It is attributed to Lao Tze (Laozi – 604 BC), ancient Chinese thinker, the following words:
“At birth the human body is gentle and flexible; in death it is hard and stiff. Green plants are soft and full of sap; dying are dry. Therefore the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death, while the flexible and gentle is the disciple of life. ”
The underlying idea is that the Universe functions following very precise Laws, and when tuning into these Laws, the human beings can become harmonious with themselves and the Universe. According to this point of view, the Universe is living and dynamic, consisting of a primordial cosmic energy from which derives, by condensation and differentiation, all existing things.
This cosmic energy, which the ancient Chinese thinkers called “chi”, “qi” or “hei”, flows through the human body by “energy channels” (the called “meridians”), conveying life to the cells and keeping the body in harmony with the environment that surrounds it.
This vital energy, the “chi”, is renewed through the breath, the assimilation of food, and the stimulus to the senses. As a consequence of this idea, we must take permanent care with the way we breathe, the food we eat and the stimuli that occupy our senses. The primordial energy of “chi” is continuously captured by certain points distributed through the skin. The proper functioning of the human organism would be linked to the perfect capture and flow of energy “chi” through the body.
The underlying idea is that the Universe functions following very precise Laws, and when tuning into these Laws, the human beings can become harmonious with themselves and the Universe. According to this point of view, the Universe is living and dynamic, consisting of a primordial cosmic energy from which derives, by condensation and differentiation, all existing things.
This cosmic energy, which the ancient Chinese thinkers called “chi”, “qi” or “hei”, flows through the human body by “energy channels” (the called “meridians”), conveying life to the cells and keeping the body in harmony with the environment that surrounds it.
This vital energy, the “chi”, is renewed through the breath, the assimilation of food, and the stimulus to the senses. As a consequence of this idea, we must take permanent care with the way we breathe, the food we eat and the stimuli that occupy our senses. The primordial energy of “chi” is continuously captured by certain points distributed through the skin. The proper functioning of the human organism would be linked to the perfect capture and flow of energy “chi” through the body.
Physical and mental health is understood as a result of the harmony and balance of these two energies. When an imbalance occurs between these two energies there is the development of what we call disease. Therefore, we should seek neither excess nor deficiency of energy. Excess clogs, deficiency drains. The vital energy flowing is what makes life. Yin and Yang are inseparable qualities from the same process. Nothing is Yin and Yang at the same time, when one reaches its maximum expression, becomes the other.
The balance between Yin and Yang creates a harmonious “chi”, a radiant vitality that protects the body against the negative factors of life. The technique of manipulating “chi” is called “Chi Kung” or “Qi Gong”. “Chi Kung” includes various forms of breathing exercises and body movements whose goal is to balance and harmonize the unity of body/mind.
The training of “forms” or “routines” (standardized sequence of movements), present in all Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan styles, has as one of its objectives the development of the spatial perception, balance and reflexes, as well as encourage the improvement of the muscles and breathing control of the practitioner. Last but not least, it is also intended that, by implementing the routines, the practitioners’ “vital energy”, their “chi” is developed, resulting in better overall health and well-being.
Therefore, a truly complete practice of what we call nowadays Chinese Martial Arts, should encompass not only Kung Fu, but also Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung techniques, for acquiring all the benefits of the development and harmonization of “chi”.
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