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Tai Chi with Heart

July 6, 2018 By Cynthia Ghiron

Practitioner teaches meditative art to cardiac patients


Published in Boulder Daily Camera, by Debra Melani, FIT Editor ~ Monday, September 20, 1998

Focus on Cynthia Ghiron

Education: Ghiron holds a master’s degrees in guidance and counseling from the University of Colorado and a dance therapy certificate from the Naropa Institute.

Background: Ghiron’s main focus is tai ji, which she has studied for 10 years. An art form that originated in China, ti ji is a moving meditation that is used to reduce stress and build strength and balance. Ghiron trained at the Lanting Institute in the Wuyi mountains in China with tai ji master Chungliang Al Huang. She completed her teacher’s training under Al Huang and has taught tai ji for six years.

In addition, Ghiron has had advanced training in the Hakomi method of body-centered psychotherapy, and is a Reiki II practitioner. She was chosen last year to lead the stress-reduction section of of the Boulder Heart Institute’s Atherosclerotic Reduction Program, which this fall will be held at the RallySport Health and Fitness Club for the first time. The rehabilitation is for heart-disease patients and those at high risk.

Ghiron has lived in Boulder since 1982 and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and swimming.

______________________________________________________

What is your attraction to Tai Ji?

“My own personal love for tai ji comes through the movement, the dance-like quality, the music. It’s a poetry, and it is ever-changing and ever new and dynamic.”

The meditative art continually teaches Ghiron about herself and allows her a release, she said. “It helps me let go of my worries of daily life and return to the present moment, to smell the roses.”

Tell me about the stress-management program you used as a model.

Ghiron studied the Jon Kabat-Zinn eight-week stress-management program created at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. “It focuses not on the stress per se in one’s life, but on how you handle it,” she said, noting that stress is recognized in the medical field as having an adverse effect on blood pressure, adrenal response and the development of heart disease and other health problems. The Kabat-Zinn program is used for a variety of patients, not just those with heart disease.

What does stress-management do?

“The research shows that if people do 45 minutes of stress management each day for an eight-week period, 65 percent of the participants report a 33-percent reduction in chronic pain and a significant reduction in anxiety, hostility and depression.” She said a three-year follow-up showed that those who continued the work maintained the benefits.

What does this mean, why is it so important?

“Normally people respond to stress with the fight-or-flight response, and that creates a hyper-arousal response.” Ghiron said. With the stress of the 20th century, not mitigating that response can be deadly, she said.

“People will develop chronic headaches, back pain and other physiological problems. It can lead to maladaptive coping patterns, which can lead to substance abuse, like wanting to have more caffeine to work harder, and over-eating. It can also lead to an eventual breakdown, like a heart attack.”

So how do you teach people to deal with stress?

“What we want to do is learn to respond to stress rather than react to it. We do this by developing mindfulness. The research shows that by simply bringing awareness to a stressful situation, there’s less of an adrenal response or rise in blood pressure.”

During the first week of her eight-week program, clients are asked to note what in their lives is stressful and what is relaxing. Then they learn where they need to be more mindful, Ghiron said.

What stress-management tools do you teach?

“Full-body relaxation,” she said, referring to teaching clients how to, at home, lie down and relax by starting at the feet and moving up the body, generally with a soothing tape Ghiron has created. “Then we begin to focus on the breath. We teach them to do more of a sitting meditation first. And then my passion, of course, is tai ji, to get people to get up.”

Yoga is offered as a tool, but Ghiron prefers tai ji. “The advantage of ti ji is it’s done standing, and you don’t have to hold particular postures, and you can adjust for your own pain threshold.” She said cardiac patients might be experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath. And, Ghiron added, there is much more to it for them.

“There’s the trauma of having gone through a life-threatening event. And there’s a lot of fear: Are they going to be OK? What tai ji does is help people work with that fear and release stress and deal with the risk factors. Sometimes stress is very deniable. They don’t even realize that they are stressed.” They think they are relaxed, but their hands might be in a fist. As we start to do tai ji, they are like, “Wow, this is what relaxed is.”

What are your rewards?

“I think that these patients, because they have just come through a life-threatening event, their heart is open, and they are so willing to do something new and different, and there is such an appreciation for them to be alive that they are so happy and grateful. And it helps remind me of my attitude to life and my appreciation for being alive.”

What makes the Heart Institute program unique?

“Often, stress-management is a missing component in traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs. Lots of programs primarily focus on exercise and nutrition.”

The Heart Institute program works with four components equally. Ghiron said. It includes learning about heart-healthy diet, regular cardiovascular program, stress management and the medical component. “Dean Ornish (author, doctor) was the first person to scientifically research this, and those four components have been shown to actually halt or reverse heart disease.” She said the recent move to RallySport allows the clients to continue the cardiovascular section year-round.

Participants in the H.E.A.R.T. program must be heart-disease patients, either post-heart attack or at risk. There is a screening process, and the program is limited to 12. A spouse or other loved one is invited to attend with the patient.

Filed Under: Press, Stress Reduction, Tai Chi

Upcoming Tai Chi Classes

Tuesday Morning Tai Chi Classes: June 17th – July 22nd 2025

Six week class. Price is $175. Outdoor location: North Boulder Park, 800 Dellwood, Boulder CO, 80304

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment for an individual session with Cynthia, please call 303-868-0867, or email her at cynthiaghiron@gmail.com. Appointments usually available 10am–6pm, most days.

What Clients Are Saying ...

Jin Shin Jyutsu – Courage to overcome fear of my disease

Being a stage 4 breast cancer patient – Jin Shin Jyutsu gave me the courage to overcome the fear of my disease, its treatment; and also gave me some control over my own health care. I think the most important thing was overcoming the fear and also gaining some control in my own health care. I didn’t like having to turn my life completely over to the medical establishment: Jin Shin Jyutsu gave me a bit of control over my body and spirit.

— Sue Poe, Breast Cancer Survivor
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:52:39+06:00
Being a stage 4 breast cancer patient – Jin Shin Jyutsu gave me the courage to overcome the fear of my disease, its treatment; and also gave me some control over my own health care. I think the most important thing was overcoming the fear and also gaining some control in my own health care. I didn’t like having to turn my life completely over to the medical establishment: Jin Shin Jyutsu gave me a bit of control over my body and spirit. — Sue Poe, Breast Cancer Survivor
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/jin-shin-jyutsu-courage-to-overcome-fear-of-my-disease/

Tai Chi Class – Gentle, contemplative approach

Cynthia's Tai Chi course offers a gentle contemplative approach to a physical expression of being alive.

— Ken Robinson, Tai Chi Student
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:53:16+06:00
Cynthia's Tai Chi course offers a gentle contemplative approach to a physical expression of being alive. — Ken Robinson, Tai Chi Student
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-gentle-contemplative-approach/

Tai Chi – Makes me feel more connected to the world

There is so much energy to harness in the universe. Tai Chi makes me feel more connected to the world.

— Catriona Mize
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:53:58+06:00
There is so much energy to harness in the universe. Tai Chi makes me feel more connected to the world. — Catriona Mize
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-makes-me-feel-more-connected-to-the-world/

Jin Shin Jyutsu – Guardian Angel Cynthia

I have survived several heart attacks and a triple bypass. I couldn’t have handled any of this without my “Guardian Angel” Cynthia. She was actually allowed to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu and Reiki on me in Intensive Care after my open heart surgery. Even the doctors were amazed when all my numbers immediately returned to normal!

— Mikki Rainey, Client
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:23:04+06:00
I have survived several heart attacks and a triple bypass. I couldn’t have handled any of this without my “Guardian Angel” Cynthia. She was actually allowed to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu and Reiki on me in Intensive Care after my open heart surgery. Even the doctors were amazed when all my numbers immediately returned to normal! — Mikki Rainey, Client
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/guardian-angel-cynthia/

Jin Shin Jyutsu – So gentle and precise

I am amazed and very impressed with the potency of Jin Shin Jyutsu. It feels like it addresses a different level of energy flow in the body, as you explained. Deeper! You were so gentle and precise in the way you touched my body in the session, and I felt a beautiful flow between us: the trust and psychic connection between us was wonderful.

— Tad Hanna
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:27:19+06:00
I am amazed and very impressed with the potency of Jin Shin Jyutsu. It feels like it addresses a different level of energy flow in the body, as you explained. Deeper! You were so gentle and precise in the way you touched my body in the session, and I felt a beautiful flow between us: the trust and psychic connection between us was wonderful. — Tad Hanna
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/1985/

Tai Chi Class – Spiritually uplifting mind-body experience

My introduction to Tai Chi was in Cynthia Ghiron’s Tai Chi classes at the YMCA in Boulder. I found the class to be the highlight of my week, with soothing music, beautiful imagery, flowing movements and a fun atmosphere. I recently tried a Tai Chi class nearer my house and found it to be not half as enjoyable as Cynthia’s class. Because I’m looking for a spiritually uplifting mind-body experience, I signed up for Cynthia’s class again.

— John Gregorson, Longmont, Colorado
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:44:02+06:00
My introduction to Tai Chi was in Cynthia Ghiron’s Tai Chi classes at the YMCA in Boulder. I found the class to be the highlight of my week, with soothing music, beautiful imagery, flowing movements and a fun atmosphere. I recently tried a Tai Chi class nearer my house and found it to be not half as enjoyable as Cynthia’s class. Because I’m looking for a spiritually uplifting mind-body experience, I signed up for Cynthia’s class again. — John Gregorson, Longmont, Colorado
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-spiritually-uplifting-mind-body-experience/

Tai Chi Class – Noticeable drop in blood pressure

About 6 years ago I learned I had heart disease. I improved my nutrition and exercise easily enough but I wasn’t sure how to reduce stress, a major cause of heart disease. I began Tai Chi at that time and have continued ever since. I have a noticeable drop in blood pressure and I feel so much more centered after I perform Tai Chi. I highly recommend it.

— Paul Malinowski, Littleton, Colorado
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:44:54+06:00
About 6 years ago I learned I had heart disease. I improved my nutrition and exercise easily enough but I wasn’t sure how to reduce stress, a major cause of heart disease. I began Tai Chi at that time and have continued ever since. I have a noticeable drop in blood pressure and I feel so much more centered after I perform Tai Chi. I highly recommend it. — Paul Malinowski, Littleton, Colorado
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-noticeable-drop-in-blood-pressure/

Tai Chi Class – Kind, supportive and encouraging teacher

Cynthia Ghiron guides her students through a meditative movement experience. I found a peace of mind, equanimity and centeredness that greatly contributed to my well being and ability to cope with the stresses of everyday life. I highly recommend Cynthia’s approach to teaching Tai Chi – she is a kind, supportive and encouraging teacher – a pleasure to learn from.

— Lynn Pfeffer
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:45:47+06:00
Cynthia Ghiron guides her students through a meditative movement experience. I found a peace of mind, equanimity and centeredness that greatly contributed to my well being and ability to cope with the stresses of everyday life. I highly recommend Cynthia’s approach to teaching Tai Chi – she is a kind, supportive and encouraging teacher – a pleasure to learn from. — Lynn Pfeffer
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-kind-supportive-and-encouraging-teacher/

Tai Chi Class – Feel the calmness within

In my work as an ultra-sonographer I had developed pain due to chronic repetitive motion. The simple and gentle rotation and stretching of the shoulders along with the movements and focused breathing of Tai Chi has both decreased my pain and helped me to feel the calmness within. I am grateful to Cynthia for providing me with such a wonderful experience.

— Norma Drury
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:46:40+06:00
In my work as an ultra-sonographer I had developed pain due to chronic repetitive motion. The simple and gentle rotation and stretching of the shoulders along with the movements and focused breathing of Tai Chi has both decreased my pain and helped me to feel the calmness within. I am grateful to Cynthia for providing me with such a wonderful experience. — Norma Drury
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-feel-the-calmness-within/

Tai Chi Class – Both play and meditation

In my fifteen years of Tai Chi class with Cynthia Ghiron, Tai Chi has been both play and meditation. No matter how hectic my day, how sore my body, how sad my heart, Tai Chi in the company of others expands my energy and turns me towards my better and stronger self.

— Mary Alice Parmalee
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:48:08+06:00
In my fifteen years of Tai Chi class with Cynthia Ghiron, Tai Chi has been both play and meditation. No matter how hectic my day, how sore my body, how sad my heart, Tai Chi in the company of others expands my energy and turns me towards my better and stronger self. — Mary Alice Parmalee
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-both-play-and-meditation/

Tai Chi Class – Leaves no one behind

I had wanted to learn Tai Chi for some years before I found the opportunity provided by Cynthia Ghiron’s fine teaching. I recommend Tai Chi to anyone who wants to move more gracefully and easily into older age. Cynthia Ghiron’s teaching is also excellent. She is thoughtful, skilled, encouraging and leaves no one behind.

— Elaine Seymour
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:49:00+06:00
I had wanted to learn Tai Chi for some years before I found the opportunity provided by Cynthia Ghiron’s fine teaching. I recommend Tai Chi to anyone who wants to move more gracefully and easily into older age. Cynthia Ghiron’s teaching is also excellent. She is thoughtful, skilled, encouraging and leaves no one behind. — Elaine Seymour
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-leaves-no-one-behind/

Tai Chi Class – Prevents recurrent back and neck aches

I wanted to express my gratitude for Cynthia’s Tai Chi instruction in the past few years. I enrolled primarily because of its beauty and controlled movement aspects. Although I did not believe much in Tai Chi’s health benefits at first, I have found it prevents my recurrent back and neck aches that I experience as a result of my work as an optometrist. I also appreciate your relaxation and meditation sessions. I find they help me relax from stress.

— Daniel C Weber O.D., Tai Chi Student
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:49:48+06:00
I wanted to express my gratitude for Cynthia’s Tai Chi instruction in the past few years. I enrolled primarily because of its beauty and controlled movement aspects. Although I did not believe much in Tai Chi’s health benefits at first, I have found it prevents my recurrent back and neck aches that I experience as a result of my work as an optometrist. I also appreciate your relaxation and meditation sessions. I find they help me relax from stress. — Daniel C Weber O.D., Tai Chi Student
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-prevents-recurrent-back-and-neck-aches/

Tai Chi Class – Has given me inner peace

Tai Chi has offered me the opportunity to gain a new way of being insightful, both to myself and others. It has given me inner peace.

— Deb Wolf, Tai Chi Student
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:50:36+06:00
Tai Chi has offered me the opportunity to gain a new way of being insightful, both to myself and others. It has given me inner peace. — Deb Wolf, Tai Chi Student
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-has-given-me-inner-peace/

Tai Chi Class – What we need more of today

This class is what we need more of today, in this age of seeking to pull together and rebalance ourselves and the world. Tai Chi has given me another tool for self-healing and healing of others. Excellent.

— Chris Hazelton, Tai Chi Student
Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant
2024-04-24T05:51:25+06:00
This class is what we need more of today, in this age of seeking to pull together and rebalance ourselves and the world. Tai Chi has given me another tool for self-healing and healing of others. Excellent. — Chris Hazelton, Tai Chi Student
https://cynthiaghiron.com/testimonials/tai-chi-class-what-we-need-more-of-today/
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Cynthia Ghiron Stress Reduction Consultant

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Inspiration

There is no need to run outside
for better seeing
nor peer from a window
rather abide at the center of your being
for the more you leave it
the less you learn.
— Lao Tzu

Contact Cynthia   

Email: CynthiaGhiron@gmail.com  *  Telephone: 303-440-4004