by Gary Paruszkiewicz | October 2013 | Program Host: Vicki Dello Joio
Gary will talk experientially about real Qigong benefits for an aging population and people with disabilities. He will discuss rehabilitation, adapting techniques, and how to reach the people who need the healing energy of Qigong. Gary’s approach to the eastern philosophies and traditions of Energetic medicine is decidedly Western, informal and approachable.
Gary Paruszkiewicz was a celebrated chef. He was certified by the American Culinary Federation, and a member of the prestigious “Chefs de Cuisine de Chicago” before being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1991. Struggling with his own disability, working within the disability movement for independent living, Gary’s biggest discovery about himself and those he worked with was that beyond the physical limitations, disability was too often a state of mind.He began contemplating his own physical therapy and medical treatment by tapping into the healing energy of Qigong along with movements from Tai Chi. He added meditation, the stretching techniques of Yoga, and the strategies of stress management. he worked with his Physiatrist, Neurologists, Physical Therapists, Rehabilitation Specialists and Psychologists along withe Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga experts to develop “Therapeutic Tai Chi©”, an accessible, simple, yet very effective form of physical activity. Gary published his book, “Therapeutic Tai Chi: My Journey With Multiple Sclerosis, My Path With Tai Chi” in 2006. In 2008,m Therapeutic Tai Chi In-a-Chair© was introduced by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and was taught through NMSS Wellness Programs around Illinois. Gary’s work has been featured in “Action” the official publication of the United Spinal Association, and Gary was honored as “A top twenty person with MS who inspires us” by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
