Movement, Breath, and Play: Qigong and Laughter Yoga April-May, Saturday Mornings 9:30-11:30a.m

Multi-week Course | Available

Everyone
4/18/2026-5/16/2026
9:30 AM-11:30 AM PDT on Sat
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$295.00

Movement, Breath, and Play: Qigong and Laughter Yoga April-May, Saturday Mornings 9:30-11:30a.m

Multi-week Course | Available

Movement and breath can be powerful pathways to presence, regulation, and connection. This 5-week online course offers an experiential introduction to two joyful and contemplative practices—qigong and laughter yoga—that support mind–body well-being. Through gentle movement, breathwork, and playful exploration, participants are invited to reconnect with their body and cultivate presence in a supportive, health-informed setting.

Qigong, often translated as “energy cultivation,” is a movement meditation rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Laughter yoga combines intentional laughter with yogic breathing to support emotional balance, stress relief, and resilience. While these practices have distinct qualities, they also complement one another in meaningful ways.

In this course, we explore qigong and laughter yoga both separately and in combination, highlighting how movement, breath, and play can work together to support balance and joy. Participants are invited to meet themselves with curiosity, kindness, and a sense of play.

No prior experience is required.

  • The UCSF Osher Center will make every effort to hold MBSR classes as scheduled. When the unforeseen happens, the Center reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. If the UCSF Osher Center cancels a program, you will receive a full refund.    

    Refunds or transfers to another MBSR class are available up to 72 hours before Class 1 begins. Note: Approximately two weeks prior to Class 1, the "Orientation to Mindfulness" class and private interviews with your MBSR instructor will occur.  

    No credit, refund, or transfer is available once Class 1 has begun; if you do not attend; are dissatisfied with the instructors’ presentation or content; if you leave a program early for any reason, or if you register after Class 1.

    To make changes to your registration, please email Osher.Center.Classes@ucsf.edu

  • This course is designed to be welcoming and accessible to a wide range of participants. Practices are gentle and can be adapted for different bodies and energy levels. Participants are encouraged to listen to their own needs and to rest, modify, or pause as needed.

    You are welcome to explore the practices seated, standing, or in any position that feels supportive for your body. Cameras may be on or off at any time. During the laughter yoga portions, keeping cameras on, when possible, can be helpful, as mirror neurons play a key role in the interactive nature of the practice and support its effectiveness.

    While the qigong exercises are primarily taught in a standing position, many movements can be modified and practiced seated. There is no expectation to perform or keep up—each session emphasizes self-paced exploration and choice.

    During the laughter yoga portions, keeping cameras on, when possible, can be helpful, as mirror neurons play a key role in the interactive nature of the practice and support its effectiveness.

    If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss specific needs in advance, please reach out to the Osher Center Public Classes team.

Gigi Otalvaro