by Tarandus » Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:51 pm
Phalanxpursos: I'm very sorry to hear about these terrible injuries. I'm not a doctor or expert in TCM so don't know what to suggest; in other words, I can't offer advice - just reflections. As far as Tai Chi is concerned, I would have thought that if you remember of course to settle your Chi at the end of the form, using the closing posture to return it to the Tantien, you should be allright, particularly if you stay in the very final posture for some seconds or even a minute to consolidate the return of the Chi. The Form develops as well as circulates the Chi (through the many small channels as well as the larger ones), but if you don't settle it again afterwards, you will of course have Chi floating around in an excited and developed state which I suppose conceivably could have the effect you fear on the internal organs. If you have spinal problems, then certainly, the Chen style would be inappropriate because of the 'explosive' movements and even the Yang Ban Hou style, which retains some fast movements at intervals might not be ideal. The Yang Cheng Fu form, or one of its derivatives would be most appropriate I would have thought, if you wish to pursue Tai Chi despite the injuries. Conventional wisdom would certainly suggest that Tai Chi in one of these gentler manifestations could help your condition - with the proviso I have mentioned about settling the Chi at the end of the form. Meditation and Embryonic Breathing also I would have thought could have a very beneficial influence. The breathing can be done on its own in virtually any position that is comfortable and does not have to be accompanied by Chi Kung. Yang Jwing Ming's book on Embryonic Breathing is an exhaustive treatise on the subject and I would thoroughly recommend it if you don't own it already. Kind regards, T.
'Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions. Live the questions now. You will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.' Rainer Maria Rilke.