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Alex Dong Intl Taijiquan Assoc: Pacific NW School - Essays and Articles |
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WHAT IS QIGONG? Qigong (pronounced chee goong) is not only the "secret" cultivator of internal power common to all martial arts. It is also part of a huge Chinese system of health care. One of the major components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qigong improves circulation of vital life force energy, Chi, throughout the body. It works from the regular practice of a wide range of therapeutic exercises that relax the mind and strengthen the body. The English translation of Chi ends up being like 'air' or 'breath' of life, it's the vital essence that animates our flesh and bones. The term is known throughout other cultures as well. Descriptions match what is known as Ki in Japanese, and Prana life force in Hindu. Christian text often refers to the Holy Spirit as a similar type of universal life-force energy, the breath of God. Russian researchers have labeled it Bioplasmic Energy. Meta physicians often mention it as Subtle Energy. Freud decided to simply call it libido. In the last decade, western scientists have recognized chi flow as the free transfer of information on a molecular level. They refer to the transmission of "informational substances" flowing throughout the body, and these substances can be hormones, antigens, peptides, drugs, or neurotransmitters. In this light, our Chi system looks like it may be the conveyor of intelligence between the body's life support, emotional, and survival systems that work alongside of yet independent from, the central nervous system. I like to think of Chi as my personal energy matrix that accompanies and supports my cellular structure. Blood, the core basis of our physical existence, is the Yin component of our bodies. Chi, which is Yang, keeps our bodies balanced by supporting our blood. The Qigong practice helps balance the Yin and Yang elements in the human body which improves the functioning of internal organs and circulation of the Chi and blood. Everything about TCM always comes back to understanding Yin and Yang. The 'gong' part means skilled, self-disciplined work, or daily practice. Therefore, the essence of this practice is developing the skill to cultivate and manage your own energy. Perhaps the best way for westerners to think of qigong is as an exercise of 'moving meditation'. Qigong combines aerobic conditioning, isometrics, isotonics, and meditative/relaxation movements to stimulate, harness, and enhance Chi. Qigong covers a broad area of breathing and movement practices where Chi can be developed in many different ways. Tons of research in China has verified that regular Qigong practice enhances resistance to disease. A series of experiments at a Chinese medical research center showed that the proportion of 'T lymphocytes', which help our immune systems destroy harmful bacteria, increased from an average of 57% to over 78% after regular Qigong practice of just three months. Since the late 1990's, ample research done outside of China involving double blind studies has proved a myriad of health benefits from Qigong. People of all ages can learn and practice Qigong, to increase wellness and longevity. The Qigong that I teach utilizes movements from the internal Chinese Martial Art Tai Chi Chuan. The repetitive slow movements combined with focus and breathing help cultivate greater internal energy. Authentic Tai Chi Chuan follows basic principles of circular, waist-oriented movement and dynamic physical stances. Through continued studies, one can develop the mind, body and spirit to become very powerful and integrated. Regular practice is a recommended exercise by TCM doctors for its many therapeutic health benefits. The time to start practicing is now!
TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON'S THE DONG FAMILY FAST SET SLOW AND
FLAWED vs. FAST AND PRECISE MIND BENDER EXPLAINED MIND BENDER TAIJI CHI KUNG QUEST FOR BALLANCE TIGER
MOUNTAIN TAI-CHI KUNG UNITY THROUGH POLARITY |
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