| Feature Article
Energy Cultivation and Tai Chi
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Many new students are surprised at the depth and
subtleties of Tai Chi. One beginner made this comment: “At first, I was
skeptical but now, I see there is much more to this stuff than I
realised.” The concept of qi is both fascinating and bewildering to
most people.
Traditional Chinese Medicine identifies several kinds of
qi in the body, wit h a specific reference to a type of qi called yuan qi or
essential energy.
All high level Tai Chi masters assert that unless we learn
to cultivate and circulate this energy, our Tai Chi will be just a
series of empty movements. The
real purpose of the training is to build this energy and open the
body’s energy pathways. The practice of Qigong - the art of cultivating
internal energy - is the key to achieving this. The Tai Chi form reinforces and helps to
circulate the energy through the body’s meridians or channels.
If your energy is balanced and flows uninhibited through
your body, you will achieve excellent health. Heed the advice of this
old Tai Chi saying, “The practice is a form of refinement. Tai Chi, the
Grand Ultimate, means the greatest equilibrium. In order to cultivate
and nourish the vital energy of oneself, one needs to be calm and gentle.”
After a few lessons, you may begin to feel warmth,
tingling and other sensations during your practice. This is a sign that
you are beginning to relax and that the qi is beginning to flow. Once
you experience this pleasant sensation, you’ll always find your practice
enjoyable. There is much more to Tai Chi than the apparent slow
movements. It has the ability to strengthen your mind and body and add
joy to your life. Wishing you all a happy and rewarding Tai Chi
journey!
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