Month: July 2020

Neuroplasticity – Reroute, Rewire, Reorganize Your Brain

The brain has the ability to continuously form, change and relocate new neural connections to different neural networks throughout our lives. This phenomenon is called neourplasticity.
– This occurs at the beginning of life
– After experiencing a brain injury
– When new learning and memories are observed

Neural connections

Benefits of increase neuroplasticity or brain rerouting:
– Enhanced memory abilities
– More effective learning
– Recovery from brain events like strokes
– Recovery from traumatic brain injuries
– Ability to rewire functions in the brain
– Function loss in one area may enhance functions in other areas

Methods

 

Methods that have been known to enhance neuroplasticity include:

– Dancing, yoga, tai chi and other mind and body practices increases neural connectivity

– Expanding ones vocabulary increase memory processing and the visual and auditory processes

– Quality sleep enhances learning retention through the growth of the dendritic spines that serve as connections between neurons

– Creating artwork enhances the connectivity of the brain at rest which can boost introspection, memory, empathy, attention, and focus

– Occasional fasting can increases synaptic adaptation, promoting neuron growth

– Use of mnemonic devices with memory training can enhance connections in the prefrontal parietal network and help to prevent memory loss

– Learning musical instruments may increase connections between brain regions helping form new neural networks

– Non-dominant hand exercises can form new neural pathways strengthening the connectivity between neurons

– Reading fiction may increase and enhance connectivity in the brain

– Travel exposes the brain to new environments and various stimuli that forms new pathways and brain activity

 

Be well, stay healthy, be wise!

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Another graphic representation of the 24 Hour Qi Flow Though the Meridians

Energetic Anatomy-12 primary meridians (updated)

The Horary Clock (Circadian Rhythm)
Another graphic representation of the 24 Hour Qi Flow Though the Meridians
Understanding how the human body works and interacts within nature, along with self-awareness are the basis of Traditional Chinese medicine.
The graphic shows what is known as the Horary cycle or the Circadian Clock. As Qi (energy) makes its way through the meridians, each meridian in turn with its associated organ, has a two-hour period during which it is at maximum energy. The Horary Effect is recognizable by measurable increases of Qi within an organ system and meridian during its time of maximum energy.

Awareness of the energy during the Horary Cycle, it may be possible to relate restlessness during a specific 2-hour sleep period or fatigue during a particular 2-hour awake period, as an imbalance in the corresponding meridian.

There are many imbalances that can be effectively addressed by evaluating the Horary Cycle. For example, if someone consistently wakes up at 3:00 AM, there may be a problem with the Liver or Lung meridian and the corresponding organs. This type of energetic disruption in the circadian rhythm can account for some issues like an infant and mother’s sleep patterns, jet lag, night shift problems, and insomnia.

Tai Chi, yoga and qigong are all methods that increase the flow of energy within the body improving health and well-being.
Be well, stay healthy, be wise!

The Horary Clock (Circadian Rhythm) – 24 Hour Qi Flow Though the Meridians

Horary Clock

The Horary Clock (Circadian Rhythm) – 24 Hour Qi Flow Though the Meridians
Understanding how the human body works and interacts within nature, along with self-awareness are the basis of Traditional Chinese medicine.
The graphic shows what is known as the Horary cycle or the Circadian Clock. As Qi (energy) makes its way through the meridians, each meridian in turn with its associated organ, has a two-hour period during which it is at maximum energy. The Horary Effect is recognizable by measurable increases of Qi within an organ system and meridian during its time of maximum energy.
Harmonizing Habits:
5-7am – Wake Up, Move Bowels, Meditate
7-9am – Sex, Breakfast, Walk, Digest
9-11am – Work, Best Concentration
11am-1pm – Eat Main Meal of Day, Walk
1-3pm – Absorb Food, Short Nap, Work
3-5pm – Work or Study
5-7pm – Exercise, Light Dinner
7-9pm – Light Reading, Massage Feet
9-11pm – Calm Socializing, Flirting, Sex
11pm-1am – Go to Sleep, Cellular Repair
1-3am – Deep Sleep, Detox Liver & Blood
3-5am – Deep Sleep, Detox Lungs
Tai Chi, yoga and qigong are all methods that increase the flow of energy within the body improving health and well-being.
Be well, stay healthy, be wise!

The Back Shu Acuppoints

Back-Shu Points-simple
The Back Shu Acuppoints –
There are 12 Back Shu points on the bladder energy meridian, that correspond to each of the 12 Zang-Fu organs. They are each named for an organ or body part. The energy meridians are part of the 5 Element Theory from which Traditional Chinese Medicine is based upon. Spontaneous pain indicates a disorder in the meridian.
Back Shu points are used primarily for improving chronic conditions through acupuncture, acupressure and physical movement or exercise. By reviewing the relationships between the spine, organs and other anatomical components, one can see some correlations to the Back Shu Points and its relationships to the same anatomical components.
Regardless of which theory is addressed, one can see the importance of maintaining a healthy spine and its many interconnected components.
Be well, stay healthy, be wise!

24 Yang Style Tai Chi

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What are “forms” or “sets” of Tai Chi Exercises?
Tai Chi is a powerful art of immense depth consisting of exercise, self-defense and philosophy. The “sets” or “forms” are the structure or the foundation. Forms are individual exercises linked together to form a long flowing series of movements. According to Yang Chan Fu (who is known as the modern father of Tai Chi) “to start learning Tai Chi you have to start with the forms”. There are many styles of Tai Chi, and within each style, each has its different Forms. Even with one well-known form, there are many versions. Students might feel confused facing so many options, or one could take it as an advantage to have so many choices available.

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It is helpful and interesting to understand the structure and background history of the forms. Similar to an artist playing a musical composition, it is possible to play music well. To play it as a piece of art, it becomes necessary to understand the inner meaning, intention and structure of the piece.

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The Origin of the 24 Forms
The Chinese National Sports Committee authorized the country’s four most renowned Tai Chi experts to compose the 24 Forms in order to popularize Tai Chi; . Based on the Yang style, and by eliminating many repetitions and retaining the essential principles of Tai Chi, the 88 Forms was condensed to only 24 Forms. The 24 Forms is easier to learn, remember and practice taking about five minutes to practice. Anyone can do four times through the form in about 20 minutes. The 24 Forms has become the most popular tai chi form in the world.

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The Structure of the 24 Forms
The 24 Forms is divided into five sections. The first section consists of moderate stretching of the upper and lower limbs, which works as warming up for the later exercises. The second section is more challenging with further stretching and turning of the body. The third section contains the most challenging parts with balance exercise and a few kicking movements. The fourth section contains the most technically difficult movements. Lastly, slower movements work as winding down exercises. The 24 Forms has incorporated the essential tai chi principles.

section5

Many Benefits of Tai Chi-2

Be well, stay healthy, be wise!

Jim Moltzan

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