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Tai Chi & Chi Kung
- The Art of Rejuvenation -
WHAT IS CHI KUNG?
Chi Kung (more appropriately written as Qi Gong -
see What is Pin Yin?)
is an ancient Chinese exercise treasured for its rejuvenating
principles. 'Chi Kung' (pronounced chee kung), emphasizes
mental focus, deep breathing, still meditation and
body movement that will promote mental clarity, coordination,
self-cultivation, and improve chi circulation and
health.
Chi (more appropriately written as Qi and pronounced
- 'Chee') translates into energy or bio-electricity
and Kung means 'time and effort' implying the study
of energy. Chi is considered a vital life force that
courses through specific pathways throughout the body.
Yin-Yang theory, a method of identifying opposing
forces and bringing them into harmonious transition
is fundamental to Chi Kung.
WHAT IS TAI CHI?
Tai Chi Ch'uan (more appropriately written as Tai
Ji Quan and pronounced - 'Tai Jee Chuen') is a form
of Chi Kung or energy study. Tai Chi Ch'uan translates
as Grand Ultimate Fist - a reference to it's Chinese
martial arts origins. In modern times many people
throughout the world now practice the slow moving
and mindful style of Tai Chi as a stimulating and
health benefiting form of exercise.
TAI CHI PROMOTES stress relief, mental tranquility,
physical fitness, correct posture, balance, and coordination
and improves Blood and Chi circulation.
ORIGINS OF TAI CHI CH'UAN
Tai Chi originates in China. One legendary "founder"
is considered to be Chang San Feng who lived from
about 1391 to 1459 AD. He was a monk in the Wu Tang
monastery. He combined Taoist chi kung principles,
yin-
yang philosophy, I Ching theory and kung fu martial
arts to create Tai Chi Ch'uan. However many dispute
the actual existence of Chang San Feng.
Credit is mostly given to the renowned Chen village
as the birthplace of Tai Chi. There are documents
that can trace the existence of Tai Chi in Chen village
all the way back to Chen Wang Ting in the late 1500's
to early 1600's.
There are five popular styles of Tai Chi practiced
today, all unique in method and appearance - Chen,
Yang, Wu, Wu Yuxiang, Sun. The style that all current
styles from which Tai Chi was developed is known as
the Chen Style. The precious knowledge of this ancient
practice was kept secret and solely practiced within
the Chen family. Yang Luchan (1800-1873), a member
of the Yang family was allowed to study the Chen style.
The exception of allowing an outsider to learn the
inner secrets of the Chen style was designed to challenge
and raise the practice of this art form to higher
levels. Yang Luchan modified the Chen style thereby
developing the Yang style, which is the most common
traditional style of Tai Chi Ch'uan practiced today.
APPLICATION
When there is pain, there is no free flow of Chi.
When there is free flow of Chi there is no pain.
In Chinese Medicine one becomes ill when the flow
of chi through the body is obstructed. Tai Chi and
acupuncture are two common methods of freeing the
flow of chi. When the circulation of Chi and Blood
are obstructed pain sets in. Chronic obstruction can
lead to deeper disorders. Stress alone is enough to
obstruct circulation and is often overlooked as a
source of disease. Tai Chi and Chi Kung applied as
a means of prevention or rehabilitation can help maintain
good circulation, promote relaxation, strengthen the
body, increase mental clarity & relieve stress
through the cultivation of chi.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Tai Chi is likened to a moving meditation with slow,
mindful movements, proper breathing, and posture to
facilitate a smooth flow of Chi.
The posture of Yang-style Tai Chi Ch'uan can be practiced
at different levels of difficulty (high-posture, middle-posture
and low-posture) to accommodate all ages and various
abilities.
MISSION
As a Tai Chi & Chi Kung instructor Dr. Carlow's
mission is to give instruction on the Yang style Tai
Chi Ch'uan form with complementary Chi Kung exercises
that can be tailored to accommodate individual health
concerns and promote health and well-being.
A BEGINNING - THE DAN TIEN
The Dan Tian is an energy center. In practicing Tai
Chi, the mind is focused on the Dan Tian to strengthen
the internal core. The Dan Tian is located approximately
1.5 inches below the navel and between the front and
backside of the abdomen. As a meditation to strengthen
your awareness of the Dan Tian and promote relaxation
lie face up placing your hands palm-down, one hand
over the other on the abdomen directly over the Dan
Tian. Concentrate on the Dan Tian. Don't allow your
mind to wander. Breathe calmly and deeply allowing
your abdomen to rise and fall. Practicing this for
20 minutes a day is a good start for a new student
of Tai Chi.
Christopher Carlow, a Doctor of Acupuncture, received
his Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
at Tai Hsuan College in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is certified
as a Diplomat of Acupuncture by the National Certification
Commission For Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine and
is licensed by the state of Rhode Island. Chris believes
healthcare needs a holistic and alternative approach
that promotes natural healing without dangerous side
effects. This nurturing approach to healing has the
potential to empower the patient with a higher level
of self-awareness promoting wellness for a healthy
mind, body and spirit. As a native Rhode Islander,
Chris is eager to connect with his hometown community
through the practice of this wonderful healing art
known as Tai Chi.
Chris has been studying various forms of Taijiquan
and Qigong extensively for more than twelve years.
These art forms have been the founding principles
that have guided his decision to become an acupuncturist
and herbalist. In addition, the education obtained
at Tai Hsuan College is comprised of more than 2,500
hours of training in Chinese Medicine, Treatment and
Needling Technique, Herbology, Clinical Internship,
Taoist Medicine, and Biomedical Clinical Sciences.
Additional Information:
Tai Chi Each Day Keeps Shingles Away
"Tai chi boosts shingles immunity in elderly
people, new research shows."
WebMD
Medical News
22 Sept. 2003
"Tai chi, a traditional Chinese
martial art, may give older adults' immune system
a boost." "That news comes from experts
at UCLA and the University of California, San Diego."
WebMD
29 Mar. 2007
Tai Chi Boosts Immunity To Shingles
Virus In Older Adults, NIH-Sponsored Study Reports
Life
Science News
8 Apr. 2007
Additional
Informative research on Tai Chi
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