Ever-evolving Ai Chi

Jun Konno’s legacy lives on through creative new ways of sharing Ai Chi.

A couple of years ago a young Ai Chi enthusiast half a world away in the Middle East was referred to me with questions about Ai Chi practice. It was not long before she reported that she was sharing Ai Chi with grateful ladies in several towns and was tracking lower body strength, balance, mobility and walking speed with evidence-based tests and measures. Next, I learned that she had published an article about Ai Chi and had developed a version that includes cognitive challenges which she named Braichi, as it relies upon an exercise grid based on the Braille alphabet. She learned about Ai Chi through collaboration, internet research and Jun Konno and Ruth Sova’s book, Ai Chi: Balance, Harmony and Healing. While Ai Chi certification is available through the Aquatic Therapeutic and Rehab Institute and is a great way to learn how to teach Ai Chi, certification is not a requirement. Jun wanted Ai Chi to be available to everyone to use in ways that work for them, and to allow for free growth of the practice.

I love Ai Chi Day, as Ai Chi enthusiasts and practitioners from around the world have the opportunity to share their unique ways of experiencing Ai Chi. This year Ai Chi Day will be held on July 26, 2025. The Zoom program consists of multiple mini-presentations to recognize the work of Jun Konno and Ruth Sova, and in honor of the 45th birthday of Ai Konno, Jun’s daughter who is the inspiration and love behind this life-changing practice. Watch the AEA/ATRI website for registration information as the date draws near. https://aeawave.org

 

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Ai Chi opportunities

Will you be near Sanibel Island next week? Join me for a FREE AI CHI AQUATIC POP-UP CLASS at the Sanibel Recreation Center pool on Monday, April 24 at 10:30 am. Ai Chi brings calm and relaxation, which we all need as our islands heal post-hurricane Ian. It also enhances breathing, improves balance, strengthens core muscles, brings centering and extends mobility~ there is something for everyone! All are welcome! https://web1.myvscloud.com/images/flsanibel/wag.pdf

It’s time to pre-order Ruth Sova’s new Ai Chi book! Ai Chi for Health and Healing is a resource for those new to using Ai Chi for themselves as well as the seasoned aquatic therapist. This book details the concepts, benefits, progressions, and evolutions of this slow, breath-centered technique. Its focus is on improving biomechanics as a training program for core, physical alignment, muscle recruitment, balance, and thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic stability. In addition to physical improvements, Ai Chi is excellent for participants’ overall psychology by mitigating stress and calming anxiety. The biochemical benefits are outlined, as Ai Chi assists with blood pH, getting oxygen in and carbon dioxide out of the body. Give Ai Chi a chance to improve your health or speed up your healing.

See a promotional video for the book here: https://vimeo.com/817775472

Ruth is running a limited time pre-publication promotional offer: When you purchase during the pre-publication sale you get:

1. Ai Chi for Health and Healing new book

2. One of Ruth’s videos:

Ai Chi Essentials
Ai Chi Ne
Ai Chi – Range of Motion
Spiraling Ai Chi
Ai Chi Trunk Stability
Ai Chi Upper Extremity

3. One of Jun Konno’s videos:

Ai Chi Japan
Ai Chi Ni
Ai Chi Zen

Free Shipping in the US. Please contact [email protected] for shipping costs outside the US.

To order the book, please click here Ai Chi for Health and Healing | DSL LTD (square.site).

Once you order the book, email [email protected] with which two videos you would like as a bonus. Those will come as vimeo links within 48 hours.

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