen Style postures. They convey fundamental and advanced internal principles of tai chi that everyone needs to know to reach new levels of ability and well-being. These include beginning stance, single whip, and half of the first section of the Chen form.

Internal Structure Testing is a unique example of a teacher working closely with a student to reach that ever-fluid point of understanding - what the master knows and the student struggles to grasp. You will enjoy the personable interaction between Master George Xu and long-time student, Susan Matthews, who is also a highly accomplished tai chi practitioner and teacher, as well.

Master George Xu is well-known and admired for his open and very informational style of teaching. For him, no secret is too secret. He believes that if you give freely you will be rewarded ten-fold for your generosity. Master Xu is highly sought-after by students and teachers the world over. He has regular workshops through out the year in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, France, and Italy. See www.susanamatthews.com for his schedule and Susan’s, too.

This video complements What is Tai Chi, Really? also produced by Serai Communication Arts and Shanti School of Taijiquan. Includes Scene Selections to facilitate training while you practice along with them. Filmed at Shanti School of Taijiquan in Durango, Colorado. 52-minutes. $24.95

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Daily Breast Massage™

Holisitic Healing and Prevention with Physical Therapy and Qigong

with Susan Matthews, MS, ND

Daily Breast Massage™ is a simple technique that can eliminate lumps and cysts within a few short months. This instructional video is an excellent home practice aid for any age or ability. Detailed instruction contains descriptions of breast anatomy, blood circulation, and lymph drainage. Self massage works miracles, even for chronic fibrocystic breast disease. Watch the video clip below to hear testimonials from women who have freed themselves of pain and fear! Video contains essential principles for cultivating healthy qi, for training mind to move qi, blood and lymph. Specific circular hand/finger movements are demonstrated. This loving and nurturing practice has many benefits beyond healthy breasts. Massage is performed lying down. Additional instruction for sitting qigong QiCircles™ is included to round out your practice and benefit whole-body health. For only $19.95 you can't lose. You cannot afford not to do this. Every woman should be using this as a method of prevention of breast disease everyday-- like brushing your teeth!

Daily Breast Massage™ is highly recommended and safe during pregnancy (increase nipple massage). Massage aids in the ability to transition into nursing with less engorgement and dramatically reduces the potential for blocked ducts. (Milk-producing hormones do not kick in until birth.) ©2008 $22.95

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Tui Na Lecture and Demonstration by Dr. Gordon Xu at China Camp 2007.

Massage with internal martial art application. Always an interesting presentation by Dr. Xu who attended the first China Camp in 2004 and gave another excellent demonstration and discussion of the art of massage from internal martial arts perspectives. He works on two camp participants who have chronic pain injuries. Instructional and informative if you're interested in this medical art. Length-41:47 min.©2008 $24.95

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Yun Yin Sen at George Xu Summer Camp 2006.

Master Yun Teaches Liu He Ba Fa, Primordial Qigong, and Push Hands at this week-long Summer Camp with George Xu in the beautiful coastal redwoods near San Francisco (La Honda). Yun performs first movement of primordial qigong on clip. ©2006 $29.95

 

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