Fairfax Area Agency on Aging offers qigong workshop to help caregivers manage stress

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging hosted a recorded online workshop offering qigong (also spelled "chi gong") and Tai Chi–informed movement for caregivers, led by instructor Pauline Reid. Katherine Hall, social services specialist with the agency's Caregiver and Support Services unit, opened the session and explained how participants could send questions via the meeting Q&A and receive a link to the recording after the session.

Reid framed qigong as a broad, centuries-old set of mind–body practices that work with "chi," which she described as "your life force energy." "No chi, no life force, no animation," she said, and added that the practice can range from quiet seated meditations to more martial-arts–oriented forms. Reid explained the exercises in accessible terms and offered modifications for participants with limited mobility.

The 60‑to‑90-minute session (recorded) grouped short guided practices: an abdominal breathing warmup to ground attention; a seated body roll to open the spine; spinal-cord breathing and shoulder-opening movements; a single-hand press-and-push to stretch the side body; repetitive tapping of the torso, face and head described as stimulating meridians and acupoints; and leg tapping followed by shaking to release stagnation. Reid encouraged participants to repeat movements as needed and to stay seated when standing is uncomfortable.

"If anything hurts, don't do it. Modify the movement," Reid said, stressing safety and individualized adaptation throughout the practice. She repeatedly reminded attendees that the goal was relaxation and regulation of the nervous system rather than intense exertion.

A moderator offered short practice tips for busy caregivers, describing "spot qigong"—brief one- to two-minute practices caregivers can use between tasks. The moderator also advised against practicing immediately before bedtime and recommended waiting about an hour after a large meal.

Reid said she is teaching three additional free sessions through the Oakton branch of the library on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and she invited participants to try future classes. Katherine Hall reminded attendees that "a link of the recording will be sent to you all by next week" and asked participants to complete the post-session survey to help plan future caregiver programs. Hall closed by inviting attendees to the next health-and-wellness webinar on bottle gardens scheduled for Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m.

Because the session was instructional and not a policy meeting, there were no formal motions or votes. The recording and practice video, the schedule of follow-up sessions through the Oakton branch, and the survey form are the primary follow-up items for attendees.