Monday, January 19, 2009

Pathways of Healing

When we practice Tai Chi and QiGong for health and healing, it is important to understand the traditional Chinese meridians or channels (经络) which are know as pathways of energy flow. Through practice, we are able to focus the Qi and send it along the pathways for healing and releasing discomfort.

There are twelve primary channels(十二正经) that are related to internal organs. Six can be found on the arms and the other six can be found on the legs. During our practice we stimulate these channels to improve the energy flow through our internal organs.

The channels on the arms are related to heart, pericardium(心包), lungs, large intestine, small intestine, and the trunk of the body which is know as SanJiao(三焦).

The channels on the legs are related to liver, spleen, kidney, stomach, gall bladder, and bladder.

If you can't remember their locations, simply pat along your arms and legs in the morning after you get up and in the evening before you go to bed. You may add a third time during the day while you watch television or listen to music. You will feel good and it IS good for your health.