Get to know us

Christina j. barea

Since 2003 I have been professionally dedicated to the development of the human potential in it’s physical, emotional and spiritual evolution (jing, qi & shen).

more about me

Christina J. Barea

Salud! Cheers to your good health!

Since 2003 I have been professionally dedicated to the development of the human potential in it’s physical, emotional and spiritual evolution (jing, qi & shen). I am dedicated to learning the relationship between foods, emotions, thoughts and habits, and how they manifest in our physical wellbeing. My belief is if we are empowered with information, and helpful tools, then we can take daily steps towards living our best life.

Experience

I began my journey into health & wellness as a Qigong and TaiChi instructor offering classes in parks, corporations, fitness studios and homes. In 2009 I wrote Qigong Illustrated, an award winning book on the exercises. In 2012, I was contacted by Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting (AIBTV) in Atlanta to film videos for our local community. Season 1 aired in late Spring 2013, Season 2 aired in Spring 2014.  Season 1 is now translated to Spanish for the benefit of our Hispanic friends. To further my understanding of the energetics, form and fluidity of Qigong and Taichi, I have taken classes in martial arts including BaguaZhang, KungFu, Neigong, and XingYi. These systems all share the same principles of energetics and dynamics. My qigong credentials include:
  • Author, Qigong Illustrated, Silver Nautilus Award recipient
  • Author, 2 Seasons of Qigong on AIBTV Atlanta
  • NQA Certified Level III Qigong Instructor
  • NQA Advanced Qigong Instructor
  • National Qigong Association Board of Directors  (2008-2012)
From very early (around 8) I had an interest in exploring the many facets of religion. What ensued were years of reading about mythology, spirituality, religion, cultural expression and philosophy. Throughout the years, a deeper understanding of myself and the complexities of the human condition evolved. In pursuit of authentic Daoist teachings, I’ve been to China 4 times, and have been blessed with some amazing experiences directly related to Daoism. One particular experience which stands out is my ordination ceremony. It took place in November 2008 at Long Hu Shan, the home of the Celestial Master’s (Tian Shi) lineage, in JiangXi Provence, China. There are honestly no words to describe the impact of this event. One of the challenges American Daoists face is obtaining quality teachings in the English language. So, I endeavored to translate the required daily scripture from Classical Chinese to English. Now published under the title Scriptures for the Morning & Evening Rites of the Orthodox Oneness, these scriptures have traveled the world opening doors that would otherwise be inaccessible for English speaking natives. I hold ordination in two lineages from China:
  • Ordained Daoist Priest, Zheng Yi branch, China; 65th Generation Disciple of Celestial Master Daoism
  • Ordained Daoist Priest, Quan Zhen Longmen Pai; 22nd Generation Disciple of Complete Purity Daoism
  • Author, Scriptures for the Morning & Evening Rites of the Orthodox Oneness (ZhengYi Pai ZaoWanKe)
Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to treat a wide variety of conditions, teach in many places and meet a lot of interesting people. I have worked for many years with difficult cases, people who have tried other healing modalities and have not had the desired results. Specifically, I’ve worked with cancer (brain, breast, liver, bone, lung and blood) for the purpose of reducing tumors and/or managing the side-effects of chemotherapy & radiation (specifically addressing neuropathy, hair loss, nausea, lethargy), depression, transitions from prescription medication to natural medicine, diabetes types I & II, ALS, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, pre & post surgery (specifically heart surgery, knee replacement, child birth, stroke, cancer procedures), Crohn’s Disease, migraine headaches, digestive disorders, allergies, asthma, gout, strokes (both flaccid and tense), high blood pressure, and more… I’ve worked mostly with adults, but have to admit that my passion is children. I’ve visited countless hospitals providing support for patients at their most critical time, as well as house calls for those who cannot get around. My years of clinical experience have given me great insight into how to effectively apply energy medicine into real-life situations and provide much needed results for my patients. I’ve been a referral source from oncologists both in California as well as Atlanta. With this knowledge I am now training the next generation of healers, I consider it a means to give back that which I have been blessed to receive.
  • Medical Qigong Therapy Practitioner (MQP)
  • Medical Qigong Therapy Therapist (MQT)
  • Medical Qigong Therapy Masters (MMQ)
Continuing the exploration of the human condition including its physiological composition, I am a Certified Personal Trainer. Through the study of body mechanics and conditioning, I help others recover from injuries, improve overall health, and prolong life.

A Personal Note

I was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and lived on the island for over 25 years. I had a wonderful childhood and spent long days, weeks, months, years soaking up the sun in the Caribbean and spending plenty of time at the beach. I still strongly believe in the cleansing power of the salt water of the ocean. My journeys have taken me to live in Miami, Italy, New York City, and California. I’ve visited so many cities around the world I sometimes forget which ones they are. Each place fills my heart with joy and wonder. In fact, one of my wishes is to be able to communicate in every language. What a way to travel the world, speaking every language!! But, I’ll have to make it happen on English, Spanish and Italian, although I am trying to learn Mandarin Chinese now -it’s going to take some time. I consider myself now a child of the world, with a deep appreciation for all life in all its many colors, flavors, textures, identities and so on. The treasure of Life is something I value deeply. I once worked at a shelter for victims of domestic violence. During that time I met countless women and children who had endured the darkest side of humanity. It made me realize, among other things, how delicate our lives are and how unresolved issues can become extremely toxic. That experience allowed me the opportunity to take the gift of life to a different environment for people who were really crying out for help. And at the same time, it restored my own appreciation for what was given to me. Today, my commitment is to continue to reach out to all people whose lives are challenged either by health, thoughts, emotions, other people, the environment and more. I firmly believe that through awareness we can effect real change; and that our lives would be greatly improved if we could all be more mindful of the consequences of our decisions. If you’ve read this far, then I thank you for your time and interest, and if I can ever be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me. ~Christina

Peyton Young

My whole life has been the pursuit and the sharing of health in body, mind, and spirit. The greatest benefit is the positive impact felt by those I am grateful to have worked with.

More about me

Peyton Young

“The greatest peace anyone can have is a calm abiding in the present moment. In these endless moments miraculous healing can occur. That is my wish for every person, to find that peaceful balance in all aspects of life - body, mind and spirit.” 

Peyton is an avid student of Health and Wellness, Martial Arts, Eastern and Western philosophy, and Mind Science Practices. His interest in these arts is studying the multi-faceted expression of Life (energy) that is the underlying thread weaving each moment together.

He is deeply interested in total wellness and committed to assisting people discover practical and effective methods of unifying body, mind and spirit. He is dedicated to helping people find the small pearls of wisdom that move them forward in their physical, energetic, and spiritual growth.

Peyton holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science and uses these skills in clinical/hospital environments specializing in cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, group fitness, and privately in the capacity of personal training. His clientele includes persons that are healthy, elderly, cardiac therapy, physical rehabilitation, and athletes from high school, college, and Olympic standards.

Peyton is a Certified Master Hypnotist which he utilizes to great effect in teaching and coaching. He is especially adept at disseminating ideas and concepts into tangible learning moments. His motivation is to help clients produce results and to overcome roadblocks to their success, instilling an unshakable positive mind set.

He has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years. His training includes arts such as Tang Soo Do, Jiujitsu, Aikido, and Tai Chi Chuan. His current emphasis is learning Chinese internal martial arts including Tai Chi Quan, Hsing Yi and classical Dao Yin.

Peyton is a certified Master of Medical Qigong (MMQ), Advanced Qigong Instructor, Advanced Meditation Instructor, and a Master Reiki practitioner and instructor.

Peyton is an ordained Priest in a Japanese Esoteric Buddhist lineage. Peyton has had extensive training in Buddhist meditation practices and is authorized to guide others through calm abiding, insight, compassionate action and esoteric meditations.

In the realm of wellness and medicine, Peyton has many talents. He combines his background in Exercise Science, Energetic Therapy Practices, and mind training sciences to specialize in kinesthetic and energetic blockages, and his talents include muscular pain and injuries, range of motion rehabilitation and creating healthy mind/body energetic patterns. He is also adept at assisting the healing process with techniques such as affirmations and releasing deep seated patterns of disharmony. Peyton is a compassionate healer with powerful energy.

  • North Georgia State University – Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Health, Wellness, Rehabilitation, Group and Personal Training
  • International Sports Science Association – Certified Elite Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Taichi for Health, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Yoga Alliance – Certified RYT 200
  • National Guild of Hypnotists – Certified Hypnotherapist
  • International Association of Professional Conversational Hypnotists – Certified Hypnotherapist
  • Certified Medical Qigong Therapist – International Medical Qigong College, and The Rising Lotus Qigong
  • Medical Qigong Apprenticeship – Laoshi Christina J Barea, DP, MMQ
  • Ordained Buddhist Priest – Tendai and Shingon
  • Disciple (Tu Di), Quan Zhen Longmen Pai (Complete Purity) Daoism
  • International Institute of Medical Qigong – Certified Instructor of IIMQ Curriculum
  • Advanced Medical Qigong Training – Advanced Neigong training with Dr. Bernard Shannon
  • Other Energetic Modalities - Certified Reiki Master Practitioner and Instructor.

We provide quality total wellness services for the global community.

Testimonials

“Excellent course and instructors! Material presented in a way that is understandable and facilitates applying this information to my current practice. I had the intention originally to wait until later to pursue the next level but was so impressed with this course… am now going to go ahead and do the practitioner level and am very excited about it. Thanks!!”

Sharon / Atlanta, GA

“Good morning! Just wanted to take the opportunity to say how much I am enjoying your programming, particularly your most recent insight on near eastern cultures and also the addition of the eastern “fitness” routine of Qigong. Those practices are very calming and really help me center in the early morning. Thank you so much, once again, in being in tune with our communities and its’ needs!”

Julie / Atlanta, GA

“Christina is a brilliant and gifted teacher who graciously shares her vast knowledge and wisdom. Her unique approach to the art and science of qigong will long be of tremendous benefit to her students and the world at large. Christina is remarkable and we are very lucky to have her here in Atlanta.”

Patrick / Marietta, GA

“I am blessed to share space at our healing center with Christina and the Rising Lotus Qigong. Throughout a full year of working side by side in the healing arts, Christina has shown integrity and honesty to the highest measure and always follows through with her word. I have also received qigong healing from her certification class and found it very balancing and healing for the situation I presented on the day of my session.”

Essud / Alpharetta, GA

“Christina and Peyton, I really enjoyed class this weekend. It has opened up a whole new world for me. I feel that this is the start of a great journey for me. Thank you and I hope my energy was just as rewarding as the one I received this weekend.. I’m looking forward to continued work with you two…“

Benjamin / Atlanta, GA

“One of the most informative and enjoyable classes I have taken. I hold the course in the highest regards, I would advise any healer to take this course.”

Vivian / Roswell, GA

Christina and Peyton, I just want to thank you both for such a great seminar last weekend. It far exceeded my expectations. Even though I was familiar with the material, I was able to experience it on a whole new level…”

Tonya / Charlottesville, VA

“… I have been guided by Christina for the last 6 months and can now physically and psychologically get about ‘this business of living’ with minimal support.””

Michael / Sandy Springs, GA

“Christina is very caring and exceptionally in-tune with human beings in her midst (the energy, heart & mind). She connected with me and moved me in a profound way, like no one else ever has. She offered much of what I needed when I sought her out, based on an overwhelming recommendation from a friend. I will see her again, and also highly recommend her extraordinary talent to others.”.

Renee / Dunwoody, GA

“The teaching was clear- the content exceeded my expectations. I am leaving this class with understanding and tools that I can use for my own practice as well as my work with patients. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Lenni / Atlanta, GA

“I just wanted to write to you to tell you how much I love your series with Christina Barea & Peyton Young.They are excellent teachers who are so knowledgeable as well as personable…”

MH / AIB TV – Atlanta, GA

“I first found The Rising Lotus and Christina through her web site one year ago. I was searching for an authentic Qigong school and an instructor with deep roots in the practice. I knew I found this after my first class and have been coming every week ever since. I look forward to every Tuesday and now practice Qigong every day. It has truly added peace to my day and something to look forward to. Thank you Christina!”

Michelle / Stone Mountain, GA

“I practice qigong daily for my personal self-care as well as take weekly qigong classes at The Rising Lotus. The weekly classes have helped me cultivate the techniques of breath, purging and tonification in a way that I would not have accomplished if I had continued practicing qigong on my own. I have come to the realization that energy work is the glue that cements medical theory to personal wholeness.”

Patricia / Atlanta, GA

“Christina Barea has been a true blessing to me. She is a extraordinary healer in ways that I don’t fully understand. I am immensely grateful for the gifts and talents she has bestowed upon me with her medical healing. I began seeing her after struggling with my health for many months. I was suffering from the effects of multiple surgeries from Crohn’s disease yet I had no active disease…”

Emma / Atlanta, GA

“Christina and Peyton, I just want to thank you both for such a great seminar last weekend. Your ability to take information and present it in a way that everyone can walk away with an understanding, no matter what level they are at, is a gift. You guys are phenomenal teachers and are such an inspiration for me on this beautiful journey. I look forward to more of these seminars in the future.”

Tonya / Charlottesville, VA