| Feature Article
More to Qigong and Tai Chi that Meets the Eye
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
This term we commenced teaching an eight week Qigong course. The course
focuses on the Ba Duan Jin (Eight Section Brocade) which stretches and
opens the body, enabling blood and qi (energy) to flow through the
joints, organs and meridians more freely. Stiffness in the body leads
to the sluggish flow of blood and qi and eventually poor health. After
a few weeks into the course, students have already reported beneficial
changes, physically and emotionally.
The arts of Qigong and Tai Chi have been developed from an accumulation
of knowledge and experience involving exercising and strengthening the
body externally and internally – muscles, joints, sinews, organs, bone
marrow, nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, etc. Most
of us think of exercise as only an external activity. When we engage in
sports, for example, running, we feel stronger but with muscle fatigue.
It works primarily on the body externally. When we practise Qigong or
Tai Chi, we work on the inner functions of the body-mind such as the
immune system, the endocrine system, etc. as well as the outer
functions.
Students can feel the difference before and after a Qigong or Tai Chi
class. Before the session, you may feel stressed or tired. However,
once you begin, your breathing naturally slows down and deepens, your
muscles relax, your blood flows more freely to the extremities and more
saliva is produced. All of these physiological changes are signs that
your body is working more efficiently on the inside. Besides leaving
you feeling more relaxed and refreshed, the practice has also enabled
the body to cleanse itself internally. Many of our illnesses begin with
poor blood circulation and digestive problems.
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Reed Flute Cave,
Guilin |
Qigong training has its roots in the Taoist and Buddhist philosophy of
awakening to our full potential. The more we practise, the more
optimistic and happy we feel. Mind, body and spirit are linked. When
we perform a physical movement with intention such as Lower the Qi and
Cleanse Internally (the first movement of the Hun Yuan Qigong), we are
also lowering our centre of gravity, calming the mind and treating
ourselves with gentleness and respect. We experience our mind, body and
spirit as an energetic whole.
In his book, “It’s the Thought that Counts : why mind over matter really
works” (Carlsbad, California : Hay House, 2005), David R. Hamilton
illustrates the power of the mind and more importantly, how to use the
mind to better our health and happiness. In closing, he states 3 simple
rules that can inspire us to happier, healthier lives – love for self,
love for others and love for nature.
Taoists see themselves as part of nature. To disrespect the environment
is tantamount to disrespecting our parents and ourselves. In our
practice, self respect and self love are being developed. When we feel
good, we naturally have no desire to intake or do anything that will
abuse the body-mind. When self love is felt, it is hard to willfully
hurt fellow beings. There is an appreciation and gratitude for our
lives. Our self respect and love naturally touch others. We are all
connected and share many of the same experiences. The training presents
us with an opportunity to blossom more fully than we sometimes realise.
The more we train in Qigong and Tai Chi, the more we learn that they
resemble art. To truly understand and integrate the principles requires
practice and inspiration. Many students have benefited from Qigong and
Tai Chi. Through training, the underlying essentials of balance,
harmony, awareness and self confidence will come through in your daily
life. These qualities create a positive energetic field for good health
and well being.
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