Photos: Qigong class at Prairiewoods in Hiawatha

Qigong classes use meditation, energy healing, breath work, acupressure and controlled movements to help with mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being

Savannah Blake

Jan. 2, 2026 4:48 pm, Updated: Jan. 2, 2026 5:05 pm

April Elsbernd of Cedar Rapids (right) copies Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel as she goes through a series of controlled movements to alleviate stress, anxiety and fear during a qigong class at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiwatha on Friday. Qigong classes utilize meditation, energy healing, breath work, acupressure and various controlled movements to help with mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. The center offers various programs like qigong and sound bath healing events every month. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel goes through a series of slow and controlled movements during a qigong class at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha on Friday. Qigong classes utilize meditation, energy healing, breath work, acupressure and various controlled movements to help with mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Rev. Quehl-Engel teaches qigong in both Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel reaches out during an opening exercise while leading a qigong class at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha on Friday. Qigong classes utilize meditation, energy healing, breath work, acupressure and various controlled movements to help with mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Rev. Quehl-Engel teaches qigong in both Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

April Elsbernd of Cedar Rapids focuses on her breath work during a qigong class at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha on Friday. Qigong classes utilize meditation, energy healing, breath work, acupressure and various controlled movements to help with mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. The center offers various programs like qigong and sound bath healing events every month. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel holds out a bowl at Sadie McDowell’s (left) heart center to allow her to feel the vibrations during a qigong class at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha on Friday. Qigong classes utilize meditation, energy healing, breath work, acupressure and various controlled movements to help with mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Rev. Quehl-Engel teaches qigong in both Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Sadie McDowell of Cedar Rapids holds her hands in prayer pose while going through a guided meditation during a qigong class at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha on Friday. Qigong classes utilize meditation, energy healing, breath work, acupressure and various controlled movements to help with mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. The center offers various programs like qigong and sound bath healing events every month. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel leads a qigong class at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in HIawatha on Friday. Qigong classes utilize meditation, energy healing, breath work, acupressure and various controlled movements to help with mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Rev. Quehl-Engel teaches qigong in both Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

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