Aqua Qi Gong (AQG) is a water based activity Dr. Dean developed over the past quarter of a century in the hot springs in Pagosa Springs. Practicing Qi Gong in the water adds another level to your practice and proficiency. You can flip, twist and kick in water more effectively than you can on land. The weightlessness in water allows one to perform many actions impossible on land while also reaching deeper levels of meditation. AQG is easier to perform than doing Qi Gong on land. In the water you become weightless and movements are easier to perform and easier on the joints and muscles.
This whole body water exercise involves gentle circular movements like most Qi Gong, and it allows one to twist, flip and perform beautiful dance like motions. AQG allows sore, painful joints and muscles to gently move which is key to recovery while also maintaining strength and flexibility. It is one of the best ways to repair and restore the body from injury as well as stay fit as we age.
Message from Dr. Dean:
Many people find themselves closing their eyes and going inward reaching deeper states of meditation and relaxation. The warm water of the Hotsprings helps relax the body while performing AQG but performing in cold water has numerous additional benefits. Cold immersion is the fastest way to reduce pain and inflammation naturally especially if one is inflamed from over use or injury.
As everyone knows, we humans are composed mainly of water. This amazing substance is literally the barometer for the existence of life where ever we search on our planet and in outer space. Here on mother earth it is considered one of the most precious elements. Water can exist as a solid, liquid or gas and in any of its physical states it yields life to most living creatures who must consume it in one form or another.
Pain Relief Through Aqua MassageGrowing up as a child in a big family, there were always chores to do and before we could go outside and play with our friends things had to get done. I always wanted the chores that involved water like watering the garden or washing down the side walks and decks. I would even joyously do all the pots and pans after dinner. I was born loving water. So it should be no surprise that I learned to swim early!
I first discovered the healing qualities of water was when my Dad would walk us out into the rivers, arm in arm, linked together so as not to be washed down stream. He had us dunk our heads under the flowing current for extended periods of time, or wedge ourselves in the rock shoots of the river and stick our faces under water and yell. I experienced after just a few minutes in the river that my whole physiology was altered. I felt alive, energized and rejuvenated. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I love doing this’. I still sit in rivers fifty years later and receive the same amazing results. Water is wonderful.
When I was 14 I broke my leg in 5 places snow skiing. The family had planned a trip to Yucatan that spring and prior to schedule I was allowed to have the cast removed so I could snorkel with the family. When I returned home, 3 weeks later and saw my orthopedist he was amazed at the amount of healing that took place in such a short time. I knew it was because I swam every day for hours. Now whenever I have an injury I utilize water therapy as soon as possible.
I developed the healing techniques of Aqua Qi Gong in Pagosa Springs, home of one of the world’s largest hot springs. While enjoying the naturally healing waters in Pagosa, I was at first just bobbing in the water. Then I started moving my body up and down by pulling my hands palm up to force my body down, then pushing my hands down to move my body up. Suddenly I found myself incorporating some of my martial arts kicks and spins. My whole routine changed from that point on. I purchased some hand paddles for swimming and continued to experiment with different movements. This essentially was the beginning of the Aqua Qi Gong routine, and over the past two decades I taught my family, friends and patients this technique.
As a Chiropractor I have used water in all of my physical exercise recommendation for my patients. My personal motto, ”Breath and move; drink and use water.” All my patients have been encouraged to use water therapy regularly for fitness, injury prevention, rehabilitation and stress management. It is excellent for stretching and strengthening the entire body with out pounding and jarring. Water therapy really is a critical longevity strategy.
If you run one day — swim the next. If you play tennis or any other pounding tension-inducing exercise or activity, I always recommend that you cross train using water the next day. Water is the fountain of youth.
Drinking an adequate amount of water daily is one of the best health tips I can give. The easiest way to determine your intake is to keep your urine straw colored to clear. If it has a strong order or cloudy appearance drink more water. Some say 6-7 liters of clean water a day or at least one half your body weight in ounces of water as a minimum daily intake. So if you weigh 100 lbs you need 50 ounces of water as a minimum. If you exercise and are sweating a lot, consume one quart extra a day for every half hour of intense exercise. You can put sea salt and lemon in it to assist in re-hydration.
I believe so strongly in in Aqua Qi Gong or (AQG) that I want to share with others my own personal inward journey which has inspired me to write and teach Aqua Qi Gong as part of the Triple Gem Celebration. I wish you all the amazing insights and benefits that I have gained over these years of practicing AQG.
At my clinic in Colorado I would take my lunch time to fit in AQG at the hot springs. The serenity and solitude I achieved while in the water allowed me to recharge my battery and unload the stress from the clinic. I often referred to these as my mini-aqua vacations. Some of my most creative ideas came to me as I performed Aqua Qi Gong. Yes, I blame it on the water because I am an Aquaholic!
Breathe Move Smile and you have 3/4 of life taken care of.❤️
Dr Dean