Qigong and Tai Chi?????

In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Charlessa Thatcher and Theda Zawaiza — two practitioners who have dedicated their lives to bringing qigong, tai chi, and other integrative movement practices to diverse and underserved communities. Charlessa, a certified Tai Chi EZ Senior Trainer, Qigong instructor, and licensed social worker, and Theda, a Qigong and Tai Chi teacher, massage practitioner, and former federal education policy analyst with a PhD, share their personal journeys into energy medicine and explain the foundational principles of qigong and tai chi — including the concept of qi (life force energy), meridians, and how these practices cultivate healing from within. Charlessa shares her remarkable story of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma and undergoing two transplants — a stem cell transplant and a T-cell transplant — during which her daily qigong practice became a cornerstone of her recovery. Her joy and presence in the hospital were so palpable that nurses, doctors, and chaplains began asking to join her practice sessions. Theda also shares her own path to qigong through chronic back pain and the stress of decades working on Capitol Hill, and both guests explain the science behind their practices, including NIH-funded research showing benefits for stress reduction, cardiovascular health, immune function, chronic pain management, and fall prevention in older adults. Together, Charlessa and Theda have launched Wellness Essentials, a women-owned, African American-owned business offering free and donation-based qigong, yoga, meditation, and pain management programming to communities that have historically had little access to these healing modalities. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff