Peng Energy as Swiss Ball in Pool

Sifu Ken Gullette gives an explanation of Peng Energy, one of the most important skills in the internal arts of T'ai Chi, Hsing-I and Bagua. Combined with the ground path, it is essential to maintain Peng at all times and throughout every movement. Sometimes, Peng Jin is called "Ward Off," but that is too simple.

I like the Swiss Ball in the pool analogy, as our body has to have an unshakable resilience or bounciness in self defense.  You root yourself, but your root is alive and agile, not stationary or stiff, and the Peng energy you release comes from your root and is directed from the waist.

The Song of Peng (4)

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Even if the opponent uses a thousand pounds of force,
he can be uprooted and made to float without difficulty.

Reference: Songs of the Eight Postures, by T'an Meng-hsien.

The Song of Peng (3)

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The entire body is filled with springlike energy,
opening and closing in a very quick moment.

Reference: Songs of the Eight Postures, by T'an Meng-hsien.

The Song of Peng (2)

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First sink the ch'i to the tan t'ien,
then hold the head as if suspended from above.

Reference: Songs of the Eight Postures, by T'an Meng-hsien.

The Song of Peng (1)

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What is the meaning of Peng energy?
It is like the water supporting a moving boat.

Reference: Songs of the Eight Postures, by T'an Meng-hsien (cf. Peng Jin - Internal Strength for Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Bagua).  

T'ai Chi Helps Breast Cancer Survivors

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Dr. [Michael] Irwin [with the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center] claims in the study that T'ai Chi was effective for reducing inflammation in breast cancer patients who have insomnia following diagnosis and treatment.

"We saw that T'ai Chi reversed cellular inflammation, by producing a down-regulation of the genes that lead to inflammation. T'ai Chi is a movement meditation, and we have found that similar anti-inflammatory effects occur when people practice other forms of meditation."

Reference:  Can T'ai Chi reduce inflammation for breast cancer survivors? 

T'ai Chi for Health and Beauty

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Besides your community center or local college, check nearby hospitals and clinics for T'ai Chi programs.  If you have a medical condition, ask your physician if T'ai Chi can help.

T'ai Chi Benefits as We Age

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T'ai Chi is a relaxing, gentle exercise, that is physically rigorous and benefits our health in numerous ways.  We can do other activities and exercises, of course, but T'ai Chi is an ideal addition to our regiment, especially as we get older.