T'ai Chi and moving with the Tao

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Chenhan Yang and Helen Liang do T'ai Chi

Song of 13 Postures (3) Stillness

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Be still, when touched by the opponent; be tranquil and move in stillness.

Reference: Song of the Thirteen Postures.

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.

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.

T'ai Chi is Swimming in Air

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Early on I also learned that T'ai Chi was like swimming in air.  That is, in practice, we are to move slowly and imagine that we are underwater.  Our movement is smooth and unhurried.  The more we fight the water, that is, if we veer from T'ai Chi principles, the more the water resists our force and tension.  So swimming in air was also a call to center and relax.

Hollowing Chest, Rounding Back

This principle is about opening up your upper body, so the chi can circulate more freely throughout your body.  Consequently, you can move with greater speed and strength.

Gentle Comes from Strong

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5 Tibetan Rites (5) Tone the Body

This rite is an overall body toning and strengthening exercise. This posture stretches the shoulders, legs, spine and whole body; It builds strength throughout the body, particularly the arms, legs, and feet. It also relieves fatigue and rejuvenates the body while improving the immune system, digestion and blood flow to the sinuses. It calms the mind and lifts the spirits.

5 Tibetan Rites (4) Bring Clarity

The fourth rite works on the Swadisthana or Sacral Chakra associated with our re productive organs. It activates our lower abdominal and pelvic area, thereby awakening our sexual energy, and general state of pleasure. It also strengthens the lower back. When this Chakra is harmonized it brings clarity and development of a strong personality. This rite also helps weed out our negative base qualities that hinder our development.

5 Tibetan Rites (3) Feel Joyfulness

This rite energizes the Vishuddhi or throat Chakra which activates the pituitary & thyroid glands. Harmonization of these two major glands regulates the metabolism rate, controls water balance in the body via the control of re absorption of water by the kidneys & optimizes the functioning of our sexual organs. On an emotional level it fills one with a feeling of unlimited happiness and freedom that allows our abilities and skills to blossom. It also alleviates anxiety and suppressed fears.  This rite also strengthens the spinal column and makes one more flexible.

5 Tibetan Rites (2) Improve Vitality

The second rite works mainly on the Manipura or Solar plexus Chakra, situated in the abdominal region. This Chakra is the centre of Vitality and Vigour. It also regulates the functioning of the pancreas and digestive organs. As a result it's curative in curing digestive disorders, diabetes and fluctuations in blood pressure. This rite also strengthens the abdominal muscles and acts as a powerhouse by constantly supplying vitality and bestowing balance and strength.

5 Tibetan Rites (1) Slow Aging

The Speed of the Chakra spin is a key to vibrant health. The first rite works on all 7 Chakras by coordinating their spin so they are in complete harmony. It distributes pure Prana energy to the endocrine system, and in turn to all organs and processes in the body which is one of the major requirements for vibrant health, rejuvenation and youthfulness. It is the key rite to reset one's body to optimum functioning.

Chakras and Benefits of 5 Tibetan Rites

The body has seven key Chakras or Vortexes, like magnetic centres. They revolve at great speed in the healthy body, but when slowed down -- is just another name for old age, ill health and senility. The quickest way to regain health, youth, and vitality is to start these magnetic centres spinning again. 

The primary function of the 5 Rites is to optimize the functioning of our Chakras by speeding up the rate at which they spin. The 7 main Chakras govern the functioning of the Endocrine system which in turn is responsible for the body's overall functioning and aging process. By stimulating the Endocrine system and the circulation of vital life energy or Prana throughout the body, the 5 Rites energize and bring about a complete harmony within our physical, mental and emotional states.

The 5 Tibetan Rites routine is done in a specific sequence that stimulates the whole glandular system boosting your metabolism, among many other remarkable health benefits such as: 

Increased physical strength and flexibility
Toning up flabby stomach, arms and double chin
Release from joints & back pains
Stress relief and a sense of calm
Uninterrupted, restful sleep
Better memory, mental focus and creativity
Improved eyesight
Hair re-growth, restoring full colour to grey hair
Enhanced energy and youthfulness
Rejuvenation of all organs
Relief of menopause symptoms
Renewed sexuality

These 5 Rites are quite different from T'ai Chi or Qigong, but I practice them with proper T'ai Chi and Qigong spirit, mind and body: that is, relaxed and centered, slow and continuous.

My Daily Workout Includes 5 Tibetan Rites

5 simple techniques, 20 minutes a day is all it takes for a youthful, energetic you. Practice the 5 Tibetan Rites alongside Raageshwari [Loomba] in this exclusive video and feel the difference.

Lesser known amidst the disciplines of Yoga are a very potent set of practices which were formulated by the Tibetan monks over 2500 years ago. They were simply called 'The 5 Rites' and are the secrets behind the monks incredibly long and healthy lives. They were revealed to the world by a retired British army officer who went high into the Himalayas to live and learn from them. Subsequently, a book called the 'Ancient secret of the fountain of youth' was published by Peter Kelder. The book was aptly titled, since the rites in essence slow down the ageing process and fill one with a dynamic youthful energy. As a result one can accomplish a lot more, and one looks and feels young despite the passing years.

I do three repetitions of each Rite, and make them part of my daily workout.  My next two articles detail these 5 Tibetan Rites, includes Chakras and benefits.

My Daily Workout Includes 5 Animal Qigong

the wudang five animal qigong is an ancient system for developing strength, flexibility, and internal awareness for the purpose of furthering one's health and longevity. each animal specifically works on an organ system by stimulating both the physical organ itself and the related energetic meridian pathway as well.

Wei Zi Rong performs the Five Animal Qigong with remarkable flexibility and precision:

1. Dragon
2. Tiger
3. Leopard
4. Snake
5. Crane

My Daily Workout Includes Shaolin Brocade (6-8)

In an important respect, T'ai Chi is an essence. Beyond the study and practice of this martial art, it is a set of principles and philosophy that guide how we stand, how we sit, and how we move. Practically speaking, we can apply T'ai Chi to any of our day to day activities.

I like these Shaolin exercises - the eight pieces of Brocade - because they're meditative and Qigong (i.e., develops and circulates chi). These are the final three sections.

I practice them daily, and I do so, as I would any T'ai Chi form.

My Daily Workout Includes Shaolin Brocade (4-5)

In an important respect, T'ai Chi is an essence.  Beyond the study and practice of this martial art, it is a set of principles and philosophy that guide how we stand, how we sit, and how we move.  Practically speaking, we can apply T'ai Chi to any of our day to day activities.  

I like these Shaolin exercises - the eight pieces of Brocade - because they're meditative and Qigong (i.e., develops and circulates chi).  These are the fourth and fifth sections, so please look to my next post for the remaining three.    

I practice them daily, and I do so, as I would any T'ai Chi form.