Cloudhands Home Information and Bibiliography
The Healing Promise of Chi (Qi)
1. Chi is free, it is everywhere, and
everyone has direct access to it through simple methods that are easy to learn and
practice. Chi can be cultivated purposefully
to resolve any challenge or enhance any function.
2. Every person who uses Chi cultivation
methods consistently experiences some form of health improvement and personal access to
greater energy and power.
Chi
exists in three possible states: harmony,
deficiency, and stagnation.
1. In harmony, the life force is ample and
in balance—the individual is in a relative state of health. In this context, Chi cultivation is used to
prevent disease, maintain health, and enhance function.
2. Deficiency means that the person’s
Qi is insufficient. The purpose of Chi
Cultivation in this context is to access and gather Chi to build and circulate an ample
and robust supply.
3. In stagnation, the Chi flow is blocked,
stagnant, erratic, or toxic. In this context,
Chi cultivation is used to manage the Qi, neutralize or break through stagnation, and
regain the optimal state of inner flow
The
Three Intentful Corrections
1. Adjust and regulate the body posture or
movement
2. Adjust and regulate the breath
3. Adjust and regulate consciousness
Mind
and Consciousness
Yi=
mind intent
Without
the cooperation of the mind or consciousness, only conditioned responses can come about. Little or no choice or creativity can occur in the
absence of the intentful mind. To elect to
adjust your posture you use intention. Without
intention the breath becomes shallow, unless you are exercising vigorously. All of the Tai Chi benefits that can be attained
through movement and breath must happen with the permission and cooperation of the mind
and intention. Chinese Proverb. “When the mind is distracted the Chi
scatters.” For many the gentle focus and
moving meditation of Chi Gong and Tai Chi have finally made it possible to quiet the
thoughts. Inner tension restrains the
circulation of Chi. Mind focus can be used to achieve and sustain relaxation, releasing
inner tension. Or, you may use more vigorous
Chi Gong methods to shake out stagnation and release stress. The Most important key to
circulating the Chi is to Relax and Release without collapsing. Relaxation cannot occur in the absence of the
willingness of the mind.
1. Complete Relaxation – sink and
root – awareness * conditioning and structural sensitivity – calm natural
attachment to the earth
2. Separation of Yin and Yang –
separating the polar aspects of life. Heavy
and light, full and empty, negative and positive. Through
separation one can rebalance into harmony.
3. Turning the Waist – The waist is
the commander of all movements in Tai Chi. By turning the waist and observing the other
principles we are constantly massaging our internal organs resulting in improved vitality.
4. Keeping the Back strait and erect
– It is in our back that all the nerves run that govern our organic functions. When the back is strait and erect the nerves are
not impinged or obstructed and we are able to maintain good health and maximize longevity. It also enhances balance, mental equilibrium as
well as physical well being.
5. Wrist - Supple and smooth no bends or
tension. Mild stretch on the fingers.
Three
Stances:
1. Wu Chi – Standing, horse posture-
wholeness. Feet parallel and shoulder width apart. Head suspending from the heavens, chin
tucked slightly. Shoulders relaxed and sunk. Knees relaxed feet parallel and fully
grounded. Pelvis tucked in. Qua (groin) open.
2. T- step – empty foot 90 degrees,
toe or heal for balance, weighted on rear leg.
3. Bow Stance- one foot @ 45-degree angle;
step out with the other leg 2 ft. Maintain
shoulder width apart distance.
Dan-Tien
Breathing:
Deep,
relaxed, even breath into the lower abdomen. 3 inches below the belly button. When beginning to learn the Tai chi form use Dan
Tien Breathing but you do not have to co-ordinate breathing with movement.