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Dr. Larry C. Bobbert

 

Much research has been made on the health benefits of acupuncture and martial arts in the past century.  Many health benefits have been found in the practice of Tai Chi, Qi Gong and other internal arts.  The following is an abridged article from  http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/aama_marf/journal/vol16_2/article_3.html

 For more information go to  www.medicalacupuncture.org
                               or google  acupuncture or meridian theory.
                                   KEY WORDS Taijiquan, Qigong, Meridian Theory, Wuji, Posture, Spinal Rehabilitation
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Using Qi Meridian Theory And Taijiquan For Postural Rehabilitation
Mark K. Frobb, MD

INTRODUCTION
One of the most difficult tasks for both the therapist and patient to achieve in the rehabilitation process following back and neck injuries is the reintroduction of normal postural balance ...and... movement....
... therapy includes "core strengthening" exercises... All of these physical routines have in common a significant focus on balance, utilizing slow postural shifts from the weighted to the unweighted leg.

In pursuit of this rediscovery of postural balance... the patient is encouraged to place a conscious awareness in movement and position, and sensations of force and heaviness, as well as timing of muscular contractions.

POSTURE AND MARTIAL ARTS
Few athletic pursuits have had as much work, research, and understanding in the theory of "rootedness" and posture as those related to Chinese martial arts. The study and theoretical contributions of the great Qigong masters date back some 3,000 years. Many of the classical treatises have survived into modern literature with English translation by dedicated students and contemporary Masters who have introduced Eastern martial arts into Western cultures, making these treatises possibly the oldest documented study of posture in civilization.

The theory of rootedness and posture is taught to martial arts students...through the illustration of Qi meridian theory. The student is encouraged...to experience the Qi (pronounced "key" or "chi") energy as it flows through the meridians and energy... of the powerful stances required to carry out the actions required of the martial art.

The Neutral Position of Wuji
In the analysis of the erect postural stance, study first begins with the position of rest and point of neutrality. In Chinese martial arts, this theoretical concept is referred to as Wuji. Described in Chinese literature as "the great emptiness" or "the great nothingness," Wuji describes a midpoint between the 2 polarities of Yin and Yang. Wuji can be discussed both in terms of the physical as well as the mental state, and the philosophical duality of Yin/Yang describes that theoretical point of balance, comprising an almost indivisible point where the differentiation between Yin and Yang becomes infinitesimal.

WUJI IN QIGONG MEDITATION
Wuji in Qigong meditation describes a learned meditation state and a transition point in the education of the Qigong student. Having achieved this meditative state, the Qigong practitioner has attained the ability to keep thoughts pure and harmonious without emotional disturbance. Using meditative techniques and the movement of Qi, the student then can facilitate the simultaneous downward migration of the Shen (Spirit) from the Mud Pill Palace (Ni Wan Gong) residing in the Great Spiritual Valley (Shen Gu) of the Upper Dan Tian, and the Qi moving upward from where it retains residence in the Lower Dan Tian. Both will meet at the furnace of the Huang Ting, an intermediate point representing the ultimate polarity position of Yin and Yang. It is here that the Embryonic Spiritual Being (Shen Tai) will be conceived by advanced Qigong practitioners on the path of advancement to Enlightenment and the gift of absolute awareness with the opening of The Third Eye (Yintang).

Wuji in Chinese martial arts refers to an erect posture of equilibrium, which may be described as the most balanced and relaxed posture that can exist midway between the states of Yin and Yang (Figure 1). Although relaxed, this position is also charged with anticipation, with the full capability of moving with commitment to either a Yin or Yang position. This pivotal state of balance is so delicate that it has been described by martial arts masters as a state of balance within the body so fine that "if a butterfly were to alight on the person, it would be enough to set the body in motion towards either a Yin or Yang posture."

Triple Warmer Meridian  Contribution to Posture
To fully understand the kinesthetic experience of the Wuji posture, one must first have an understanding of the 3 centers of energy of the Triple Warmer Meridian since they play a critical role in the conceptualization of stability of spinal posture. In modern texts of Qigong theory, the Triple Warmer energy centers are documented as true physical energy depots, and the energy centers labeled Upper, Middle, and Lower Dan Tians are distinguished as discrete bioelectric storage centers.

Figure 1. Neutral Wuji Position

Qigong...Studies suggest that they hold physical, electrical, thermic, magnetic, and luminescent properties, and therefore imply that at least in part, Qi emulates an electromotive force.^1,2 As storage capacitors of this bioelectric energy, the Middle and Lower Dan Tian centers are believed to function like batteries composed of discontinuous layers of efficient and inefficient electrical conductors as reflected by the differentiated bioelectric properties of peritoneal membrane, fat, fascia, and muscle. The brain, which serves as the house of the Upper Dan Tian, is characterized by high levels of electrical conductivity and is separated by layers of differentiating nonconductive structures ....¹

... the Wuji posture...is perhaps best perceived... in 2 parts. The lower part forms the root and is composed of the pelvic girdle housing the Lower Dan Tian connecting to the lower extremities. The Lower Dan Tian, located in the lower abdomen and pelvis, is suspended at the upper pole between GV 4 and CV 7 and reaches deep into the pelvis forming a mass of bioelectric energy that supports the entire Qi apparatus. The Girdle Vessel, the only vessel that exists in the horizontal plane, further supports the Lower Dan Tian.
  As a critical contributor of Guardian Qi, the Girdle Vessel serves to strengthen the immune system.

 During movement, it is best experienced kinesthetically by visualizing the pelvis brimming full as a cup, with care taken to keep the pelvis level without tipping or spilling its contents during rest or movement. As the student applies this kinesthetic experience, the sacrum becomes more upright, lifting the front of the pelvis and the knees take a slight bend to facilitate the leveling of the pelvic brim.³

The Lower Dan Tian is rooted inferiorly through CV 1 (Huiyin). In martial arts texts, CV 1 (Huiyin) describes the meeting point of the 4 Yin vessels supporting and rooting the body: Yin Linking, Yin Heel, Thrusting (Chong Mai), and Conception Vessels. In addition, the 4 vessels of the lower extremity, Yin Heel, Yang Heel, Yin Linking, and Yang Linking Vessels, will come together inferiorly at the ankle to form a base, channeling the Qi stream through KI 1 (Yongquan), rooting deeply into the earth providing the steadfast stance sought by martial artists. Ancient texts describe Taijiquan Masters capable of profound rootedness, with descriptions of their feet creating furrows on paths as they walked and a capability of fracturing tile when walking across courtyards.

 

Figure 2. Lower Dan Tian and Pelvic Girdle Root Figure 3. Small circulation and supporting axes

The upper half of the body, although physically functioning as a single entity, in Qigong theory, is composed of 2 interrelated energy centers, the Upper and Middle Dan Tians. The Middle Dan Tian, physically existing at the diaphragmatic level, is influenced significantly by the heart, which provides the emotional spirit (Xin). The Upper Dan Tian, anatomically located in the sulcus separating the 2 cerebral hemispheres, comprises the home of the Spirit (Shen) and provides the wisdom (Yi) to stabilize the emotional spirit (Xin) of the heart.

The position of the head and neck is described as remaining poised above the torso, as if suspended by a string at GV 20 (Baihui) at the top of the Thrusting Vessel (Chong Mai) at the level of the nasopharynx. The eyes, marking the energy axis of GV 24.5-GV 17 (Yintang-Qiangjian), are directed level with the horizon, and the tongue gently touches the roof of the mouth closing the Qi circuit of the Governing and Conception Vessel meridians.

The Small Circulation and Supporting Axes
Several energy axes in support of the structural unit comprise the torso and head. Most important of these are the Governing and Conception Vessels. The circulation of Qi in this combined vessel of energy, described in Qigong meditation as the Small Circulation, forms the underlying critical pathway of energy circulation. Great care is taken in the training of movement of Qi in this pathway, both by martial artists and Qigong meditation practitioners alike, because it is the primary method in strengthening the Qi in the Lower Dan Tian.

In Qigong and Taijiquan theory, the circulation of Qi in the Small Circulation has a total of 7 major pairs of corresponding Qi Gates through which the body's Qi circulation can interact with the surrounding environs. These gates can be strengthened to formidable levels. At least 1 great martial arts master in modern times was able to demonstrate the power of these gates by pulling opponents close to his chest and abdomen, knocking them unconscious without any conspicuous or obvious movement of the chest or abdominal wall.⁴

Of the 14 Qi Gates, there are 8 main portals of Qi entry and exit represented in ancient texts by the 8 trigrams. Of these 8 gates, 4 are considered major: GV 20 (Baihui), CV 1 (Huiyin), CV 7 (Yinjiao), and GV 4 (Mingmen); 4 are deemed minor: CV 22 (Tiantu), CV 15 (Jinwei), GV 24.5 (Yin Tang), and GV 10 (Lingtai).

Of these 7 paired gates, 2 axis pairs are considered the most important: CV 1-GV 20 (Huiyin-Baihui), and CV 7-GV 4 (Yinjiao-Mingmen). The CV 1-GV 20 (Huiyin-Baihui) path is connected through the Thrusting Vessel (Chong Mai) and provides a critical and essential balance of Qi circulation in the body, encompassing the major pathway of movement of Qi energy between the Upper and Lower Dan Tians through the spinal cord. The CV 7-GV 4 (Yinjiao-Mingmen) gate path is equally important because it connects the Thrusting Vessel (Chong Mai) and Governing Vessel in the posterior body with the Conception Vessel in the anterior body, providing a fore and aft Qi balance in the torso. The additional support of the Girdle Vessel to this structural entity provides a continuous field of energy fortifying the root.

The other named gates also hold importance since CV 22 (Tiantu) controls voice and generates the sounds of Hen and Ha for Qi manifestation and forms the portal of vocal expression. In addition, the CV 15-GV 10 (Jinwei-Lingtai) axis path is connected to the heart, which relates to the emotional mind (Xin), offering a strong emotive force to help the Shen rise up. This emotive energy is balanced with the wisdom Qi (Li) at GV 24.5 (Yin Tang) where the Shen (Spirit) resides. Ancient texts state that when Shen is high in Yin Tang (The Third Eye), the energy manifested will be strong and the alertness and awareness will be acute. From the Taijiquan martial arts viewpoint, these 4 minor gates therefore control the Qi manifestation in the body.⁵
 

The Kinesthetic Appreciation of Balance
Balanced posture in martial arts is not a fixed entity and is best described as a dance rather than a march. To be truly balanced in the Wuji state, there can be no tension or strain in the posture. The joints themselves must feel in the position of neutrality without tension in the ligaments or muscles controlling them. Any tension will result in the restriction of the flow of Qi and impede the stability of the stance.

Many different pearls (Table 1) are offered in the ancient literature....The outcome is to achieve a state of relaxation, expectant with anticipated movement, and alert yet relaxed.⁶

Having learned the Wuji position, the student's proprioceptive and kinesthetic appreciation is challenged as the Taijiquan form moves off the neutral Wuji position toward either a Yang or Yin postural stance. Taijiquan is described as a ballet of opposites with a ceaseless shifting between the 2 polarities. The Qi vessels described previously continue to provide the basis of stability of the rootedness, but now the energy of the other 12 meridians comes into play, providing the blocks and strikes that comprise the martial aspects of this art form. The movement in the form is a circular energy force compared with the spiral movement of a "string of pearls" and described in Taijiquan treatises as "rooted in the foot, sprouted through the leg, governed at the waist, and manifested in the fingers."

In the 2 diagrams illustrating a Yin posture (Figure 4) and a Yang posture (Figure 5), one can again see the stability provided by the Qi Vessels previously described, whereas the upper extremities or unweighted lower extremity now provide the striking weapon.

 

Figure 4. Yin posture: snake creeps down Figure 5. Yang posture: single whip

The Yin posture illustrated by the "snake creeps down" diagram is an extreme defensive position as the martial artist avoids the attack by crouching beneath the flurry of strikes, but remains ready to instantly retaliate as the opponent expends the assault. One can observe the solidity of the root and the substance of the torso positioning as it gathers Yin from the Earth in preparation for the natural return to Wuji and an opportunity to move to a Yang stance.

The Yang posture represented by the "single whip" diagram illustrates the end point of a committed Yang attack. Again, the root is solid, but now there is a committed strike through the outstretched arm. In this powerful stance, the martial artist is encouraged to focus intention and force through the interosseous space of the thumb and forefinger (LI 4 Hegu), known as the Tiger's Mouth. The nonattacking hand is held in the Lotus position, providing further stability by directing the Jingwell end meridian points to the Earth.

CONCLUSION
Postural rehabilitation ... key...is the adoption of proper postural alignment of both shoulder and pelvic girdles....  Understanding Qi Meridian theory as applied in Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and Qigong...enables... the patient (to learn)   correct postural stance....

REFERENCES

1. Yang J-M. Qigong Meditation; Embryonic Breathing. Boston, MA: YMAA Publication Center; 2003.
2. Lo SY. The Biophysics Basis for Acupuncture and Health. Pasadena, CA: Dragon Eye Press; 2004:121.
3. Pang CS, Hock E. Tai Chi; Ten Minutes to Health. Singapore: Singapore Times Books International; 1983.
4. Smith RW. Chinese Boxing Masters and Methods. Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha International Ltd; 1980.
5. Ming YJ. Taijiquan Theory; The Root of Taijiquan. Boston, MA: YMAA Publication Center; 2003.
6. Huang A. Complete Tai-Chi: A Definitive Guide to Physical and Emotional Self Improvement. Tokyo, Japan: Charles E. Tuttle Co; 1993.

AUTHOR INFORMATION
Dr Mark Frobb's specialty is Pain Management with a special focus on Orthopedic Medicine in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. A Taijiquan student for more than a decade, in addition to being a certified acupuncturist, Dr Frobb's background includes certification in Family Medicine and Osteopathic studies in manual therapy and modalities of therapy, which he has incorporated in his pain management practice for 25 years.
Mark Frobb, MD, CCFP, CAFCI*
1661-128 St
Surrey, BC, Canada V4A 3V2
Phone: 604-531-0444 � Fax: 604-531-0421 � E-mail: mfrobb@shaw.ca

The preceeding  article can be found  in full at  http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/aama_marf/journal/vol16_2/article_3.html
 

For more information go to  www.medicalacupuncture.org

Intermediate Classes
April 10

" Tai Chi for Health
for Seniors
(Anyone- any age can take the course) 

 Each class will consist of

    Warm Up exercises

    Learning exercises within the Simplified 24 Posture Yang Style Tai Chi Form

Class 1
   Warm UPs from Video
          Tai Chi For Health

Class 1  will emphasize warm up exercises and breathing

Class 2 will emphasize stepping and breathing

Classes 3 – 8  will review warm up exercises and breathing but concentrate on learning the 24 basic postures.

Classes 8- 11 will emphasize relaxing while performing the warm ups, breathing and  performing the 24 postures.

The last class will review various aspects of the material presented.

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Much of the meridian theory relates to acupuncture points. Should you want acupuncture charts or books?  We suggest

http://www.lhasaoms.com/
acupuncture_books_charts-108-page.html
 

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