Ai chi is a slow, gentle, yet powerful water-based meditation and relaxation technique developed by Japanese Olympic swim coach, Jun Konno over 30 years ago. 

Ai Chi is a body-mind technique similar in concepts to Tai Chi, Pilates and Feldenkrais. Julie Sheahan is one of only a handful of Ai chi practitioners in Australia. 

Classes are held in a shoulder-deep hydrotherapy pool in order to use the buoyancy and warmth of the water to achieve amazing freedom of movement and the ultimate relaxation experience, often not possible on land.

Appropriate music is used to enhance the relaxation experience.

Benefits include: increased flexibility, improved spinal range of movement, core stability and balance, lower limb strength and control, deep relaxation and stress management. Ai chi begins with deep diaphragmatic breathing, and continues with arm movements, then trunk stability, leg movements, and concludes with total coordinated body movements.  

Through the slow movements, performed with awareness, Ai chi teaches the concept of ‘non-judgmental self- observation’, which leads to improved body awareness and body balance. 

Ai Chi may be of benefit to people with the following:

• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• LBP
• Balance deficits
• Lymphoedema
• Pregnant