“Ai Chi is the sigh we give when we’re at peace,” says Jun Konno, founder of Ai Chi and president of Aqua Dynamics Institute in Japan. Inspired by the popularity of Watsu®, a form of water-based massage therapy created by Harold Dull, Konno created Ai Chi to serve a need for a gentle, relaxing water movement practice. Although several other mind-body aquatics programs have been introduced, Ai Chi has developed a particularly strong and loyal worldwide following as instructors spread their enthusiasm.
Participants practice Ai Chi in warm, shallow, chest-deep water. Exercisers stand with knees bent, body immersed to the neck. The program combines deep breathing with slow, broad movements. The arms, legs and torso flow in continual patterns characterized by “softness” and “roundness.” Ai Chi’s constant circular movements create a feeling of harmony that, with repetition, becomes internal and fosters relaxation. Like other East Asian disciplines, Ai Chi encourages movement in tune with nature.
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