Fitness vs. Wellness

Silk Reeling #1

Silk Reeling refers to internal (neigong) movement principles practiced in traditional styles of Tai Chi, especially emphasized within the Chen and Wu styles. The metaphoric term derives from the spiraling and twisting movements of the silkworm larva as it wraps itself within its cocoon. In order to draw out the silk successfully, the action must be smooth and consistent and flowing with no jerking or sharp change in direction. Too fast of a movement and the silk breaks. Too slow and it sticks to itself and becomes tangled. Silk Reeling movements are continuous, rhythmic and spiraling patterns practiced at consistent speed with a “light touch” of drawing silk. Silk reeling is practiced in solo forms and stances as well as in “push hands” with a partner.

Watch the video to see one method of stretching the spine, relieving stress, increasing oxygen intake and becoming more self-aware.

If you need help in getting yourself moving, consider attending one of my classes or some one-on-one instruction. Contact me for more information on getting started at 407-234-0119 or www.MindandBodyExercises.com

Moving Qigong Set #2 (moving meditation)

Forms or exercise sets, are a way to link many various movements into an organized flow or progression from one exercise to the next. This concept is similar to the current trend of “yoga flow” but actually has been practiced for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Gentle stretching in all 3 anatomical planes (transverse, sagittal and coronal) is a way to directly exercise the organs by making them move and slide against each other breaking down adhesions. Moving the spinal column in “all directions, every day” is a why to maintain flexibility and strength of the spine and its many components.

Circulation is also increased as the gentle squishing of the core provides a “tourniquet effect” of the blood flow being somewhat restricted and then released to flush through the veins and arteries.

Set #2 is only about 5 exercises linked together. Watch the video to see one set of exercises for stretching the spine, relieving stress, increasing oxygen intake and becoming more self-aware.

Moving Qigong Set #1 (Tae Guk Chung)

Watch the video to see one set of exercises for stretching the spine, relieving stress, increasing oxygen intake and becoming more self-aware.

Clearing the Energy Centers (chakras) – gentle spinal stretching

Gentle stretching in the vertical sagittal plane, is also a way to directly exercise the organs by making them move and slide against each other breaking down adhesions. Moving the spinal column in “all directions, every day” is a why to maintain flexibility and strength of the spine and its many components.

Watch the video to see one method of stretching the spine, relieving stress, increasing oxygen intake and becoming more self-aware.