Tag: chi kung

The Back Shu Acuppoints

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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.

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Many Benefits of Tai Chi-2

Be well, stay healthy, be wise!

Jim Moltzan

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The 12 Primary Energy Meridians & The 8 Extraordinary Vessels

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The 12 Primary Energy Meridians & The 8 Extraordinary Vessels
Within Chinese Medicine, there exists the theory of the 12 Primary Energy Meridians. Also, there is the Eight Extraordinary Vessels representing the body’s deepest level of energetic structuring. These vessels are the first to form in utero, and are carriers of Yuan Qi – the ancestral energy which corresponds to our genetic inheritance. They function as deep reservoirs from which the twelve main meridians can be replenished and into which the latter can drain their excesses of qi. Other names for these Eight Extraordinary Vessels include: the Eight Curious Vessels, the Eight Marvelous Meridians, and the Eight Irregular Vessels.
Western medicine does not recognize the meridians nor vessels existence as they are not physical components that can be seen nor dissected in a lab environment. However, other types of energy such as electricity, radiation and heat also are not visible to the human eye but are accepted as existing.
The blood, fascia and nervous system are all presumed to be the conduit in which the qi circulates throughout the human body. Mind and body practices such as tai chi, yoga and qigong are all methods of exercise and wellness known to affect the meridians, vessels and qi flow in a positive way. Improving the immune system is just one benefit of increasing this flow of energy.
Be well, stay healthy, be wise!
Jim Moltzan

The 36 Noble Stances (moving qigong set)

The 36 Noble Stances

Noble stances are a combination of various stances from different styles of Chinese martial arts. Stances, in this case, meaning correct placement of the feet, knees, hips, and arm positions relative to one’s center of gravity. Executing static positions and holding the particular body positions for anyway from a few seconds to several minutes reaps many benefits foremost being able to cultivate a strong and healthy core.

This is another time-proven method to increase the capacity of  the nervous system! By holding the body in specific alignments, the nervous system is strengthened to endure more pain, stress and discomfort. Think of tempering steel in fire to strengthen the metal.
When engaging the muscles, tendons, bones and fascia, the 12 regular energy meridians are engaged plus the 8 extraordinary meridians are opened and filled as reservoirs to adjust the ebb and flow of energy throughout the body and thereby strengthening the immune system among other bodily functions.
Exercise methods like these have been known for centuries, but are considered new or “alternative” to modern western culture.
Learn how this all works from private, small or group instruction.
Be well, stay healthy, be wise!
Jim Moltzan
407-234-0119

 

The Cross Crawl Concept

Opposition or contralateral, in regards to body movement or mechanics, means that opposite sides of the body work together to coordinate the right arm and left leg, and then the left arm and right leg. Ipsilateral refers to same side coordination.

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Cross crawl refers to movements in which we use opposition such as walking, climbing, crawling, walking, running, and swimming. These are intentional cross-lateral activities, which you cross the mid-line of the body. Touching the hand to the opposite knee or foot.

examples of cross crawl

This type of movement builds the connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This allows for the electrical impulses and information to pass freely between the two hemispheres. This is essential for physical coordination as well as cerebral activities, such as reading, listening, teaching or learning a skill, and hand-eye coordination.

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The cross crawl technique is an easy way to activate brain development and the nervous system. It gives motor and sensory stimuli needed to take control of bodily functions, thereby preventing or rehabilitating health problems. Exercises from martial arts such as Tai Chi (kung fu), qigong and yoga focus greatly on contralateral and ipsilateral movements throughout their curriculum.

Advanced examples

Exercise methods like these have been known for centuries, but are considered new or “alternative” to modern western culture.
Learn how this all works from private, small or group instruction.
Be well!
Jim Moltzan
407-234-0119