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Three Treasures Health Center
26-B East Park Drive, Athens OH 45701-5002
740-593-7915
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TAIJI & QIGONG: AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
The mind's health affects the body, likewise, the body's health affects the mind. The degree of chronic tension held in the body is strongly associated with a youthful (or lack of youthful) mental state. This principle was aptly described in a French journal published in 1778 by the Jesuit priest Cibot:
"It follows that the various postures of the Cong Fu (kung fu, a category which includes taiji and qigong) if well directed should effect a salutary clearance in all those illnesses which arise from an embarrassed, retarded, or even interrupted circulation. But, how many diseases are there which have a cause other than this? One may well ask whether--apart from fractures and wounds which injure the organization of the human frame--there are any such diseases." -- Quote from a translation in Joseph Needham's Science and Civilization in China, Vol.5.
The secret to sustaining good health can be found in many ancient Chinese writings, especially in traditional Daoist philosophy. Illness is regarded as an outcome of an imbalance between the yin and yang aspects of the internal energy or life force (qi), which exists within each of us. The potential for disease exists inside and outside each individual at all times. It is only when the yin and yang powers become unbalanced that this disease potential can overwhelm the system. An important applications of the internal power cultivated through taiji practice is healing the qi of the body. Taiji movements contain both yin and yang and thereby this practice harmonizes the qi. By helping to balance and promote the flow of qi, the taiji practice helps one's body heal itself and generally tonifies and strengthens the entire organism.
The Chinese lunar new year begins on February 7 this year, and the Year of the Earth Rat will begin.
The Rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac and signifies new beginnings. That makes this year an appropriate time to start new ventures and break new ground. This includes new ideas, directions and ways of doing things. It is a time to experiment and put plans into action.
Unfortunately, Earth has a destructive relationship with the Rat's fixed element, Water. Not disastrous, but don't rely too much on luck this year. On the other hand, the combination of Earth and Rat means this is extremely positive year for achieving results. The Rat likes to take risks, while Earth is associated with practicality and stability. If balanced, this combination can lead to good profits, increased productivity and all other accomplishments.
The Rat never stops moving -- especially when it comes to mental activity, so this year is also an equally good time for thinking and intellectual endeavors. Planning, scholarship and research, for example, are favored. It is also an auspicious time for the arts; although, under Earth's influence, applied arts such as design and graphics may do best.
Earth favors those who farm, do routine work, deal with practical matters or perform work of a spiritual nature. Based on the characteristics of both Earth and Rat, it could be a very good year for those with careers in business, construction, engineering, academia, wholistic healing, and the clergy.
Since this is an Earth year, those people born in a Metal year will generally fare better than others of their animal sign, while those born in a Water year are likely to do worse than those born in Wood, Fire, and Earth years. Look to chineseastrology.com to find the element associated with your birth year and their characteristics.
Health issues vary not only by sign, but also by individual. Your best bet is to visit a practitioner of Chinese medicine to have your pulses read and get personalized advice for the coming year. In an Earth year in general one should get enough exercise and be on the alert for unwanted weight gain. In specific, 2008 could be an excellent time for anorexic people to develop more beneficial patterns in their eating habits and relationship to food.
In closing, 2008 will be a year of possibilities, a time of progress -- although not dynamic. Add something new to your life during this year of fruitful new beginnings. Remember that things began during this year are likely to have long term consequences, so choose wisely to enrich your life.
Learn more about Chinese astrology.
In the world's long history of war, pestilence and natural disasters, people have survived by embracing those things which fortify their spirit (shen). Religion, meditation, friendships, love, strong personal beliefs and goals are as important as food, water and weapons to our healthy survival. Instead of spending hours in front of the television watching news, spend more time cultivating those things which make you feel better. Thankfully, stress in the most vicious thing that most of us will be facing in the 'war,' but don't underestimate its insidious effect on us. A healthy mind and body is our defense. A healthy diet, regular meditation and prayer, qigong, and taijiquan are mainstays in a lifestyle that promotes balance.--Steve Rhodes.
From time to time, Three Treasures recommends books like Between Heaven and Earth and Healing with Whole Foods to support patients and students in their healing journeys..We are happy to refer you to Monkey's Retreat, your source for books on martial arts, wholistic healing, and Asian medicine. Monkey's Retreat is located at 1202 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201 and can be contacted by phone at 614-294-9511, by e-mail, or you can visit their website.
Have a look at their martial arts books here or their selection of health books here.
Please call 740-593-7915 or email Three Treasures for more information.
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