Taiji Stimulates the Internal Energy and Meridians

Jingluo (acupuncture meridians, or channels) are the main blood and Qi energy channels and are directly related to the body and mind's state of health. If the channels are free of blockages health will be good. If the channels are blocked sickness can occur. According to philosophy included in the ancient Chinese medical classic, Yellow Emperors Internal Canon of Medicine Lingshu, "Those 12 channels are the source of people's living, as well as people's sickness. To find out and cure the sickness you have to check the 12 channels and their conditions." Essentially, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a lifetime of continuously studying the 12 channels. Click here to learn Acute Appendicitis.

Maintaining the channels by keeping them unblocked helps to prevent illness and maintains the body's natural balance and harmony.

Taijiquan and Qigong exercises have many different methods of practice. Whichever method you choose, the final goal and fundamental purpose is to increase the level of Qi energy within the body and drive it through the 12 main channels, producing a half-body energy circle (Xiaozhoutian) or a full-body energy circle (Dazhoutian). The benefits of this can vary from the prevention of sickness to maintaining a good level of fitness, helping to keep the mind sharp and keen while enjoying a long and healthy life.

Internal energy (Qi) is the vital living force existing within every human body. The flow of internal energy is integral to the health of the individual. This internal energy is present from birth but how it develops and strengthens depends upon the level of practice and training that is undertaken by each individual. As long as you practice with a reasonable method, the internal energy will begin to increase in power and become a uniting force within the body. The outcome is that one can use this enhanced energy for self-defence, maintaining a healthy life, enhancing the ability to rid oneself of sickness and preventing diseases from entering the body in the first place. Click here to learn Gall-Stone in TCM.

The Taiji for Health method of exercising requires a relaxed body, a calm mind and a quiet environment. Using the mind in combination with correct body posture and movements to direct internal energy increases Qi circulation within the body. Once the internal energy starts to get more powerful, Qi energy will flow with greater ease through the 12 main energy channels and spread throughout the whole body. Under your control and direction, the internal energy moves through your heart, maintaining it in a good state by relaxing it and making it more flexible, thus helping to prevent heart attacks. If moved through the kidneys, the internal energy makes them stronger, making you feel more energized and revitalized. When the energy moves through the lungs it makes your breathing much longer and deeper, moving oxygen to the brain more efficiently. Also, because the breathing goes up and down to your Dantian (lower abdomen), it results in shortening the length of time in which you are out of breath after exercising or undertaking strenuous activity. Once the energy passes through the liver it helps to cool it down, relieving it from any "anger-heat." Then, if it is directed through the spleen, it improves its ability to work with the stomach which, in turn, helps the digestive system as well as the absorption of nutrition. Direct the energy up to the head and it brings a calmer and more refreshed feeling. As the blood supply increases and the brain gets more oxygen, the optical nerves relax, making your eyesight sharper. It also helps to keep them in good working order. Click here to learn Haematuria in TCM.

Once the energy passes through your skin, it can make it look smoother, more shiny and softer to the touch. When the energy travels through your blood vessels, it helps the blood to circulate more freely, preventing any blockage of the arteries, therefore helping to prevent heart attacks. When it travels through your hair, it makes the hair very sensitive, and the scalp more efficient in getting rid of all the waste fluids when you perspire. An ancient Chinese medical health expert once said, "Use your mind to direct your Qi energy according to your own body's requirements and, in this way, rid the body of any sickness. Many of the internal sicknesses can thus be cured."