Donegal woman's chance encounter helps bring ancient Chinese wisdom to Ireland
Ann Keenaghan first met Dr Shaofan Zhu, a renowned Qi Gong master and traditional Chinese medicine expert, on a flight to China in 2017
A chance encounter on a flight from Ireland to China has led Bundoran native Ann Keenaghan to a new life that involves bringing the ancient Chinese practice of Qi Gong to Ireland.
Ann invited Dr Zhu to visit her, and the following year, they took the ferry out to Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór, where he performed a Qi Gong routine accompanied by the singer Deirdre Ní Chinnéide, singing as Gaeilge.
Qi Gong is a system of coordinated body posture, slow, mindful movement, breathing, and meditation. Its integration into daily life and the general belief in its benefits help sustain its mainstream popularity among the Chinese population. It is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world, including Ireland.
This appeal is aided by scientific studies that note its positive effects on stress reduction, mental health, balance, flexibility, and overall quality of life.
“There was definitely some serendipity, and it felt meant to be. So much has changed for me since that chance meeting. But not just for me, but for the 1000s of people in Ireland who are now benefiting from his Qi Gong teachings.
Dr Zhu is hosting an upcoming workshop in Barna, County Galway, which runs from April 26 to April 28.
“Each time he comes he grows to love Ireland more and more, and people get so much out of his visits, from his teaching and his one-to-one medical appointments,” Ann continued. “It feels like a rare privilege to benefit from this ancient knowledge handed down from someone who has studied under a lineage of great Masters and teachers in China.
“There's a growing awareness around the practice, and the benefits are increasingly appealing in this age when there is a greater appetite for more peace, balance, and harmony in our lives. It's a wellness practice, but it's also a spiritual practice and there’s a great yearning for that. It's about connecting to the deepest parts of ourselves, staying grounded, and also investing in staying well in mind, body, and spirit.
"It appeals to all ages, but I've found that a lot of older people particularly enjoy it as it is so gentle, and it doesn't require any great experience or fitness ability. I'd encourage everyone to look into Qi Gong and give it a go if you can."