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Summer and Health
The Dao of Summer
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SEASONAL NOTES
- Summer and Exercise
In summer the energies
of nature are at their most abundant. With yoga, ch'i kung (qi
gong) and its closely related subject tai ji, we can really enjoy
our outdoor practice and gain great benefits from absorbing the
vitality of the earth and sky as we work. Warm weather and sunshine tempt us to enjoy life
to the full. Swimming, beach games, walking, running, cycling.
As long as we avoid extreme exposure to heat, there is no reason
why we should not relish this time of the year and benefit from
it greatly. Summer is related to the Fire element according to
the Daoist way of thinking, and in a sense all exercises are
Fire in nature since they stimulate that most fiery of organs
in the body: the Heart.
The energies of the Fire element run through the arms. All those warm-up routines that focus attention on the joints of shoulders, elbows and wrists are applicable to developing the energies of this element, therefore. If these exercises stretch and stimulate the little-finger side of the forearm, all the better! Because this is where the major Fire channels of the body are to be found. Roll those shoulders therefore! - and loop each arms back overhead, as if brushing the hair in a very exaggerated, theatrical way. Then stretch out the arm to your side, palm up, stimulating the little finger. Loosen the elbows as much as possible and allow the chi to flow through them. The chest expansion exercises of hatha yoga are excellent in this respect, also stimulating the lungs.
Summer and the Tai Ji Form
Regarding the tai
ji form, those movement that achieve a similar focus of attention
on the little-finger side of the arm, are Crane Spreads its Wings
and Play Guitar. During the Play Guitar movement, especially,
there is a subtle connection established between the Pericardium
channels of the forearm and palm, one side to the other. Along
this important Fire element channel there are also two major
acupuncture points. One of these points, located in the palm,
goes by the name Laogong, 'the Palace of Weariness,' in English.
The other is on the inside of the wrist, called Neiguan, which
means 'Inner Gate.' If you suffer from any form of nausea or
sickness, by the way, gentle pressure to this point is very settling
and calming. Meanwhile Laogong is, as the name would suggest,
also an excellent point for calming the spirit and easing stress.
Play Guitar tends to link these channels, one side to the other,
so that the two points can even have a resonance, one to the
other, from a distance. Play Guitar is a movement which can therefore
become very calming in nature. Being aware of these energetic
connections improves the shape of your tai ji movements and enhance
the experience of Qi flowing in the arms. Try it!
Tempo and Practice
The most favourable time for
qi gong or tai ji practice is in the early morning, shortly after
sunrise when the energies of Yang and Yin are about evenly balanced,
and when, also, the air is at its freshest, full of qi. However,
in Summer, sunrise can be around 4am, and only the most dedicated
will be out and about regularly at that time for daily practice.
For most of us, we will have to settle for doing our exercises
after the sun is well up, during the day, or early evening when
there is inevitably still some measure of heat. In this respect,
it is best not exercise or practise yoga or qi gong in bright
sunshine - as this is too Yang and can also injure the Blood
and fluids of the body if we are over-exposed.
Partner Work
If you are
outdoors on a fine summer's afternoon with a friend who also
does tai ji, one of the best things to do is some push hands
exercises together.
Partner work - or Push
Hands, is an important aspect of tai chi training, especially
for those engaged in the martial arts. For those of us who enjoy
tai chi for health and relaxation, however, working together
in this way is an excellent means of developing balance and an
increased sense of self-discipline and calm. The example shown
here is called 'Single Push Hands,' and one adapted particularly
for use by those not necessarily engaged in martial activity.
As one pushes forward, the other retreats, then vice versa. Try
to anticipate the other's movements. Advance or retreat so they
have nothing to push against. It can be enormous fun. Safer than
sun-bathing too!
Summer and Health The Dao of Summer Scientific StudiesHome