Wellness programs available at the luna clinic

The Luna Clinic is pleased to offer Tai Chi classes to the Clarence Valley community. Classes will be facilitated by Michael Smart who was instructed in Tai Chi by Sifus(teachers) Catherine Allen, Dan Docherty, and Iain Robertson in the United Kingdom, and with Erle Montaigue here in Australia. Michael has over 20 years experience in practising and teaching Tai Chi and martial arts to all skill levels and age groups.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a series of ancient Chinese movements developed over 4,000 years ago to promote a connection between the body and the mind. 

The slow, low impact movements combined with Mindful breathing supports the development of strength, co-ordination, balance and a sense of relaxation. The gentle stretching involved will assist in maintaining flexibility and positive blood flow.

The practice of Tai Chi is generally undertaken through the ‘form’, a carefully structured series of movements which has been shown to improve focus, clear mindedness and to create a sense of wellbeing and balance. The health benefits of a regular Tai Chi practice have been well documented, including alleviating muscular and joint problems as well as improving blood pressure.

The program will be offered in 6-week blocks to support participants to gradually build on their learning, and experience of, the Tai Chi ‘form’.

When: TBA (will be offered in blocks of 6 weeks). Places are limited.

Time: TBA  (class duration is 30 mins)

Where: TBA

Cost: 

TBA

Who: Must be aged 17 or over (all ages welcome)

What Will I Need: Please dress in comfortable and loose clothing (suitable for moving/stretching in) and a water bottle. 

Contact: Email admin@lunaclinic.com.au to request further information. 

The Luna Clinic is pleased to offer group Mindfulness Meditation programs to organisations and community groups of the Clarence Valley community. Clinical Psychologist, Dee Thompson, will provide a series of sessions tailored to your needs with each session comprised of a brief psychoeducation on a Mindfulness-related topic followed by a 20-minute guided meditation. Dee has maintained her own Mindfulness practice for over 20 years and has shared her knowledge of Mindfulness for the last 8 years with individual clients and groups.  

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment.

Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future.

Though it has its roots in Buddhist meditation, a secular practice of mindfulness has entered the Western psychology mainstream over the last decade with an ever-increasing evidence base of research to support its effectiveness as a strategy to manage uncomfortable and distressing thoughts, feelings, moods, or anxiety. We know from evidence-based research that incorporating a regular Mindfulness practice into our day has positive impacts psychologically, emotionally and physically including increasing our ability to focus and maintain attention, to be present with our loved ones, to manage pain sensations and to improve our overall sense of well-being.

Who: Must be aged 17 or over and be able to remain seated quietly for 30 minutes

What Will I Need: You will be seated during each session. We recommend that you bring a cushion or two, a yoga mat/towel, and a water bottle (along with a rug/socks if the weather is cool). Chairs will also be available.

Contact: Email admin@lunaclinic.com.au to arrange a time to discuss your group or organisations needs.