NEWS

Posted on

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

 

Posted on

Applications of Chen Style Tai Chi with Master Adam Hsu

I hope everyone's been finding the time to keep in touch with their Tai Chi practice during lockdown.

It can be helpful to understand the martial applications behind the slow and graceful movements that constitute our forms and this video from Bei Shaolin master Adam Hsu beautifully demonstrates the applications behind the first 5 movements of our Chen Old Frame forms...

 

 

Posted on

Tai Chi, Oxytocin and the fight against Covid-19

Our bodies produce a hormone called Oxytocin, which is often referred to as the love hormone. Oxytocin is related to feelings of happiness and wellbeing and is produced by the body at moments of physical affection and intimacy, hence the nickname. In addition to intimacy though, there are many activities that have been shown to give rise to the production of Oxytocin including exercise, meditation and deep, slow, natural breathing.

This is great news for those of us who regularly practice Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation and Yoga, and goes some way to explaining why we feel so great after a session. Training together in groups has also been shown to elevate oxytocin levels to an even greater extent than solitary practice.

Last month (April 2020), a paper was published in the Clinical Neuropsychiatry Journal of Treatment Evaluation which suggested that Oxytocin could be instrumental in reducing the severity of Covid-19. The evidence is compelling and there are a number of serious European studies currently underway to (hopefully) confirm the hypothesis. You can download the paper using the link at the bottom of this post.

The long and the short of it is that, if the theory is correct, regular Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation can make a very real difference in your body's ability to cope with and control the virus. The effect will be even greater if you train in a group.

Lockdown has given us plenty of time to train, but converting good intentions into practice can prove difficult. Regular face to face classes are still some way off, so why not consider joining us for our free popular Qigong for Health class every Saturday morning at 11am where we spend an hour and a half practising some gentle exercises and finishing with a guided meditation. At the very least, you'll feel great after making some space in your day to relax, and at best you'll boost your Oxytocin levels and bolster your body's ability to counter the Coronavirus if you're unfortunate enough to pick it up!

To take part in the class, email info@taichipreston.co.uk for details.

 

Oxytocin a possible treatment for Covid-19: Everything to gain, nothing to lose.

 

Posted on

Grand Master Chen Zhenglei Silk Reeling Tutorial

I hope everyone's safe and well. Although lockdown is being relaxed a little, there's no prospect of a return to real world classes for the foreseeable future.

Space constraints can make Tai Chi practice at home frustratingly difficult, but that doesn't mean you can't practice at all!

Silk Reeling is fundamental to Chen style Tai Chi and plays an important role in the development of basic skills. The following tutorial from Chen Zhenglei walks you through a range of Silk Reeling exercises and can be practiced in all but the very smallest of spaces. If you spend the lockdown doing nothing but Silk Reeling, you'll feel the benefit in your Tai Chi when we eventually gather together to train again, so take a look and train along with the Grand Master!

 

 

Posted on

Spring Sunshine & Chen Xiaowang

It feels like an age since we were able to gather together in one place to train, but this beautiful weather at least provides the opportunity to practice our forms or a spot of Qigong outside in the garden.

Don't forget, we have a free virtual Qigong class at 11am every Saturday morning which is open to absolutely anyone. We run through a few simple exercises and finish with a mindfulness meditation. If you'd like to get involved, email info@taichipreston.co.uk for details.

This week's video post is a short video featuring Chen Xiaowang which talks about both his personal history, and the broader history of Tai Chi.

Enjoy...

 

 

Posted on

Practising in a limited space

Week 4 of lockdown and 5 weeks since our last real world training session.

While many of us will have time on our hands, having sufficient space to practice our forms properly can be an issue, so why not focus on Master Liming Yue's 8 form which can be comfortably performed within a single square metre.

It's a simple routine that's quick and easy to learn, but requires just as much focus on technique to perform well as any of our more advanced forms. You can repeat the routine a number of times, pausing each time in Zhàn Zhuāng (standing post) to check your stance, sink your weight, focus on your breath and still your mind. You can extend the pause and use the opportunity for a standing meditation before commencing the sequence again.

Allow your mind to lead your movements, initiating them from the Dantian. Try and feel your connection with the ground extending all the way through to your finger tips. Are you relaxed? Is your breathing comfortable? Does it feel natural as you move? The more you repeat the form while focusing on the subtlest of details, the better it will feel.

Of course, if you want a little real-time interaction, there's always our FREE online Saturday morning Qigong and meditation class. It's proving popular, but you can still reserve yourself a place by dropping a line to info@taichipreston.co.uk

Online examples of the 8 form are rarer than the proverbial rocking horse dung, but here's a version that we feature on our Youtube channel Tai Chi Forms playlist to serve as a reminder...

 

 

Posted on

Chen Zhenglei Federation online

Our real life physical classes may be on hold for the time being, but that doesn't mean we can't still practice.

We're running a weekly Qigong and Mindfulness session online every Saturday morning at 11am. It's completely free of charge and open to any and everyone.

To get involved, just drop an email to info@taichipreston.co.uk

For a little Tai Chi action, check out the Chen Zhenglei Federation's website for a random free streaming video of GrandMaster Liming Yue and other Tai Chi Centre instructors...

 

Chen Zhenglei Taijiquan Federation

 

Posted on

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

 

Proudly powered by WordPress