| Feature Article Building Internal Strength
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
In the Chinese martial and health arts, you
often hear the terms, external and internal. The external refers to
muscles, speed, brute force, stamina and body mass. The internal refers
to the organs, qi or intrinsic energy, mind and
spirit. We train the external first, and gradually move to the internal, from the gross to
the subtle.
One of the first and most important practices for building
internal strength is Quiet Standing. This exercise helps you to develop the ideal balance
between tension and relaxation. It teaches you to hold your body in an easy, comfortable
manner. By placing your awareness on the body centre (Dan Tian), you learn to clear
distracting thoughts and develop a calm, focused mind. This technique gradually helps to
relax your internal organs and produce warmth and the feeling of electrical currents
coursing through your body.
Once you are able to accumulate this energy at one point, and
pinpoint exactly where your Dan Tian (known as the Field of Elixir in Chinese) is located,
you are ready to learn how to circulate the chi through the meridians in the body. It is
said that one who can do this correctly will be free of disease, will be strong and vital
and look many years younger than the biological age.
Another important exercise in building internal strength is
the Tai Chi Walking. This teaches you to relax while moving. As your legs become stronger,
you sit a little lower. This can be hard work at first. However, you will feel your
muscles, sinews and joints becoming stronger. You will also feel how the Walking affects
you internally, that is, your breathing and internal organs. Once you can practise at the
middle level for 15 to 20 minutes without feeling tense in your upper body or tired, you
are then beginning to develop internal power.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney system is
associated with essential energy. The legs are connected to the kidney system. As well as
developing a stronger lower back, the Tai Chi Walking improves circulation and stimulates
the kidney system. By strengthening the legs, you will build your internal energy and
improve the kidney function.
Grandmaster Fu Sheng
Yuan, a world recognised authority on
Yang Style, always emphasises the importance of keeping the chi down below the waist and
maintaining a relaxed, upper body and strong legs. The Tai Chi Walking develops these
qualities.
The correct practice of the Tai Chi form will further the
development of internal strength. Grandmaster Fu places great importance on the correct
execution of each posture and linking of one posture to another. Gaining accuracy in
movements helps you to become aware of your body and maintain a focused mind during
practice. Understanding the martial application of each posture greatly adds to the
accuracy and intention behind the Tai Chi form.
One who has reached a high level in this form of training
will enjoy good health, a relaxed and flexible body, enormous reserves of power and
energy, peace of mind and would derive immense contentment from the practice.
Many people may have seen various feats of
strength demonstrated by Qigong (Chi Kung) experts, such as, breaking stones, placing hand in
boiling oil, etc. These accomplishments are evidence of what is possible when the body,
mind, chi and spirit are in unison.
To achieve any success in these internal practices, you need
determination, right concentration, perseverance and confidence in your ability to
develop. Cultivating these qualities alone is a reward in itself and justifies all your
efforts.
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