Qi
Exercise
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Taoist Bookshelf
Seasonal Notes
ORIENTAL EXERCISE
Dedicated to maintaining
health and vitality through movement
Here in the West, exercise is regarded as being good for us due
to its stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system - the
heart and lungs. But in the cultures of the East, exercise systems
such as yoga, tai ji and qi gong (chi kung) have long been regarded
as having a positive effect on the whole person, body mind and
spirit.
Often, this is achieved through stimulating the qi - the vital energy or life-force of the body. Because this action helps to strengthen the immune system, it also naturally becomes a means of preventive medicine. Exercises of this kind are also very relaxing and so help us to combat stress - a major contributing factor to some of our most serious illnesses, such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and diabetes.
As a writer and a practitioner of oriental medicine I have always felt that exercises such as tai ji, yoga and qi gong are especially suitable for the modern life-style, being easily assimilated into a daily routine. This web-site, therefore, sets out the options available to those seeking to understand and experience these wonderful and inspiring systems of exercise for themselves - particularly in terms of health and relaxation. You will also find details of those books I have written - along with some video cassettes which I made during my days as a teacher.
Finally, it is worth remembering that yoga, tai ji and qi gong are all firmly rooted in the philosophies of the East. The link entitled 'Seasonal Notes' is updated regularly and is an attempt to place the experience of oriental body-work in the context of these great and enduring ideas, and also to relate them to the modern world, to nature and the environment.
(Robert Parry, March 2008)
The Tai Chi Form. Photo thanks to L.Wickenden and Georgie