Introduction to Chen Style Taijiquan

The Chen Style Taiji Warm-up exercises, which include circling the waist, knee exercises, elbow circling around the shoulder, circling the head, arm circling around the elbow and wrist rotation, contain similar movement properties as the Tuina manipulation Yao (to rotate). The massage techniques flex, extend and rotate the body within the normal range of movement. The medical benefits available from both approaches include improving the function of the joints, reducing stiffness and soreness and treating articular adhesion. Other effective improvements to health that can be achieved apply to acute sports injuries, such as muscle strain involving myofascial damage and limited muscle fibre injury, repetitive strain injury, tendinitis, Tennis Elbow, golfers elbow and also Osteonecrosis and Rheumatic Arthritis. These Chen Style Taijiquan exercises and Tuina manipulations also prepare the joints of the body for relaxing and opening up, creating the situation in which j oint spaces can increase, allowing for improved Qi energy flow. The side to side twist of the upper body in the Warm-up exercises also contains similar attributes as the Tuina shoulder to hip spinal twist manipulation, which is used for treating chronic lower lumbar pain and sciatica.

In general, the spiraling and circular movements characteristic of Chen Style Taijiquan cause the arms and shoulder joints to move in flexion/extension, abduction/adduction and in circumduction. In turn, the musculature of the upper arm, shoulder, upper back and scapula continuously stretch and relax. The scapula, suspended in a network of muscles, tendons and ligaments, can be elevated, depressed, moved laterally or medially and rotated towards or away from the spine. All of these complex movements greatly assist in soothing and releasing upper back tension, allowing for a normalization in the flow of Qi energy, and improving blood circulation. Also enhanced is the flow of lymph fluid, which transports essential vitamins to the blood, facilitates immune responses and drains excess interstitial fluid from tissue spaces. During the course of a Tuina shoulder and upper back treatment, similar health benefits are achieved, with the addition of the wonderful feelings of increased energy typically experienced after a Tuina treatment. Click here to learn Hemorrhagic Syndrome in TCM.

The spiraling and circular actions that are key components of Chen Style Taijiquan and Silk Reeling exercises contain within them the self-defence elements called "Peng" (warding off), "Lu" (rolling back), "Ji" (squeezing) and "An" (pressing). In combination, the arm and hand movements display similar properties as the Tuina manipulation "Gungfa." In the manipulation of "Gungfa," also called Chinese rolling, the back of the hand rolls backward and forwards repetitively, in a smooth rhythmic manner. The effectiveness of this manipulation is achieved through the frequency of repetition, and the integrated and relaxed use of the whole body to deliver different levels of power. Starting at the shoulder, the rolling movement continues through the upper arm, into the elbow, is amplified by the forearm, which gently rotates inward and outward, and then transferred through rotation and flexion of the wrist to the hand. The medical health benefits gained from either the Taiji or Tuina approach include a relaxation of the muscles and tendons, helping to reduce and eliminate the painful effects of repetitive strain injuries. In particular, "Gungfa" helps to increase the flow of Qi energy, which helps warm the meridians and dispel dampness. Click here to learn Thrombocytopenic Purpura in TCM.

The dynamic, flowing movement of the Warm-up exercises, Taiji forms and Silk Reeling exercises improve blood circulation and Qi energy flow. The Tuina manipulations "Yao" (to rotate), Gungfa (to roll), "Pai" (to pat), "Dou" (to shake), "Tui" (to push), "Na" (to grasp), and "Ca" (to rub) all play a part in regulating and balancing the flow of Qi energy and blood,. The act of doing some form of exercise increases the heart rate and blood flow. In traditional Chinese medicine, blood and Qi are considered interdependent. They have a unique relationship whereby Qi creates and promotes blood circulation and is said to be the commander of the blood. Qi receives its nourishment and nutrition from blood. Blood is said to be the mother of Qi. Qi invigorates blood and Qi deficiency can result in blood stagnation or some form of blood deficiency. Blood is Yin and Qi is Yang. In partnership or individually, Taiji and Tuina create an improvement in Qi and blood circulation, enabling the whole body to fulfil its metabolic activities. Regular TaijiqYuan practice can also improve the condition known as Raynauds Disease. This disease affects the blood supply to the fingers and toes, with accompanying skin colour changes, coldness and numbness. It is believed that poor circulation and emotions, such as stress and anxiety, contribute to this disease. Tuina can also ameliorate this condition through the massage techniques and the accompanying boost to the immune system typical after a treatment. Click here to learn Hemolytic Anemia in TCM.

Individual Taijiquan practice strengthens and harmonizes the body, helping protect it from disease and restore good health. A Tuina practitioner enables the individual to achieve good health, eliminate disease and maintain homeostasis. Chinese Tuina massage is treatment specific, boosts the immune system and is a holistic method of natural healthcare. This baton of good health is then sustained and improved upon by regular Taijiquan practice. Both methods use the same Qi energy principle discovered by the ancients, thousands of years ago. In my experience as a Taijiquan instructor and Tuina practitioner, I see the two disciplines as being vital strands in the quest for a healthy life, woven from the same braid of knowledge.