Mysterious. Enigmatic. Magical. Unfathomable. These are words that have been used to define one of the most misunderstood of all the Chinese Martial Sciences, Tai Chi (Tai Jii) or, T`ai Chi Chuan, from Chinese tái ‘extreme’ + ji ‘limit’; t'ai chi ch'uan literally means ‘great ultimate boxing’. But what does it mean to practice Tai Chi? What are its benefits and ultimate goals? First of all, let us understand WHAT Tai Chi is, for better insight.
Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art system practiced for self-defense and health. Known for its slow, intentional movements, tai chi has practitioners worldwide and is particularly popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, with benefits to mental and physical health. And it is these benefits of mental and physical health that we will focus on in this segment of the Harmony Within. (See attached charts)
Let’s begin with a simple form that I’ve learned, which is also a form of Meditation in Movement for the Development of Internal Harmony and Qi (or Chi, also called Vital Energy or Creation Energy). Its well-spring came from the disciplines of the Shaolin Temple and is formally known as the Shaolin 8 Brocade Movements. Like formal Tai Chi, they are also done slowly, methodically, intentionally, and purposefully, and they are designed to cultivate the 5-Elements within you. Yes, within you is your OWN PERSONAL UNIVERSE! The exercises are as follows:
Standing
Two Hands Hold up the Heavens (Shuang Shou Tuo Tian)
This move is said to stimulate the "Triple Burner" aka "Triple Warmer" or "Triple Heater" meridian (Sanjiao). It consists of an upward movement of the hands, which are loosely joined and travel up the center of the body.
Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Eagle / Hawk / Vulture
While in a lower horse stance, the practitioner imitates the action of drawing a bow to either side. It is said to exercise the waist area, focusing on the kidneys and spleen.
Separate Heaven and Earth
This resembles a version of the first piece with the hands pressing in opposite directions, one up and one down. A smooth motion in which the hands switch positions is the main action, and it is said to especially stimulate the stomach.
Wise Owl Gazes Backwards or Look Back
This is a stretch of the neck to the left and the right in an alternating fashion.
Sway the Head and Shake the Tail
This is said to regulate the function of the heart and lungs. Its primary aim is to remove excess heat (or fire) (xin huo) from the heart. Xin huo is also associated with heart fire in traditional Chinese medicine. In performing this piece, the practitioner squats in a low horse stance, places the hands on thighs with the elbows facing out and twists to glance backwards on each side.
Two Hands Hold the Feet to Strengthen the Kidneys and Waist
This involves a stretch upwards followed by a forward bend and a holding of the toes.
Clench the Fists and Glare Fiercely (or Angrily)
This resembles the second piece, and is largely a punching movement either to the sides or forward while in horse stance. This, which is the most external of the pieces, is aimed at increasing general vitality and muscular strength.
Bouncing on the Toes
This is a push upward from the toes with a small rocking motion on landing. The gentle shaking vibrations of this piece is said to "smooth out" the qi after practice of the preceding seven pieces or, in some systems, this is more specifically to follow Sway the Head and Shake the Tail, strengthening the feet.
*These exercises are all done keeping in mind the practice of Tan Tien Breathing that we learned in the earlier segments. Whether it be the many styles of Tai Chi, or the Shaolin 8-Brocades, these should become daily practices in your mental health and physical fitness regimens along the path to attain the Harmony Within.
Once again, this has been Grandmaster Scott, wishing you peace, love, and Eternal Harmony, Within…
With Honor, Tolerance, and Respect
Laoshi E.J. Scott, Grandmaster
Team Tiny Tassel
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