According to traditional Chinese medicine, good health is defined as the
uninhibited flow of energy (qi) through the meridian system of the
body. Physical injuries, mental stress or emotional trauma can all
cause imbalances and blockages to the body’s energy system. A
traditional Chinese medical practitioner will use either herbs,
acupuncture, massage or moxibustion or a combination of these four
procedures to help the energy flow.
In
Chinese painting and calligraphy, an accomplished artist knows how to
express his energy through his work. When a calligraphy or a painting
does not flow, it is very obvious to the connoisseur.
The art
of Tai Chi is often described as a flowing river or ocean waves. The
external appearance of gentle flowing movements is generated by the
internal flow of energy. Water is the inspiration for Tai Chi. Its
fluidity, power, adaptability and softness are all qualities we try to
emulate when we practise Tai Chi.
To
benefit from Tai Chi as a healing art, it is important to cultivate our
energy. We conserve the energy by relaxing the body, using the body
efficiently, calming the mind, nourishing the body with good food and
learning how to enhance the energy flow throughout the body.
The
flow of energy is affected by tension, worry, fear, over-excitement,
over-work, injuries, environmental factors such as weather, location and
even the people around us. Emotional blocks, such as not expressing our
feelings or being true to ourselves, can hamper the flow of energy in
the body. Dr. John Eaton, who has researched the causes of chronic
fatigue syndrome, came to the conclusion that unexpressed emotions can
play a role in inhibiting the immune system so that it no longer
functions at its optimum level. He has designed a program called
Reverse Therapy which treats this condition.
According to Chinese medicine, the mind and body are interconnected and
the organs are related to different parts of the body. For example, the
kidneys affect our essential energy. In women, a weak kidney system
affects the breasts. The emotion of fear affects the kidneys.
Fear or
sudden shock may weaken the kidney system. This, in turn, may lead to
problems in the breast which can lead to stress, then anxiety and
eventually depression. The emotion of depression affects the lungs
which may cause respiratory problems. If we become angry about this, we
can develop problems with our liver which is related to our eyes. And
so, it becomes quite a tangled web. However, as we practise Qigong or
Tai Chi, we deal with the root causes of illness, not the symptoms.
Practising Tai Chi and Qigong helps to balance the energy. Practising
certain movements affects different meridians. Moving your arms above
your head helps to open your lungs. Focusing on the Dan Tian (the body
centre just below the navel) improves your essential energy.
Concentrating the mind helps to relax the nervous system. Staying
optimistic improves and strengthens the mind. Learning to forgive and
showing compassion and love allow our energy to flow. On the other hand,
hatred, revenge, anger and resentment all block our energy.
By
doing Tai Chi and Qigong daily, we clear blockages from our energy
system. When we practise, we use peaceful imagery, we breathe in a
relaxed manner and we move harmoniously. With regular training, we
learn to heal our mind, body and spirit. The power to heal yourself is
really within your reach. Take responsibility for your health and well
being. Prevention is better than cure.
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