The TCM View of Stress and Emotions In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotional imbalances and stress are viewed as disruptions to the body's harmonious flow of Chi. Different emotions are associated with specific organs: Liver: Anger, frustration, irritability Heart: Anxiety, overexcitement Spleen: Overthinking, worry Lungs: Grief, sadness Kidneys: Fear, shock TCM recognizes that emotions affect organ health, and conversely, that organ health impacts emotional wellbeing. … [Read more...]
TCM Meridian and Organ Health Through Tai Chi Qigong
Tai Chi Qigong's strongest alignment with Traditional Chinese Medicine lies in its ability to enhance meridian and organ function. Meridians are invisible channels throughout the body that function like highways for chi energy flow. These interconnected pathways link various organs and bodily functions. Chi represents the vital energy that gives life to the body, and balanced circulation of this energy is essential for health and well-being. TCM identifies 12 main meridians, each associated … [Read more...]
Tai Chi Qigong: Balancing Yin and Yang
Tai chi qigong aligns profoundly with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by fostering a harmonious balance between yin and yang. But what exactly are yin and yang? These are two opposing, yet complementary, forces that permeate everything in the universe. A prime example is the yin-yang symbol, which is incorporated into my logo for Healthful Qigong: two black and white 'fish' that represent both the yin and yang polarities interacting with each other. Think of night and day: night embodies … [Read more...]
How Tai Chi Qigong Aligns with TCM: Promoting Chi Circulation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is believed to be a result of balanced chi (vital energy) flowing freely through the body’s meridians. If chi stagnates or is blocked, the body's harmony is disrupted, leading to illness or discomfort. One of the primary ways Tai Chi Qigong aligns with TCM is by promoting the smooth circulation of chi throughout the body. Through its gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditative focus, Tai Chi Qigong actively supports chi flow and contributes to … [Read more...]
What Is Chi?
A Universal Life Force In pinyin, the phonetic spelling of chi is qi, but for clarity, I use chi on this website. This vital energy is recognized across many cultures under different names: Ki in Japanese Gi in Korean Prana in Indian tradition Pneuma in Greek, meaning “breath” or “spirit” Mana in Polynesian cultures Ruah in Hebrew, meaning “breath” Wakan in Lakota Sioux belief, representing a form of energy Orenda in Iroquois tradition, described as an invisible … [Read more...]