KOHALA COAST — November marked the one-year anniversary of Ai Chi in North Hawaii.
The water-based, total body strengthening and relaxation progression is just three decades old, yet it borrows from the East-West philosophies of Tai Chi, dating back a millennium. Madeline Sofranac, a trained physical therapist and aquatic practitioner, leads classes Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Mauna Lani Spa’s Watsu pool.
Opened in 2001, the 94-degree pool is heated by photovoltaic panels that draw natural energy from the sun. It was built near the entrance of what was once a lava tube, and besides Ai Chi classes, guests can enjoy Watsu treatments.
Jun Kunno, the creator of Ai Chi and one of Japan’s foremost swimming and fitness consultants, described the practice as, “a sigh we give when we’re at peace.”
Standing shoulder-depth in the warm water, participants flow through a combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of their arms, legs and torso.
“Physiologically, the temperature is beneficial to decrease muscle stress and spasm, allowing for greater relaxation and increased circulation,” said Sofranac.
Many people in North Hawaii know her as the physical therapist who helped create and lead the Waimea Parkinson’s Wellness Support Group. Working in a clinic in Hawaii revealed to Sofranac some of the frustrations and limitations of the health care system. She desired to do more than empathize with patients who were seemingly “stuck,” as insurance companies declared that “skilled care” was no longer covered. Ai Chi surfaced as a potential bridge between Sofranac’s medical professional experience and her passion to provide community wellness education.
“I hope to inspire others to pursue their own passions and overcome obstacles,” she shared.
JoAnna Wyss, a student of Sofranac, commented, “Practicing Ai Chi gives me great joy as I feel relief from the pain and stiffness of arthritis and scoliosis. In my younger years, I was a dancer. I don’t feel much like a dancer now, except when I am doing the slow motion moves in the water.”
The exercise program alleges to enhance range of motion and mobility, besides being sublimely relaxing.
Throughout Ai Chi classes, Sofranac emphasizes optimal body position and alignment, with appropriate balance between supportive muscle tone activation and necessary over-utilized muscle relaxation.
“The main focus for people is to take advantage of the opportunity to set aside the necessary time to care for themselves, but also deepen an understanding of their own bodies, needs and options for adaptations,” she said.
Beth McKeen, another of Sofranac’s students, shared benefits she has received from practicing Ai Chi just one day a week.
“I have been in some accidents and am blind in one eye, but since I started Ai Chi, I have become less wobbly. I sometimes feel like one of those transparent aquatic animals that just floats around,” she said.
In Sofranac’s hour-long classes, participants begin with a guided meditation of body awareness exercises influenced by physical therapy, dance and Qi Gong practices. Next, the basic Ai Chi sequence of 19 postures is followed. The titles of the postures use names such as, “Contemplating, Soothing and Balancing.”
Kunno said, “Ai Chi precision is something to work towards but only in a non-judgmental way. While we’re reconnecting our body to our mind (and breathing) we’ll go through a lengthy learning process. We accept the learning and evolution as a kind and friendly path to follow.”
Anyone interested can come and experience Ai Chi for themselves. Public classes start at $16.
Info: Madeline Sofranac at 987-8525 or masofranac@gmail.com