Thames Tai Chi Chuan Group
A new term of Tai Chi and Qigong!
Dates for Spring term ( 11 lessons) Tuesday evenings:
Jan: 10, 17, 24, 31
Feb: 7, 14
Mar: 6, 13, 20, 27
Apr: 3
NOTE :No class : Feb 21, 28
Costs:
One payment of £ 70 for 11 lessons, or
11 payments of £7.00 / lesson
Beginners and Intermediate : 8.00 -9.30pm
Location
St. Nicholas Church Centre,Eyhurst Avenue,ElmPark
Hornchurch. RM12 4FH
Please notify Howard Gough if you are unable to attend a class or if you wish to discontinue Tai Chi classes so that a place can be given to someone else. Thank you.
Tel 01708 477601
Howard Gough is a Member of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain
My blog is designed to complement my work in Acupuncture, Shiatsu , Qigong and Tai Chi. I started it in May 2011. I have started writing and uploading articles and information to help those interested in the world of oriental medicine and therapeutic exercise.
More information can be found at my website www.acupunctureessex.co.uk
Battlefield Acupuncture points.
- Ambulatory Care/Emergency Room:
- Acute Sprains/Strains
- Back, Neck, Ankle, Arms, Legs
- Migraine Headaches
- Post OP pain
- Battlefield pain when narcotics are not desired
Characteristics of BA:
ASP Needles are tiny and inserted using the small (2.5cm) plastic 'injectors' show here.
Tai Chi and Qigong 4 Key Principles:
Keep One Point
Weight Underside
Relax Completely
Extend Qi
Keep One Point
“In movement there is stillness, in stillness there
is movement”
During Qigong and Tai Chi training you must tune-in to the one-point, your centre. This is often called the Dan Tien or lower Dan Tien (or Tan-den) approx 3 finger breadths beneath
the navel. Also this can be thought of as the whole abdominal area – known in Japan as the Hara. Moving and working from the Hara can often be a more grounding feeling than a single point.
In the form you will notice opening and closing movement, expansion and contraction there are times when you are naturally ‘returning’ to the centre with your attention/ awareness. This becomes a flowing rhythm in the form.
Weight Underside
“Be still like a mountain, move like a great river”
Weight underside means having a root, it means Sung or softly sinking. The pelvis and sacrum hang like a basket at the base of the spine. The chest or rib-cage is like a hanging bell. The spine connects all like an axis, upright but not stiff. The whole body hanging from the Bai Hui point on the crown of the head.
Relax Completely
“The mind and heart must be calm for chi to flow effectively. ”
Mind and Body must be calm and relaxed – Sung. This is living relaxed, soft and awake, responsive. Not tense. This principle is closely linked to Weight Underside. It implies
calmness of mind. Mindfulness of movement and stillness.
Extend Qi
“Where the mind goes , Qi goes”
When the body and mind have the correct posture and focus, when the emotions are still and not stirred up then Qi will extend. When the mind and body work together as one, internal strength and health improve.
Reference: “The Essence of Tai Chi Ch’uan” The Literary tradition, by Lo, Inn, Amacker and Foe., Pub. North Atlantic Books
Various Masters
- Attention
- Opening Form
- Ward off left
- Ward off right
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
- Single whip
- Lifting hands
- Shoulder stroke
- White crane spreads wings
- Brush left knee and push
- Play guitar
- Brush left knee and push
- Step forward, deflectdownward, intercept and punch
- Withdraw and push
- Crossing hands
- Embrace tiger, return tomountain
- Roll back
- Press
- Push
- Diagonal Single Whip
- Punch under elbow
- Step back to repulsemonkey (R)
- Step back to repulsemonkey (L)
- Step back to repulsemonkey (R)
- Diagonalflying
- Cloud hands (R)
- Cloud hands (L)
- Cloud hands (R)
- Cloud hands (L)
- Cloud hands (R)
- Cloud hands (L)
- Single whip
- Squatting single whip/Snake Creeps Down
- Golden rooster stands onone leg (L)
- Golden rooster stands onone leg (R)
- Separate right foot
- Separate left foot
- Brush left knee and push
- Needles at sea bed
- Iron fan penetrates back
- Turn body, chop and push
- Step forward, deflectdownward, intercept and punch
- Kick with heel (R)
- Brush right knee and push
- Brush left knee and punchdownwards
- Ward off right
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
- Single whip
- Fair lady weaves shuttles(L)
- Fair lady weaves shuttles(R)
- Fair lady weaves shuttles(L)
- Fair lady weaves shuttles(R)
- Ward Off Left
- Ward Off Right
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
- Single whip
- Squatting single whip /Snake Creeps Down
- Step forward to the sevenstars
- Step back to ride tiger
- Turn body and sweep lotuswith leg
- Bend bow to shoot tiger
- Step forward, deflectdownward, intercept and punch
- Withdraw and push
- Crossing hands
- Conclusion
- Attention
Once repetitions are excluded there are approximately 42 postures. This is the short form of Cheng Man’ching as taught to Dr Chi the Grand Master of the British Tai Chi Chuan Association founded by John Kells. This version of the Short Form is slightly longer than the Cheng form usually taught which leaves out the postures from 40 to 44 above.
A SIMPLE GUIDE TO TAI CHI CHUAN
Written by Ronnie Robinson
Many of you may be discovering Tai Chi Chuan for the first time and would
like to know more about what is actually taught and practised in Tai Chi
classes.
It is my hope that after reading the following article you will be able to make
a more informed choice before going to your first Tai Chi class.
Tai Chi Chuan is accessible to all ages and physical abilities and can be
practised on many levels, from a simple ‘meditative’ exercise to a realistic
martial art! – Why not check out our list of recognised Tai Chi Instructors and
go along to your nearest class!
Interpretations
With the rise in popularity of Tai Chi Chuan we also see many interpretations
of the art. There are those who cover the full curriculum with form, pushing
hands, applications, and weapons. However, there are also those who are
predominately interested in developing the health aspects of Tai Chi Chuan.
They may concentrate more on the hand form, Qigong exercises and meditation.
You, as a potential student, have the option of choosing which approach is
right for you. Before committing to a class it may be worth telephoning one or
two local instructors, and discussing what is taught in their particular
school.
The Hand Form
The first, and most familiar, aspect of Tai Chi Chuan is the Hand Form. This is
the series of slow movements you see performed in the parks, in China, early in
the morning. There are many benefits to be gained from practising the Hand
Form.
Health Aspects
On its simplest level, the Hand Form is an exercise system. However it is not
what we, in western culture, usually regard as exercise. How can these slow
movements be exercise? In order to understand why, it is good to have a
knowledge of the concept of Qi (Chi) energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is believed to be over 2,000 years
old, also has, at its roots, the principles of Yin and Yang. It is believed
that there are meridians or pathways which travel through the body carrying Qi
energy. If there is a problem, or imbalance in the flow of Qi energy, a TCM
doctor would use acupuncture needles, or perhaps acupressure – the use of
thumbs or hands, to stimulate acupoints, and release the blockages.
Tai Chi Chuan and more directly, Qigong promotes the smooth flow of this
energy. By performing the postures of the Form, in co-ordination with relaxed,
natural breathing and the application of Yi, which is the intent or focus of
the mind, we help to keep the Qi moving smoothly through the channels.
Therefore, whilst doing these external movements, we are assisting the free
flow of internal energy.
Aside from promoting the flow of Qi energy Tai Chi Chuan can also help to
increase flexibility, suppleness and exercise the muscles. The smooth, gentle
movements also aid relaxation and help to keep the mind calm and focused. These
benefits are extremely useful in today’s stressful society.
Martial Applications
Each movement or Tai Chi posture carries defensive or offensive applications.
To understand these applications it is important to have an awareness of the
concept of Yin and Yang, which is at the root of the system of Tai Chi Chuan.
Yin is considered to be the soft, feminine principle and Yang the hard
masculine principle. In terms of applications a blow or strike would be
considered to be Yang force. When the force is coming towards you, you greet it
with Yin or softness thereby neutralising your opponent’s strike. The postures
in the Tai Chi Hand Form are constantly changing from the Yin to Yang aspect.
By training slowly, the body becomes familiar with this constantly changing
energy. Through training over a long period of time, we can develop these
reactions to become instinctive in a combat situation.
Partner Work
If we were only to perform the Hand Form slowly it would not be sufficient
training for combat situations. To develop a deeper understanding of how the
concept of Yin and Yang applies to Tai Chi Chuan, we have to work with a
partner. One of the first exercises we learn is Pushing Hands, or Tui Shou.
Here we have one partner pushing, with his/her palm against the wrist of the
other. When your partner pushes against the back of your hand you would then
soften your wrist, drop the elbow and turn from the waist. This allows you to
absorb your partner’s energy or force and neutralise it down into the ground.
When their Yang force has been fully expended or neutralised, you would then
turn your hands and return their energy by pushing back towards them. If,
however, your partner were to push too far, or over-extend you would then pull
them downwards, behind you. When the basic push hands exercises have been
developed you would proceed to free-pushing. This trains you to incorporate
these principles against free-form pushes. In free pushing we try to ‘listen’
to our opponent’s energy or intention in order to allow us to react
appropriately. During free pushing it is important to try to remain calm and
relaxed. By doing so we will remain sensitive to our opponent’s movements or
intention. However, we must also maintain our own sense of presence or ‘being
there’. If we were simply soft or relaxed without a sense of being there, it
would be easy for our opponent to overcome us.
San Shou
San Shou is, depending on the style, can be a series of partner exercises where
strikes or blows are delivered to various parts of the body. One partner
strikes whilst the other neutralises the oncoming force by meeting it with
softness or Yin energy. He/she then returns blows. Initially, these exercises
are delivered softly and slowly, increasing the force and speed as your
experience develops. In some styles, San Shou is performed as a structured
routine or sequence which incorporates various aspects of self defence in a
fixed pattern. Whatever the interpretation, San Shou would ultimately, train
these techniques to be adaptable in free sparring.
Weapon Forms
Tai Chi Chuan has a variety of weapon forms. There is, traditionally, the
straightsword, the broadsword and the staff. The culture of Chinese martial
arts also allows for the adaptation of other common implements for the use of
weapons. Some styles may also use a cane, fan and short or long stick form.
There are many benefits to be gained from practising weapon forms. Aside from
the obvious martial benefits training in weapons can help to stretch and relax
the muscles and promote blood circulation.
Styles
There are generally considered to be five main styles of Tai Chi Chuan. The
original style is reported to be the Chen style. The Chen style is very dynamic
with some strong stamping movements and rapid punches. It is obviously very
martial in content. From the Chen style came the Yang style and from the Yang
came the Wu style. Other styles include the Sun and the Li. There are also
variations which have derived from those original styles like the Wudang, the
Hao and the Cheng Man-ching.
Although Tai Chi may appear to some, to be an easy option, like other
martial arts it requires commitment and dedication, to get the best from it.
Like anything else in life, the more you put in, the more you get out.
In my acupuncture practice I find an increasing number of patients are seeking boost fertility with acupuncture or are looking for support with a IVF treatments. Purely on my experience in treating these men and women I have found that the successful IVF treatment with acupuncture has been approx 80%. This is of course a small sample of patients and hardly significant as proof of efficacy. But nevertheless reassuring for me as a practitioner!
Recently a number of different women have asked for treatment to help with the process of a natural birth or induce a birth which is nearing term. Success is difficult to judge and the numbers are very low at present.
I have found the following You Tube links give some guidance on acupoints that can be used alongside acupuncture to move the natural birth process along when within the last two weeks of the pregnancy. Please note that these points should not be massaged earlier in the pregnancy and certainly not in the first trimester.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYhep4b5oSg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3gYUBhlMIo&feature=related
Unprecedented approval for alternative therapies from health service watchdog
By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Tens of millions of pounds are being wasted by the NHS on useless treatments for back pain, money that should be diverted to alternative therapies such as acupuncture and spinal manipulation, a health service watchdog says today.
From among 200 treatments and devices claimed to help a bad back, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) has passed judgement on what works and what doesn’t. X-rays, ultrasound and steroid injections are out and osteopathy, chiropractic and “needling” are in, it says.
The new guidelines mark a watershed in the treatment of the condition and for Nice itself. It is the first time that the institute has issued a positive recommendation that the NHS provide, and pay for, alternative therapies.
Shiatsu is a hands-on Japanese healing therapy which has roots dating back over 1000 years. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and can help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives. Treatments are received on the floor on a futon or on a couch.
Shiatsu diagnosis is done by touching each meridian zone in the hara.
Shiatsu pressure is applied through a layer of clothing. Shiatsu draws on traditional Chinese medicine and makes use of the meridian network and points which Acupuncturists use. Shiatsu encourages a deep calming of mind and body to take place. Courses at the college promote the basic skills which can grow into giving simple home treatments to family and friends.
This is an introductory post to any who join the Tai Chi Classes in Elm Park.
Welcome to the Thames Tai Chi Group. During your lessons you will be learning the Yang Style Short Form initially created and adapted from the Long Form by Cheng Man-Ching during the last century. Learning Tai Chi is like a journey and on the Tai Chi Journey the ‘form’ is the record of your journey, the ‘form’ is also the tool for learning Tai Chi and it is the end result! There are many ways of learning. There are many rates of learning, and people learn at different levels of understanding. Everyone is unique. Each aspect of your learning is important. Learn to be patient with yourself. Give yourself enough practise time in order to learn. Be positive and warm hearted about your learning process.
Treat your Tai Chi Form like a valuable musical instrument. Polish it slowly and regularly, keep it in good working order. The music will sound better.
Consider where you want to get to with your Tai Chi Journey. Visualise before each form you practise that you are already there. That the form you practise feels good, balanced, grounded and flowing. Don’t force it. Don’t consider anything wrong about your form – simply a step in the process.
The following two quotes encapsulates the spirit of Tai Chi :
1.
Before movement : stillness and clarity.
Earth and Heaven in balance.
In movement a calm heart and mind
Equal giving and receiving Qi.
Soften the senses, be open and receptive
The attention internally gathered.
After movement only the Tao remains.
Boundless and indescribable.
Ancient Tai Chi Classics (Anon)
2.
"When you start Tai-Chi you are like an old bucket, what ever we give you will mostly leak out, if you can retain a drop you are doing well. The process (within you) of creating Tai-Chi is “you” mending your holes. We just give you the tools, no one can do it for you". Yang Cheng Fu (Grand Master of the Yang Style) -
