| Feature Article
Health and Healing through Tai Chi
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
In
September, a group of Tai Chi students and friends will be joining me on
the Academy’s China tour. These tours are designed to take you into the
heart of Chinese culture. China’s rich culture has given rise to
magnificent architecture, great armies, enlightened philosophers and
profound medical and healing practices. On this tour, we will visit the
sacred Taoist Wudang Mountains and train with the lineage holders of
mystic wisdom and ancient healing arts.
In Chinese culture, martial arts and healing have a close
relationship. The initial practice in Tai Chi or Shaolin is always
about nurturing our health and energy. Without good health and abundant
energy, it is not possible to develop real kung fu. Places like Wudang,
Shaolin Temple and Huashan attract many people interested in healing and
enlightenment. They travel to these areas in the hope of meeting a
master who can show them the way. The great masters have always
been able to combine martial skills, scholarship and medicine in their
training. The same principles
that guide the martial artist also guide the scholar and physician.
This creates a more rounded character. Those with this training can
protect themselves physically, enlighten others with wisdom and heal the
sick.
When we begin the journey to good health and emotional,
mental and spiritual well being,
we need to observe certain universal
truths in order to gain the best results. This is no different from
when we are sick. If we take the prescribed medicine and follow the
physician’s advice on lifestyle, we will recover. If we don’t, we may
never become well. Tai Chi, Chinese medicine, etc. find their
inspiration in the Tao (Way). In China, one of the most famous books is
“Tao Te Ching” (the Classic of the Way and its Virtue or Power). The
book is about the Tao and its characteristics. Written by Lao Tzu about
2,500 years ago, it is the most translated book in the world, with the
possible exception of the Bible.
During our trip in September, we will be visiting the
Louguan Terrace where Lao Tzu had lectured on “Tao Te Ching”. Abbott
Ren Fa Rong of the Louguan Terrace will share with us his insight into
this collection of cryptic
aphorisms extolling the virtues of simplicity.
When we apply the Tai Chi principles in our training and
life, our health and well being will gradually improve. Tai Chi is a
balance and combination of relaxation and firmness. Being mindful of
this principle in our practice increases our awareness of the dangers of
going to extremes. Pushing our minds or bodies too hard will cause
problems with our health and relationships. Knowing when enough is
enough is a valuable asset. Good athletes know how to find a balance
between rest and activity.
Concentration – an
even awareness without any strain – is
another important benefit. When we practise, we learn to keep the mind
aware of the body, such as, spine straight and relaxed, shoulders
relaxed, turning the waist. If we practise without awareness or focus,
we won’t achieve any significant results. Good concentration leads to
calmness. As your mind settles, you can sense more and you will also
begin to experience a subtle pleasure during your practice.
Although quantum physicists have been saying for many
years that everything is energy, it is not second nature for people in
general to think of themselves as energy beings. Many people still
perceive themselves as material beings and thus do not realise how their
thoughts affect their bodies. Calmness of mind plays a very important
role in our health. Qi (energy) cannot flow smoothly if we are tense.
In all ancient healing traditions, feelings such as anger, fear, hatred
and jealousy, are always regarded as detrimental to our well being. All
emotional stresses affect our energy flow greatly and are shocks to our
energetic system. Illness develops if we allow ourselves to be under
such strain for an extended period of time. Tai Chi and Qigong
practices help to clear our emotional baggage, restore balance to our
nervous system, strengthen our energy and promote smooth circulation of
qi and blood. All these are important ingredients in healing.
Initially, calmness is cultivated through our solo Tai
Chi form practice. Later on, with Push Hands, we practise sensitivity,
yielding and self defence applications with a partner. This training
builds up confidence, power and induces a deeper level of calm.
Remaining calm while under attack means that the mind no longer fears
the opponent. We learn to yield to the opponent’s strength and attack
his weaknesses. The philosophy of Yin Yang helps us to see more
clearly. We have weaknesses and strong points, but so does our
opponent.
The most important discipline is to practise regularly so
that we can train the mind to concentrate and relax. Gradually, this
affects our nervous system and the whole body. With persistence, we
will overcome our weaknesses and understand that good health begins with
the state of the mind. The recipe for good health and happiness is to
be at peace with ourselves, despite our circumstances. Tai Chi practice
opens our horizons in many unexpected ways. Enjoy the journey!
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