Popular Science: Scientists found a ‘new organ,’ but it might not be what you’re expecting

I've shared an article very similar to today's link previously, but when I came across this particular article this morning I thought it was worth sharing again.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture contain the idea of meridians running through the body transmitting Qi and promoting health. Illness and disease are thought of as Qi blockages in the meridians which both TCM and acupuncture seek to clear in order to restore balance and, consequently, health.

The article linked below talks about the idea that scientists have discovered what they believe to be a new organ in the human body named the Interstitium.

It's a cellular layer which surrounds all of our internal organs and envelops the entire body.

Whether it's ultimately classified as an organ or not isn't really important from a Tai Chi/Qigong point of view. For those of us who at times struggle to reconcile the western scientific paradigm with that of TCM, the Interstitium provides a potential explanation for how treating one area of the body can have an appreciable effect on a completely different part of the body.

By enveloping the entire contents of our body in a single layer, the Interstitium provides a medium for the meridians to traverse, with acu-points targeting areas that are able to interact with other remote parts of the body via the Interstitium. Click the link below and read on for a fuller explanation of the science...

 

Popular Science: Scientists found a ‘new organ,’ but it might not be what you’re expecting

 

Stand Still, Be Fit

I hope everyone's staying safe and feeling well. This Saturday morning we'll be running our first online Qigong class. All you need to join in, is a web enabled PC, laptop, phone or tablet. The classes are free of charge and aimed at stress release in these trying times.

Whilst priority will be given to existing club members, anyone is welcome to get involved although places are limited. If you'd like to join in, send a message over with your email address and we'll get back to you with class details.

As many of us find ourselves with a surplus of time on our hands, it's the perfect time to practice our basics and it doesn't get much more fundamental than post standing. Why not spend a while working through Lam Kam Chuen's 10 day "Stand Still Be Fit" program...

Stand Still Be Fit YouTube Channel

 

Lung and Immunity Qigong

We're open at St. Leonard's Church Hall in Penwortham this evening, but it will be the last class for the foreseeable future.

We are planning on running a live online Qigong class on Saturday mornings at 11am. If you're interested, drop us a message with your email address and we'll get back to you. Places are open to everybody but are limited, so priority will be given to existing class attendees and club members should we prove to be oversubscribed.

While the club is closed, we'll continue with our regular updates on here and classes will be back as soon as it's safe to return.

This week's link is the same as last week's, Qigong to boost the lungs and immunity.

Stay safe, take care and wash your hands!

 

 

 

 

Silk Reeling: Connections and Qi Tissues

Silk Reeling is a core Tai Chi exercise unique to Chen. It's designed to teach the body how to move in circular, spiralling movements and strengthens the Qi tissues.

Here's a great little series of videos which takes you through the basic exercise, explaining all the key technical points in a clear and easy to practice way. Take a look and run through the exercises yourself...

 

Tai Chi Notebook YouTube Channel