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Tai Chi Ch'uan AND Aikido.
Achieving Flow ?
Tai Chi Ch'uan and its related martial art Aikido share much in common with Yoga, from a lymph system point of view. Many references to Tai Chi speak of establishing a "Flow". Tai Chi Ch'uan is a system of 37 movements developed into 108 postures. This set of gentle flowing movements is called a kata. These movements gently twist and stretch each muscle of the body while at the same time encouraging lymph flow by the gentle massaging action of the adjacent tissues being relaxed and contracted.
THE GREATEST BENEFITS of Tai Chi Ch'uan are believed to follow from doing it as SLOWLY as possible. Indeed, this increases muscle tone, stamina and strength. Simply going through the motions quickly offers little benefit. Here also, emphasis is placed on breathing correctly.
In attempts to understand the philosophy of Tai Chi breathing, some authors rationalize the original teachings to the blood circulation system or to suggest that the original descriptions were metaphoric or abstract. All this "scientific interpretation" was presented because of a lack of understanding and awareness of the lymph system and a demand by the North American public to provide a physical explanation where only results had been sufficient before.
A RHYTHMICAL CO-ORDINATION of movements with breathing is one of the dominant characteristics of Tai Chi Ch'uan. In general, when rising to stand, or similarly elevating the body, or, moving the arms or hands back towards the body --- contracting, moving down, or pulling backward, one INHALES. When one is lowering the body or stretching, pushing or raising the arms, hands or legs one EXHALES.
CONSIDERABLE CONSCIOUS ATTENTION is placed on inhaling the "Ch'i" (energy, oxygen), to benefit the "Shen" (Personal Spirit, Vital Force), by sending it down to the "Tan Tien" (Field of Elixir of Life) situated about 2-1/2 inches below the navel. By following this intent, the major lymphatic system center of nodes in the lower part of the body --- and the one furthest from the thoracic ducts in the upper chest --- is stimulated. That is, Tai Chi Ch'uan encourages good lymphatic health.
CALCULATED BREATHING NORMS increase the volume of lymphatic fluid. Intentional diaphragm-driven breathing encourages greater efficiency in the most difficult-to-circulate lymphatic section. All of this brings relief from the symptoms of and often a remedy for tension, insomnia, neuralgia, anxiety, high blood pressure, fatigue, constipation, kidney diseases, tuberculosis, digestive difficulties, depression, gum disorders, overweight, eye difficulties, and, hypersensitivities.
AIKIDO is a related system of movements.
It is a martial art form devoted to peaceful defense.
That is, the movements of Aikido are designed to take the force directed aggressively at one by others and DIVERT it. Frequently, by doing this, the force of the aggressor acts as his or her own downfall. Unable to transfer their aggression to you, it overextends their motions and throws them off balance. The result is that the aggressor becomes unsteady and weak, may fall or stumble, and may become injured purely as a result of the energy they are directing against others.
THE AIKIDO APPROACH TO SELF-DEFENSE is completely unlike the aggression against the aggressor martial arts of karate, boxing, savate, and many others. Ultimately, the Aikido follower seeks to develop positive movement responses to counter aggressive movements to a degree that they become automatic.
DEVELOPING A SIXTH SENSE which enables one to instantly detect the presence and movements of one or more persons around them --- is an important extension of Aikido and Tai Chi Ch'uan disciplines. Aikido masters have successfully defended themselves against the collective aggressive efforts of a boxer, wrestler, karate expert and judo professional simultaneously and --- blindfolded! Thus, the practice of Aikido must bring one a very positive sense of self-esteem and a high degree of physical conditioning ... together with a clear and focused mind which works in superb harmony with the rest of the body. How does this relate to sensuality, the lymph system and hypersensitivities?
MOVEMENTS OF A CIRCULAR FASHION rather than of the physically more stressful movements of thrust, jab, punch and kick --- are used by both Aikido and Tai Chi Ch'uan. Breath is equally respected here as in Tai Chi Ch'uan. The attitudes encouraged in Aikido are synonymous with those helpful to the maintenance of good health and recovery from disease. It is acknowledged that through self-discipline one can enjoy the benefits of a balanced lifestyle.
UNLIKE WESTERN APPROACHES TO SELF-CONTROL, the Eastern perception is one of acknowledging one's gifts and weaknesses and of developing them for the most harmonious application in the service of the spiritual aims of truth, happiness, beauty. Western approaches to self control have developed along the authoritarian lines of self-denial, self-abuse, conversion of personal freedom and equality to subservience to (human) authority, dissociation of feelings and avoidance of spiritual guidance.
THE HUMBLE SEEKING OF SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE is one of the most important laws of Aikido --- in the awareness, understanding and participation in the Surpassing Love of all (God) as expressed in the reality of the world and its capacity for grace and love.
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