About
Jack Risk
Jack began practicing qigong in 2000 under the tutelage of Master Yap Soon Yeong. He has received extensive training in qigong and meditation from Master Yap. Jack has been teaching qigong since 2004 and meditation since 2009. He has conducted approximately 100 qigong trainings, meditation trainings and meditation retreats in various centres across Canada while maintaining a regular schedule of public qigong sessions. In 2010 he established a qigong healing practice.
For seven years Jack conducted weekly qigong clinics at Klinic Community Health Centre in Winnipeg.
For three years Jack held weekly qigong clinics at Mount Carmel Community Health Centre in Winnipeg, in association with the North Point Douglas Women's Centre.
For three years Jack worked with inmates at Headingley Correctional Facility, Manitoba as part of the program of the Winding River Therapeutic Community.
Jack is a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. He currently serves the Church of the Holy Spirit, Lakelands, Nova Scotia.
Jack is the author of The Path of Meditation: Principles and Practice, (170 pages).
Jack has conducted free online qigong sessions continuously since March, 2020.
In sharing the gift of qigong Jack will show you how to harmonize the body with the mind. He will also provide you with sound principles of meditation that will permit you to train yourself in detachment, openness and equanimity.
“Over the past eight years I have had the privilege of studying under Jack. His knowledge, wisdom and dedication have proven to be exceptional. I have experienced significant improvements in several areas of my life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My pain, stress, sleep and overall well being have improved beyond my expectations and I will be forever grateful for his guidance. Thank you for everything, Jack. You truly are a godsend on my journey..”
— Vanna Harvey, Winnipeg
Testimonials
When I found out that I had cancer one morning in February everything around me was like it was in slow motion and people seemed like shadows walking by me. A fear in the pit of my stomach radiated through me. That night when my husband's brother and his wife came to see me her mission was to tell me about qigong and Jack Risk. I had not heard of qigong and was interested right away.
When I arrived Jack made me feel comfortable. He told me how to stay out of trouble with my thoughts and feelings and showed me exercises I could do every day. When I was lying on the table I felt comfortable. During Jack’s treatment, at one point I began to cough. At the end of the treatment I felt better then I had in some time. My husband said I looked ten years younger. I am not sure what happened in that hour but the fear faded. If it tried to come back I would do the qigong exercises that Jack had taught me. I would often start my day with a walk in the woods. That’s where I would do my first lot of qigong. As I went to more sessions and had more treatments by Jack he taught me more exercises and I added these to my day's qigong.
After tests I had surgery. The doctor said that it would be a four-hour operation and that I would be in the hospital for three to five days. As it turned out I was only in surgery for two hours and the doctor told my husband that the tumour “just popped out.” I went in on a Thursday. Shortly after the surgery I went for a walk down the hall after which I ate a dinner. The next day I walked by my self at least sixteen times up and down the hall and refused any pain pill besides Tylenol. I was sore but I had no pain. On Saturday the surgeon came and said the drainage tube could come out that morning and I could go home that afternoon. I've been told I likely won't need chemo or radiation.
I keep up my daily qigong and cannot see a time when I will not. I plan on taking more lessons with Jack.
Thank you, Jack!
— Ruth Gaul, Nova Scotia
I just did a two day Level One qigong workshop presented by Jack Risk, with the able assistance of his wife, Chris. I highly recommend it to both new and old (like myself) practitioners. Jack is a brilliant teacher, putting himself in the student's place, anticipating problems and questions, meticulous yet relaxed. The weekend flowed—yet it was packed with information and learning. It left me recharged and inspired.
— Anna Taylor, Blockhouse NS
Practicing CFQ gives me a quiet time each day to get in touch with myself— the delicate inner self and spirit. In the few months that I have practiced CFQ, I have experienced an awakening of new knowledge about my body and myself. CFQ shows me there's the possibility to go much further in self- discovery, to explore the energy we have as humans that we often are not aware of. CFQ is what I use in preparing to give Reiki treatments. It helps the energy to flow and it makes me feel stronger. Jack provided a friendly, supportive environment in which to learn CFQ. The classes were relaxed and went at a pace and level that was accessible to everyone. We had lots of opportunity to practice all the movements many times so that we really learned them and could go home and do them. After the class I found I has able to do CFQ, derive benefit from it and improve my form on my own.
— Susan, Regina
I've been practicing qigong and meditation regularly for several years with Jack and have seen a big difference in my life. It's a very effective way of dealing with stressful situations and for winding down after a hectic day. There are definite health benefits to qigong, and I always feel more relaxed after a good practice. Jack is always available to answer questions and help us with our practice.
— Sheelagh Komus, Winnipeg
Qigong has been a huge benefit to me and we are grateful for your teachings in Winnipeg, and, in particular, at Klinic.
— Terry Folster, Winnipeg
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over a year ago after suffering debilitating chronic pain, sleep disturbance and fatigue for over two years. I have always been a positive, active person and this diagnosis changed my world. I stopped working and enjoying activities that I had participated in my entire life. After many different doctors, medications and alternative therapies I was referred to Jack. I have participated in both Level 1 and Level 2 training sessions and they have changed my life. Jack is very passionate about qigong and compassionate about each person he works with. After several months of daily practice and weekly visits to see Jack for one-on-one healing sessions, I can truly say that I control my fibromyalgia and it no longer controls me. I am now weaning myself from medications that came with side effects and planning to return to my job. Qigong and meditation have helped my pain, my stress and my sleep and I will be forever grateful to have found them. Thank you, Jack.
— Lana Thorarinson, Winnipeg
In April of 2006 I took Jack’s two day Level One CFQ training programme. It was an entirely positive experience. Jack is a warm, engaging and highly competent instructor. His commitment to CFQ is infectious. I have since done a great deal of reading about CFQ and have attended a workshop with Master Yap, all of which has confirmed Jack’s mastery of the principles. I practise CFQ on a daily basis. It brings me serenity and a sense of control. I am indebted to Jack for the solid grounding he imparted.
— N.J.B., Nova Scotia
I found Jack Risk to be a knowledgeable, caring and dedicated instructor of CFQ. I am in the business of healing and transformation and have attended many different workshops in that field over my 20 years in the healing arts and as a Registered Massage Therapist. Jack’s Level One workshop was practical and enjoyable and by the end of it I was impressed with the great level of Light and Love and Transformation among the participants. I feel that CFQ is a simple, helpful and gentle technique that is able to enhance and promote health, harmony and well being to all those who practice it.
— Susan Bentley, R.M.T., Guelph ON
Doing qigong movements and practicing meditation have helped me to experience the world with more serenity, clarity and joy.
— Lise Smith, Winnipeg
I have participated in a weekly qigong practice group led by Jack for about two years. As well, I took a two-day qigong training and a weekend meditation training. All these experiences have been very beneficial, and meaningful to body, mind and spirit. I am a 70 year-old woman who practiced yoga for many years and also learned and practiced various mindfulness and meditation techniques. I have found that Jack's approach to qigong and meditation "sticks" and lends a lot of positive texture to my life.
— Mary, Winnipeg
Rev. Jack is a very patient and thorough teacher. The class is really meditative and very pleasant physically as you get into the movements. (Like Tai Chi but with less thinking.) Loved our class. As a Preacher he has a lovely way of combining the healing principals and stories of the bible and brings them to life in our church services. I am glad I got to find him.
— Monica Griffiths, Poplar Point MB
I have found that the regular practice of qigong quiets the mind, reduces stress and anxiety, boosts the immune system and provides an overall sense of well-being. Jack Risk is an experienced and dedicated instructor who is meticulous in his teaching of the dynamic movements of CFQ. He has an in-depth knowledge of the meditative traditions of the East and can ably assist his students on their inner journey. His weekly practice group fully supports the development of his students and his frequent offerings of Level 1 and Level II trainings are a wonderful opportunity to refresh and further assimilate the healing properties of CFQ teachings.
— Rene Fontaine, Winnipeg
CFQ is an extremely useful tool that I use to deal with stress, help increase my energy, reduce pain—from arthritis—and give me an all-over sense of well being. Jack is an excellent instructor—confident, patient, positive, and a true believer in the art of CFQ.
Heather Dooks, Halifax
About Healing Qigong
Qigong is rooted in Chinese culture and extends back thousands of years. The term qigong consists of two parts: “qi” refers to bioenergy or the life force that flows through and around the body, “gong” indicates cultivation or training that develops a healthy flow of qi through the body. Generating qi flow releases blockages in the body's energetic system and removes sources of disease and discomfort.
A System of Holistic Healing
Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong (CFQ) is a complete system of holistic healing which draws on the dynamic (movements) and quiescent (meditation) aspects of qigong to provide a basis for physical and spiritual healing. CFQ is particularly helpful for the relief of stress, trauma and anxiety and the treatment of chronic diseases. However, it can be recommended as a means of dealing with virtually any problem—emotional or psychological, as well as physical.
Typical Benefits
Reduced effects of stress
Slowed effects of aging
Enhanced well-being and peacefulness
Increased confidence
Improvement in chronic conditions: chronic pain, depression, anxiety, addictions, allergies, arthritis, cancer etc.
Increased immune function
Musculoskeletal realignment
Freedom from obsessive thoughts, negative emotions, troubling memories
Increased ability to focus and concentrate
Increased learning capacity and memory
Mental clarity
Self-knowledge and spiritual exploration
Master Yap Soon Yeong
CFQ is the creation of Master Yap Soon Yeong. Based in Penang, Malaysia, Master Yap is a world-renowned healer and teacher who has conducted trainings and retreats extensively in Canada, Spain, the UK and Greece and has a following around the world as well as in his own country. The impressive and powerful CFQ movements are not Master Yap's only contribution to healing. He has revitalized and modernized the tradition of Zen meditation and instructed a generation of healers in the techniques of CFQ healing. This is all in addition to maintaining a vital healing practice out of his CFQ Centre in Penang to which people from around the globe come for healing of the most serious diseases. Master Yap has acquired a reputation for his remarkable, authenticated healing record.
Master Yap is the author of Energy Medicine in CFQ Healing: Healing the Body, Transforming Consciousness (Writer's Club Press, 2002) and several articles and manuals on dynamic qigong and meditation.
As a teacher of qigong and meditation his fame has spread to various parts of the world. Large communities of CFQers exist in Canada, the USA, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland, Greece, Australia and, of course, southeast Asia. Thousands of people have received CFQ training.
Beyond the ordinary, shedding the norm
Void and detached
Returning to Origin and Truth
The Self-nature reveals itself.
No worry, no hindrance and unbounded,
Excellent wisdom, excellent realization—excellent suchness of truth.
Master Yap Soon Yeong
Research Findings on CFQ and Fibromyalgia
Abstract
Introduction
Fibromyalgia is difficult to treat and requires the use of multiple approaches. This study is a randomized controlled trial of CFQ qigong in the treatment of fibromyalgia as compared with a wait-list control group.
Methods
One hundred participants were randomly assigned to immediate or delayed practice groups, with the delayed group receiving training at the end of the control period. Qigong training (level 1 Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong, CFQ), given over three half-days, was followed by weekly review/practice sessions for eight weeks; participants were also asked to practice at home for 45 to 60 minutes per day for this interval. Outcomes were pain, impact, sleep, physical function and mental function, and these were recorded at baseline, eight weeks, four months and six months. Immediate and delayed practice groups were analyzed individually compared to the control group, and as a combination group.
Results
In both the immediate and delayed treatment groups, CFQ demonstrated significant improvements in pain, impact, sleep, physical function and mental function when compared to the wait-list/usual care control group at eight weeks, with benefits extending beyond this time. Analysis of combined data indicated significant changes for all measures at all times for six months, with only one exception. Post-hoc analysis based on self-reported practice times indicated greater benefit with the per protocol group compared to minimal practice.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that CFQ, a particular form of qigong, provides long-term benefits in several core domains in fibromyalgia. CFQ may be a useful adjuvant self-care treatment for fibromyalgia.