Instructor Judy Nielsen has returned to Boothbay Harbor and will offer beginner classes in tai chi chuan at the Yoga Firm Studio in Boothbay Harbor, starting Oct. 5.

Tai chi is a low-impact, meditative form of exercise, well known for its health benefits. Harvard Medical School Health Publications concludes: “This gentle form of exercise can prevent or ease many ills of aging and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.”

When Nielsen was diagnosed with MS in the 1980s, she began studying tai chi with Grand Master Hsu Fun Yuen in Chicago. Her MS diagnosis led to a radical change in lifestyle and began Nielsen’s lifelong commitment to this ancient martial art and healing practice. Nielsen has been a tai chi instructor for over two decades.

“I have been devoted to this practice because of the beneficial effects on body, mind and spirit,” she said.

This past summer, Nielsen returned to the Tai Chi Center of Chicago for two months of intensive study. Back in Maine, Nielsen said she hopes to connect more people with this transformative practice.

Nielsen will offer beginner tai chi classes on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. The cost is $100 per month for the biweekly classes.

Nielsen also teaches advanced tai chi sword, knife, staff and chi gung.

For more information, contact Nielsen at janielsen29@gmail.com.