Health and Well Being - Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung Practice (part 2)

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.

“Chi” is a unit that manifests itself polarized in opposite and complementary aspects, the negative (Yin) and the positive (Yang). Yin is the negative principle that is manifested by the expansion, as opposed to the positive Yang that contracts. All the phenomena of life would occur from the interaction of these two opposing and complementary forces – expansion and contraction. Eternal and continuous is the attraction of Yin over Yang and vice versa, forming an infinite number of combinations that make up the diversification of the Universe.

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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Health and Well Being - Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung Practice (part 1)

Most new students of Martial Arts have as one of their aims to develop self-defense skills that would potentially protect them against eventual aggressors. However, I believe that the majority of students that continue their learning process for a longer period of time are driven primarily by improving their physical and mental condition, achieved by constant practice of the techniques they learn.

Certainly, no one is immune to suffer a physical assault. It is known that the Martial Arts techniques prepare its practitioners to protect themselves against possible attackers. However this does not imply that conflict situations should be sought. Rather, it is a maxim in the contemporary Martial Arts, that physical conflict situations should be avoided.

Protection is only one of the aspects that Martial Arts provide for its modern practitioners, and it is sometimes overemphasized. The physical and mental benefits that can be attained with a regular practice of a Martial Art are, for me, more important.

The body’ physical abilities, i.e., flexibility and strength, deteriorate over time. One way to try to mitigate the effects of time on our bodies is the practice of a regular physical activity. The various techniques of punches, kicks, blocks, jumps, throws, among others, practiced in Martial Arts, “grease” our joints, tendons and ligaments, develop our muscles, as well as improve the general functioning of our respiratory and cardiovascular system.

Without considering the importance of the individual’s genetic inheritance, in order to maintain a good state of health, we need:


To breath properly
To get enough rest
To have a balanced diet
To exercise regularly

These factors are essential to the development and maintenance of the body’s flexibility. Flexibility is crucial in the practice of any form of Martial Art. When our body is too rigid it is more susceptible to injuries. A simple daily routine of movements with some stretching exercises can bring many benefits to our lives.

(to be continued) 

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