Movement, Martial Arts and Health

The Door Hinge Never Rusts

Stagnation is the enemy of health. Activity, the great remedy.

Movement Quickens the Blood and Scours the Vessels; permitting the free flow of blood and qi. Exercise extends the blood to the smallest vessels, deeply nourishing the body. This same circulation clears waste. When you are lethargic, your cells wallow in their own excrement

QI GONG (CHI KUNG): Ruling The QI

QI GONG (CHI KUNG, QI GENG) is a method of energy cultivation to enable internal power. It is used for health, vitality, increasing longevity, athletic performance, and expanding the mind."

QI GONG is not exactly meditation. In meditation, the mind is stilled to reach a state of awareness or union with the Absolute. In QI GONG, the mind is focused on directing energy, rather than thinking or not thinking. This is called HSING QI meaning where the mind goes, the energy follows.

QI GONG isn't exactly visualization either. Image-matter created by visualization arises in the imagination, existing yet not existing. QI, however, exists. QI exists outside the imagination. QI GONG, therefore, is a much more physical and arguably more powerful discipline than creative visualization.

TAI QI or TAI CHI

TAI CHI is a discipline of exercises developed by Taoist monks in the 13th century. It's a martial art that can be practiced at any age. Its movements are gentleid, not forceful. It's practice is for self defense, but also for self improvement.

TAI QI improves coordination and helps harmonize mind and body. Studies show that tai qi benefits the body in profound ways. Improved mental outlook, better coronary circulation, higher immunity, lower incidence of pain have been shown. Studies on senior citizens show that T'ai Qi improves balance and prevents falls.

If you want to study T'ai Qi, check your yellow pages under "Martial Arts".