Our primary goal is to provide the opportunities and tools for those seeking experience of growth and healing. Our strong foundation as a school of Chinese holistic medicine gives us a unique perspective and ability to share the knowledge of the Chinese cultural arts and the practical use of holistic Chinese medicine. We have a sincere desire to form a bridge between the knowledge of ancient and present day China and the general community. We have special interest in providing these services to the low and moderate income sector.

This program is also a medium for students and alumni to experience and develop a sense of community by participating and volunteering their services.

General Classes

The following is a broad outline of future and present classes offered in the program. We are open to the needs of the community and would like to know your interests, thoughts and suggestions for other types of classes, lectures and workshops. Instructors will have feedback forms in each class and emails can be sent to atom@atom.edu. We greatly appreciate your communication and value your opinion.

Chi Gung Classes

There will be a series of Chi Gung forms taught from systems that have only six movements to the more sophisticated Tai Chi and yoga systems. They will be explained in more detail in the actual course descriptions of the various classes.

Tai Chi Chuan – Traditional Chinese exercise for health and fitness

Tai Ji (Tai Chi) has been one of the most popular forms of Chi Gung since ancient times. This practice moves beyond simple movement, incorporating body alignment and whole body breathing. At the fundamental level, Tai Chi can assist the body’s ability to heal. More profoundly, it can be a path to superior health and expanded consciousness integrating body, mind and spirit (The Three Treasures).

Tai Chi is part of the “heal yourself” category of Chinese medicine. It contains another layer of sophistication partly due to the increased number of sequential movements. At the level of health and fitness, the slow motion movements can provide the following health benefits: improved flexibility at multiple levels, relaxation and release of stress from the nervous system, calm mind and the development of Chi or life force.

Self-Healing Practices, Traditional Chinese Healing Methods

The traditional Chinese healing system is very broad in nature. It’s branches include: acupuncture, herbal therapy, food therapy, therapeutic exercises, and massage. The cultural aspects include: meditation, chi gung and Chinese Astrology. The program will include many of these areas of self practice and self study in the future.

Health Care Lecture Series

An integral part of modern and pre-modern Chinese medicine is the art of life style coaching and recommendations. This process is taught in the context of a lecture series. A variety of speakers present educational workshops which cover prevention of disease, natural healing with Chinese Medicine and using Chinese Medicine as a complement to Western medicine.

Dao-In (Chinese Yoga)

Dao-In is a series of movements developed in ancient China as a practical way of adjusting personal energy. The simple movements are mainly done sitting and lying down on the floor. Bio-mechanical alignments, mind/body interactions, the healing power of deep quiet and correct breathing are contained within the practice of the gentle movements. Dao-In is effective for healing physical injuries or traumas in the body or it can be a purely spiritual and meditative practice.

Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese Calligraphy is the term given to the art form of the creation and writing of some of the world’s oldest symbols, Chinese Characters. In 4000 B.C., the ancient people of China created marks to record their lives and labors in relationship to the natural world. The study of Chinese Calligraphy has become a means of self development and achieving inner harmony. This class will emphasize the art form without necessarily teaching the discipline of writing in general.

Chinese Brush Painting

Chinese Brush painting is one of the most highly prized oriental art forms. It is a way to connect our creative heart through the soft tip of a brush and nature’s incredible colors to give expression to our innermost feelings.

Chinese Language

The Chinese language is one of the oldest languages in the world. Its earliest written records going as back farther than 3000 yrs. The official language used in government and schools is mandarin. A well rounded language study includes background information regarding Chinese history and culture.