Moving Energy
Qi Gong, Zang Zhaung and Tai Chi – small hand form
I incorporate these three moving exercises to give me maximum energy levels, flexibility and strength.
Tai chi is a Chinese exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. I practice the Wudang Short hand form, piece by piece until they all flow into one long FORM which is repeated at a slow pace to achieve balance of mind and body. If you practice these moves regularly you feel a calmness in your life, better balance and less aches and pains!!!
Although Tai Chi was originally a Martial Art “Supreme Ultimate Fist” — it is now practiced in modern times primarily as a gentle exercise technique. Described as “meditation in motion,” tai chi consists of a standing person performing a series of postures or bodily movements in a slow and graceful manner, with each movement flowing without pause to the next.
According to Chinese legend, the technique was created by a Taoist monk who was inspired as he watched a crane and a snake do battle. Impressed by the snake’s ability to subtly and swiftly avoid the bird’s thrusts, he devised a series of self-defence techniques that do not involve meeting the opponent’s force with force, but rather stress evading the blow; causing the opponent’s own momentum to work against him. Altogether, the five essential qualities of tai chi are:
• Slowness. To develop awareness.
• Lightness. To make movements flow.
• Balance. To prevent body strain.
• Calmness. To maintain continuity.
• Clarity. To focus the mind.
Tai chi has both physical and mental benefits. If done regularly, it improves muscle tone, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Many older people find that it boosts their energy, stamina, and agility, sharpens their reflexes, and gives an overall sense of well-being. The calming and meditative aspects of tai chi allow many to experience its ability to relieve stress. Some claim tai chi to be a healing therapy, and it is often used to support other treatments for chronic conditions; arthritis and digestive disorders are just two examples. Like yoga, tai chi has several different styles to suit the individual.
Also, it can eventually be done daily by oneself, and ultimately becomes a very personal endeavour. Most Westerners find it best to practice tai chi in the same place and at the same time of day, and those who enjoy it most are those who are not seeking major, dramatic breakthroughs, but rather who can take pleasure in small gains that accumulate over a long period of time.
Zhan Zhaung is a series of standing exercises (can also be done sitting down if you cannot stand) This exercise is thought to be more beneficial than some physical exercise although I feel that combined with Tai Chi you will feel a great benefit throughout the whole body. The ultimate aim is to release vital energies throughout the body and build stamina for physical training (or Tai Chi)
QiGong ‘Energy Work’
Exercises to heal and strengthen the body, we will use them to warm up the body before we start the Tai Chi form but they can be used on their own combined with correct breathing to achieve good health, originally a famous Chinese doctor Hwa Tou followed ‘animal movements’ called the ‘five animal play’. He understood how wild animals lived and how they moved to maintain their bodies balance, people living under a system of society have lost this natural ability. Exercises like ‘Bird stretches his wings’ – ‘Rooster walk’- ‘Frog swim’ will bring vitality to the body.