Tai Chi Chuan

Traditional Chinese non-aggressive martial art based on awareness and yielding which is practiced in slow motion; a meditation technique for grounding and centering, that is based on Taoist philosophy.

(See also: Tai Chi Chuan , New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Chi:

A Chinese word meaning energy, the vital energy of which all things are formed. Also known as prana. See also Tai-chi, and Qi-Gong.

(See also: Chi , Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Qigong:

Qigong (chee-GONG) is a current name for what was formerly known as Taoist breathing exercises that date back nearly 5,000 years. Qi means energy, the energy of the universe. Gong means to gather with skill, thus qigong is to gather energy from the universe with practiced skill. 

There are over 3,000 forms of qigong; tai chi, more commonly known is but one form. Like tai chi, qigong appears to be a gentle slow rhythmic movement, usually done while standing.  The practitioner is using mental imagery, breath and movement to gather qi, and bring it into the body.  The results calm the mind, energize the body and help to create a sense of balance both literal and figurative.

(See also: Qigong , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Qi (also referred to as Chee, Chi, Qui or Ki):

in Eastern philosophies, the energy that connects and animates everything in the universe; includes both individual qi (personal life force) and universal qi, which are coextensive through the practice of mind-body disciplines, such as traditional meditation, aikido, and tai chi.

(See also: Qi , Alternative Medicine, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Feng Shui and Religion

It is important to understand that feng shui is not a religion. Feng shui is the recognition or understanding of the laws of nature, that there are certain patterns of energy. For every force, there is an equal and opposite force. For every cause, there is an effect. This natural phenomenon exists whether you believe in it or not.

Read more here: » Feng Shui: Feng Shui and Religion

I Liq Ch'uan: An internal martial art. it is a way to align one's body and to harmonize one's energy. Its theory posits chi, yin, and yang and encompasses certain tai chi principles and certain Zen concepts.

(See also: I Liq Ch'uan , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Feng Shui

is the ancient Chinese art of environmental design and placement. Whereas tai chi and acupuncture modify and balance chi within the body, feng shui balances the chi in one's surroundings. Because one's home and workplace expresses one's physical, psychological and spiritual condition, understanding how the qualities and the flow of energy (or lack thereof) in personal spaces affects your mood and mental state can lead to creating a more harmonious, nurturing environment.

(See also: Feng Shui , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

MEDITATION

The concept of meditation originated in the East, primarily in India, where formal techniques are taught and learnt. In the West this word seems to have a generic meaning, whereby it can almost mean anything. However there are several types of this practice.

One is the technique of concentration, which can best described as focussing the mind on a particular value in a constant manner, with extreme intent. This can be illustrated by the chanting of monks, where a phrase or refrain is repeated for long periods of time. This technique appears to have been adopted by those who are usually in a monastic way of life, and who spend long hours in this practice. It does actually work by the mind being released from such control after a period of time, and then transcends itself to experience the transcendent. The same applies to extreme concentration techniques, like clearing the mind of thoughts, or staring at a candle.

Then there is the technique of contemplation, which seems to be the most common technique in the West. This practice keeps the mind on the conscious thinking level, but at times there is an experience of the transcendent, but can be short-lived, as the conscious mind is so active, and is encouraged to stay with those thoughts. There are many variations to this type of mindfulness, and many different visualizations can be adopted, including and not limited to breathing techniques. The intent is for union with one’s source (the Transcendental Nature of Existence), and is highly recommended.

See TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION and YOGA, and QI GONG/CHI KUNG, TAI CHI CHUAN.

(See also: MEDITATION , Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Martial Arts: While the West often thinks of the martial arts as a sport or form of self-defense, these techniques originally developed in the East to increase mental acuity, health, and spiritual development through intense physical training. The many forms range from more externally oriented types such as karate and tae kwan do, which emphasize muscle and endurance, to the internally oriented tai chi and aikido, which seek to restore harmony and balance to the body.

(See also: Martial Arts , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

PILATES METHOD

Pilates is a series of movements, done from a sitting, reclining, kneeling, or standing position, designed to increase strength and flexibility, release tension, and relieve chronic neck and back pain. Developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, this method combines elements of Eastern and Western disciplines, including yoga, tai chi, and ancient Greek and Roman exercise protocols.

Specially designed apparatus are used for stretching and strengthening exercises and can be calibrated to the client’s needs. Repatterning movements and proper breathing techniques are important components of the training.

The Pilates method is used in physical rehabilitation and is popular with athletes and performance artists, as well as those seeking to improve body conditioning.

(See also: PILATES METHOD , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Feeling Light: Holistic approach to wellness and weight management. It encompasses ear acupuncture, Qigong, tai chi, and the use of flower essences (see flower essence therapy).

(See also: Feeling Light , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Mind/Body/Spirit Medicine:

Mind-body medicine (also referred to as psychoneuroimmunology-PNI) focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly affect health. It regards as fundamental an approach that respects and enhances each person’s capacity for self-knowledge and self-care, and it emphasizes techniques that are grounded in this approach.

Mind-body medicine typically focuses on intervention strategies that are thought to promote health, such as relaxation, hypnosis, visual imagery, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, tai chi, qi gong, cognitive-behavioral therapies, group support, spirituality, and prayer. The philosophy of mind/body medicine views illness as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation, and health care providers as catalysts and guides in this process.

(See also: Mind/Body/Spirit Medicine , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

BioEssence therapy: System developed by Paul Pitchford. It includes BioEssence bodywork, BioEssence release work (which involves stylized breathing), diet, herbalism, Qigong, tai chi, and traditional Chinese diagnostic methods.

(See also: BioEssence therapy , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Chinese Wushu (gongfu, kung-fu, martial arts, Martial Qigong, Wu Gong, Wushu): Variety of fighting methods that encompasses neigong (inner exercises) and tai chi. Its philosophy emphasizes traditions, experience, and rational understanding.

(See also: Chinese Wushu , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

Zen Shiatsu Acupressure (Zen Shiatsu Acupressure massage): Method that encompasses herbology, meditation, Oriental diagnostic techniques, prayer, Shiatsu Acupressure, tai chi, visualization, and Zen Shiatsu. Its theory posits the Five Elements.

(See also: Zen Shiatsu Acupressure , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

MYOMASSOLOGY

Myomassology is an integration of techniques including basic Swedish massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, shiatsu, iridology, herbology, energy balancing, ear candling, and craniosacral therapy in conjunction with instruction in nutrition, meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong..

(See also: MYOMASSOLOGY , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Tai Chi Dictionary

The Human Potential Movement came out of the social and intellectual milieu of the 1960s and was formed to promote the cultivation of extraordinary potential believed to be largely untapped in most people. The movement is premised on the belief that through the development of human potential, humans can experience an exceptional quality of life filled with happiness, creativity, and fulfillment. A corollary belief is often that those who begin to unleash this potential will find their actions within society to be directed towards help ...

Including:

• Human Potential Movement - Roots
• Human Potential Movement - Relationship to other fields
• Human Potential Movement - Esalen
• Human Potential Movement - Criticism
• Human Potential Movement - Notable figures

Read more here: » Human Potential Movement: Encyclopedia - Human Potential Movement

Chinese martial arts (often abbreviated as "CMA") refers to the enormous variety of martial art styles native to China. Kung fu and wushu are two popular Chinese terms that are commonly used as a synonym for Chinese martial arts. They appear by this use in many languages, including English and Chinese. For more information about their original meaning and other uses, see kung fu (term) and wushu (term). Chinese martial arts - History of Chinese martial arts. The oldest evi ...

Including:

• Chinese martial arts - History of Chinese martial arts
• Chinese martial arts - To be merged
• Chinese martial arts - Styles of Chinese martial arts
• Chinese martial arts - Styles of Wushu to be merged
• Chinese martial arts - External or hard styles 外家拳 wàijiāquán
• Chinese martial arts - Internal or soft styles 內家拳 nèijiāquán
• Chinese martial arts - Northern styles
• Chinese martial arts - Southern styles
• Chinese martial arts - Buddhist styles
• Chinese martial arts - Daoist styles
• Chinese martial arts - Muslim styles
• Chinese martial arts - Training in Chinese martial arts
• Chinese martial arts - Basics 基本功
• Chinese martial arts - Forms 套路
• Chinese martial arts - Application
• Chinese martial arts - Weapons training
• Chinese martial arts - Use of qi in Chinese martial arts
• Chinese martial arts - Chinese martial arts in movies

Read more here: » Chinese martial arts: Encyclopedia - Chinese martial arts

The movement has received criticism in two forms. The first is from researchers in psychology, medicine, and science who often dismiss the movement as being grounded in pseudoscience, overusing psychobabble, and whose efficacy can be explained entirely by placebo. This criticism was expressed by Richard Feynman's response to his visit at Esalen. However, a technique may still be useful despite a pseudoscientific or religious background. The crucial point is whether critics are correct in asserting that the techniques of the human pote ...

See also:

Human Potential Movement, Human Potential Movement - Roots, Human Potential Movement - Relationship to other fields, Human Potential Movement - Esalen, Human Potential Movement - Criticism, Human Potential Movement - Notable figures

Read more here: » Human Potential Movement: Encyclopedia II - Human Potential Movement - Criticism

Hundreds of different styles of Chinese martial arts have developed over the past two thousand years, many distinctive styles with their own sets of techniques and ideas. Also, there are many themes common to different styles that lead many to characterize them as belonging to generalized "families" (家, jiā) of martial art styles. There are styles that mimic movements from animals and others that gather inspiration from various Chinese philosophies. Some styles put most of their focus into the belief of the harnessing of qi ...

See also:

Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - History of Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - To be merged, Chinese martial arts - Styles of Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - Styles of Wushu to be merged, Chinese martial arts - External or hard styles 外家拳 wàijiāquán, Chinese martial arts - Internal or soft styles 內家拳 nèijiāquán, Chinese martial arts - Northern styles, Chinese martial arts - Southern styles, Chinese martial arts - Buddhist styles, Chinese martial arts - Daoist styles, Chinese martial arts - Muslim styles, Chinese martial arts - Training in Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - Basics 基本功, Chinese martial arts - Forms 套路, Chinese martial arts - Application, Chinese martial arts - Weapons training, Chinese martial arts - Use of qi in Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - Chinese martial arts in movies

Read more here: » Chinese martial arts: Encyclopedia II - Chinese martial arts - Styles of Chinese martial arts

Most styles of Chinese martial arts contain practice of the application of techniques (both as prepared drills and as free sparring), but also the practice of what is known as forms, or taolu (套路 - tào lù) in Chinese. Forms are a pre-choreographed series of techniques and movements, performed alone or with one or more partners. Another important part of the training, as in most other physical activities, is what is referred to as basics, such as various exercises for strengthening the body, and regular stretchi ...

See also:

Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - History of Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - To be merged, Chinese martial arts - Styles of Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - Styles of Wushu to be merged, Chinese martial arts - External or hard styles 外家拳 wàijiāquán, Chinese martial arts - Internal or soft styles 內家拳 nèijiāquán, Chinese martial arts - Northern styles, Chinese martial arts - Southern styles, Chinese martial arts - Buddhist styles, Chinese martial arts - Daoist styles, Chinese martial arts - Muslim styles, Chinese martial arts - Training in Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - Basics 基本功, Chinese martial arts - Forms 套路, Chinese martial arts - Application, Chinese martial arts - Weapons training, Chinese martial arts - Use of qi in Chinese martial arts, Chinese martial arts - Chinese martial arts in movies

Read more here: » Chinese martial arts: Encyclopedia II - Chinese martial arts - Training in Chinese martial arts