Be in the Moment with Qi Gong & Yoga Ayrshire

My Story

Welcome, I am Donna Johnson, the founder of Qi Gong & Yoga Ayrshire.

I have been practising Qi Gong for a number of years and the transformation that Qi Gong has made to my life is immeasurable. Since 2010 I have been at the mercy of the neuro-immune condition Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, which resulted in debilitating pain, fatigue and at times difficulty walking or carrying out basic daily tasks. I have tried every possible treatment, method, medication possible, yet none allowed me to function normally. That was until I was introduced to Qi Gong. Within 3 months of starting I was well enough to go to a yoga class (Yin Yoga, which I love!), within a further 3 months I was well enough to attend another yoga class, this time it was Dru Yoga. Over the years my health has continued to improve, my pain has pretty much disappeared, my fatigue is under control and more manageable, and my neurological and motor functions are also considerably better. In 2018 I decided that it was time to share what I had learned and started teaching. I hope that others will now benefit from the wonderful powers of Qi Gong & Dru Yoga as much as I have.  I have now completed my training in Yin Yoga and started teaching this in February of 2023.

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Qi Gong is defined as a practice similar to Tai Chi, however it is fair to say the focus of Qi Gong is to cultivate energy (or Qi) and circulate it around our bodies to aid our natural ability to heal and nurture.  I practice Qi Gong on a daily basis and am committed to continuous personal development to improve my knowledge on this wonderfully gentle, yet, powerful form of exercise.

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Dru Yoga is considered a gentler form of Yoga, with its focus on finding your still point. Dru prides itself on its adaptability and inclusiveness which makes it a yoga for Everybody.  

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Yin Yoga is a lovely peaceful form of yoga which will stretch the fascia and ligaments as well as the muscles.  It is a  meditative form of Yoga where we support our bodies with cushions/ yoga blocks and find a position which is comfortable for you, and then hold for a short time.   All postures in Yin Yoga are done either sitting, kneeling or lying on the mat.  There is no standing posture, so once we are on the mat, that is where we stay! 

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Qi Gong & Dru Yoga share similar forms and sequences and both focus on the breath, energy and bringing mindfulness into our movements.  Yin Yoga also works with breathing and energy, however its purpose is very much in line with Qi Gong in that we get the energy moving throughout the meridians, remove blockages and de-stress!  My Yoga classes are primarily Yin, however I may sneak a bit of Dru into certain postures to encourage releasing tight muscles before we settle into our Yin practice.

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I hope that you will join me for weekly Qi Gong classes in Prestwick  and Yoga Classes in Prestwick & Irvine.

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Qi Gong and Yoga classes are also available for one to one or small groups in my garden cabin in Symington.

Qualifications and Experience:

Over 20 years experience of teaching in a variety of fields, including sports and line dance.

NC in Leisure & Sports Leadership

2015 - 2019 - One to One tuition of Qi Gong with Donald MacInnes

2017 - 2019 - Qi Gong Instructor Qualification with Bob Lowey & Qi Gong Teachers Association (2 years residential)

2019 -2020 -  Diploma in Chi Gung (Qi Gong) with distinction

2017 - 2019 - Teachers Diploma in Dru Yoga ( 200 hour)

2017 - Mindfulness for Stress Reduction Course

2018 - Wild Goose Qi Gong course

2021 - Certificate in Seasonal Qi Gong & Tai Chi

2021 - Neidan Course with Gordon Faulkner

2022 - Workshop with Tina Faulkner-Elder

2023 - Yin Yoga Teachers' certificate (50 hours)  Melissa Corazon

Over 300 hours training in Qi Gong by reputable instructors.

Member of British Health Qi Gong Association & Qi Gong Teachers Association UK

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