Sign Chi Do™ is not intended to be used in the deaf community. I developed this program when I recognized that sign language gesture (whether ASL or any of the several other types of sign language) stimulates the brain in a different area than all other movement.
About 11 years ago, my grandmother had a stroke. I wanted to use a program that exercised both her brain and body at the same time. Having studied medicine and the martial arts, I was familiar with the concept of physical therapy and movement benefit offered in many of the eastern practices. As a devout Christian, my grandmother was resistant to learning Yoga or Tai Chi. This began the Sign Chi Do™ program when I started to incorporate familiar affirmations and prayers put to music with my grandmother. It was amazing what I saw. She actually responded in a very real way. Her speech and cognitive functions gradually got better and her balance and gait improved significantly. Sign language gesture, when connected to intentional breathing and slow rhythmic movement, engages all four parts of the brain. There is no other exercise form that has the linguistic cognitive component that Sign Chi Do™ has. It was developed from a medical perspective.
The sign gestures are used as a tool that brings us to a deeper understanding of each word. It is amazing how the brain responds when we bring out the sign language gesture creating a picture-like form along with listening to the words sung and moving with the breath. Again, please understand that this is not intended to be conversational sign language.
Where We’ve Been
1999
Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cancer Support groups were the first to experience the Sign Chi Do™ Program.
2004
Sign Chi Do™ gained recognition from the Arizona State Board of Nursing and began providing continuing education units for nursing participants.
2005
The Sign Chi Do™ Certification Program was developed to provide the tools for others to teach in the community.
- Founded the Medical Institute for Well-Being in Phoenix, Arizona.
- Faculty speaker at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
2006
- The Certification Program was streamlined into a licensed DVD driven Facilitator Program.
- Sign Chi Do™ was approved as a covered benefit for CIGNA Healthcare senior members in the State of Arizona.
- Sign Chi Do™ was introduced to the Health Ministries Association and the Westberg International Parish Nurse Conference.
- Keynote Speaker for “Life Beyond Cancer Conference” at Miraval, Life in Balance Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona.
- Research project was completed at Arizona State University College of Nursing. “Fall Prevention in a Community: Seniors Take Control of the Aging Process with SignChiDo™
- President/CEO of a Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, requested Sign Chi Do™ to become part of the Employee Orientation Program.
- The Sign Chi Do™ Program was successfully launched in several cities across the United States. Internationally, Sign Chi Do™ currently is in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India.
2007
- Currently conducting a research study at Arizona State University entitled “SignChiDo Exercise for Adaptation to Aging”.
- Production of a 30-minute infomercial with Incredible Discoveries.
- Clinical research at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center Sign Chi Do™ A New Relaxation Modality for Adults with Parkinson Disease.
2008
- Over 100 licensed Sign Chi Do facilitators leading classes in various churches, hospitals, retirement communities and private classes across the country.
2011
- Beginning of our Signchido/Healing Health Prayer Team 2011. The purpose of this program is:
1. to ensure that individually we are doing everything possible to maintain a healthy temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell.
2. to be a resource for prayer in the community. For example, in disaster situations it would be good to have a team of moving prayer leaders to lead in times of need.
3. to lead others to Christ through The Art of Moving Prayer example.
4. to pray for constant healing for each other.
