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| Spine: Central Axis |
The spine is one key of focus in the art of Kung fu and Chi Kung as I was taught it. This would not be surprising, as Kung fu was influenced by Yoga ... certainly, in all true spiritual arts which contain fundamentals of healing and energy work, it would be vital for the spine to be part of the Work. It is, after all, the denser manifested form of the major main flow of energy called the Central Axis ... or Main Central channel ... among other names found in Yogic and Oriental Traditional Medicine. Working this major vertical flow in our system contributes to the balance and harmony of all other energy flows in the body and their subsequent organ manifestations. Maintaining the balance and harmony of the flows of energy in our system contributes to health, mental/emotional balance, vitality, peak performance in all the arenas of our life, and the ability to progress spiritually.
We have heard much about the spine in terms of our physical health. In some chiropractic offices you will find a spinal chart with references to the organs and systems in the body that the vertebrae refer to. This is due to the fact that chiropractors understand that spinal alignment contributes to overall body health. Osteopaths are also aware of the importance of the spine to overall health and well-being.
When experiencing various physical ailments, movement arts are extremely beneficial and there is a real science behind them - we benefit from generations of refinement and deep understanding of the energetic aspect of our being. The plow and shoulderstand asanas are a useful example from Yoga, here. When someone is experiencing tightness in the chest, as with those who suffer with asthma, they will find a lot of congestion in the upper region of the back and will find it challenging to do those asanas (postures). If one is even a little experienced in Yoga and/or other movement arts and also suffers from asthma, one can develop sensitivity to the point where one easily recognizes build up of blockage in this upper thoracic area of the spine and when one attempts to do the plow or shoulderstand one may find that it is particularly difficult on days when one's energy has more blockage than usual in this specific area. Spending time doing these asanas on those days brings amazing relief, releasing the blockage in this area and bringing relief from related symptoms ... all medication free and natural!!
In Kung fu we also do the plow and other postures which work the lung meridian and open up the chest and back areas: the crane and air (out of the five animals and elements we work with), is the animal and element most associated with the lungs in our movements. I say most due to the fact that all systems and organs are interrelated and determining root causes is not always black and white. For example, it is important to have a healthy intestinal life for more than one reason ... it is very likely that if there are asthmatic/allergy issues in the body that the intestines (and one's diet) require attention ... or that if one has skin issues that the lungs/large intestines are somehow being affected. We also must not overlook the impact of family issues and mental/emotional stress. Environmental influences are also vital: quality of air and water one is ingesting as well as pollutants to name but a few. The art of Kung fu and Chi Kung is holistic - the whole person is considered: body, mind/emotions and spirit ... and the whole system is looked at as a cooperating unit which is interdependent upon its many infrastructures working together in harmony.
Other than working the central axis, we work with other keys as well: flexibility; meditative Chi Kung movements (though movement in general can be meditative even if done fast if that is where one's attention is); working with acupressure points on the body via movement; deep stances; working with the hands and limbs to free up the flows of energies via particular movements and to strengthen muscles, ligaments and tendons (also relating to the meridians and health). Kung fu and Chi Kung can be static or dynamic in movement - both equally effective and used at different times for different purposes.
Doing Kung fu and Chi Kung is so useful in recovering from illness, maintaining health and as a preventative maintenance program. It is also an incredible art for the inspired athletic type who is already healthy and wishes to remain so. Many athletic individuals enjoy exploring the more physical side of the art; within it lie wonderful practices which can bring the body to peak condition.
Those interested in a spiritual path also find this art to be a lifelong path of development spiritually. There are so many benefits of this art on all levels of Being. This is why I am so passionate about it ... one can walk the path through life with its many benefits and explore its different aspects and still not be able to master it in this lifetime - that is the richness it holds.
In the system of Kung fu and Chi Kung that we were taught, there are five animals and five elements studied. Tiger, crane, leopard, snake and dragon are the animals; earth, air, wood, water and fire are the respective elements. With consistent Work over time, we study these animals and elements in our movements and as energies which are applicable to our lives mentally/emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Some basic points about the art:
-- There is a heavy focus on breath work and energy movement which is a major key in healing and growth on other levels
-- The art is circular in nature ... also holding significant reference in the natural world as well as spiritually
-- The movements work all parts of the body ... and target all major meridians, flows of energy and organs in our system ... bringing the mind/emotions, body and spirit into balance and harmony
-- Over time, one can free one's body from tensions and obstructions to energy flows and one feels freer and has more energy as one moves about in daily life ... the body is fit, strong, fluid, flexible and healthy.
-- When one progresses and Works on the path, studying and applying its deeper aspects, one releases many non-essential layers covering up the essence of who and what one really is ... this is an important part of healing
-- One has the opportunity to break unhealthy conditioning and other patterns which prevent one from reaching one's potential in life. Mentally and emotionally one can attain harmony, balance and control over the Self.
-- One can work the art according to what one wishes to focus on
-- Mirrors of self-reflection are ever present if one is willing to look ... this is a major key to healing and wellness - often overlooked.
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| Our organs and various systems are interrelated |
Holistic approaches search for the root cause of the issue which can rid the system of the illness and symptoms entirely ... these approaches realize that the root cause may originate in a completely different area of the body (as well as considering mind/emotions or spirit). They also employ natural substances found in nature and not fabricated in a laboratory; for example, many practitioners seek out training in the use of herbs, proper diet and essential oils in order to provide professional care and quality advice in the holistic arts.
Our mental/emotional states also directly affect the physiology of our bodies and our subsequent health and wellness ... even leading to and contributing to major diseases and illness; this point is often overlooked, but must be understood and applied in order for healing to be complete and sustained.
A traditional approach may take a while to reverse and heal completely if one has suffered with a condition which is now chronic; however, this approach is wiser as the entire person is brought to higher levels of wellness and is not further burdening their system with the additional well known effects of prescription medications (which are often suppressive of symptoms and not dealing with the root cause), and sometimes unnecessary surgeries ... when it may not be required. We are not saying that modern medicine is never useful ... please do not misinterpret. It would be wonderful to see the two methods converge ... taking the best practices from both ... but this is not where we're at globally yet (though there are signs that there is movement in this direction in different places), so we must develop wisdom and discernment and Know for ourselves which approach is best and when.
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| Transform |
Kung fu and Chi Kung use the body and the breath as tools in moving the energies in the body in ways which bring about harmony and balance and thus can be called self-healing arts.
Transformation through walking the path of the Art of Kung fu and Chi Kung Life is possible. Engage in the journey and discover this and so much more for yourself.
