How do chi gung and tai chi strengthen the nervous system?

Chi flows primarily along the nervous system. The nerves are an intermediary between the body and the mind, and it is through the nerves that we are used to gaining information about our body. Much of the initial Chi Gung work, which emphasizes getting in touch with the body and clearing out blockages, is accomplished through the nervous system. As your chi gets stronger through continued practice, your nerves are strengthened and your body awareness is enhanced. People with poor coordination and other motor problems can benefit greatly. Chi gung's ability to strengthen the nervous system makes it a magnificently effective technique for relieving stress on a day-to-day basis, as well as rebuilding bodies that have broken down due to long-term stress.

Can tai chi and chi gung improve my sex life?

Throughout the far east these arts are widely known for their ability to increase sexual appetites and enhance performance, as well as being a reliable remedy for impotence and lack of desire, especially in old age. Traditional Chinese medical doctors often prescribe Tai Chi or Chi Gung to restore sexual vitality because these practices improve the energy of the kidneys, which, according to Chinese medicine, is directly related to sexuality. Tai chi and chi gung also help in several other ways. They can internally massage the prostate gland, bring increased blood flow to the entire pelvic area, and improve the flow of energy from the spine to the genitals. These arts both increase the sensitivity of your body in general, including the erogenous zones, and release the tension stored in the nervous system that prevents female orgasm. Increasing the flow of chi, both within your body and mind, upgrades the general level of your health, upon which sexuality rests.

How does chi gung free trapped emotions?

Large numbers of people in the West are extremely repressed emotionally, as they have spent a great deal of time and effort learning to control emotion. Emotions that have never been expressed stay in the energy body of a human being at the fringes of conscious awareness. As you open up the chi flow in your system, the chi can give emotional energy more power, just as it strengthens your physical energy.

How can chi gung be used by the seriously ill?

Western exercise utilizes either motion or resistance to motion to strengthen the body (for example, weight lifting, calisthenics, running). Unfortunately, the seriously ill and bedridden often do not have the capacity for vigorous exercise. This means that the muscles and organ systems get weaker during prolonged bed rest, and it may take months to get back to normal after recovery from the main problem (a back injury, say). Chi Gung, however, has many techniques specifically designed for the weak and immobile, techniques that increase physical capacities without requiring strenuous movement. In China, chi gung is also prescribed for terminal cancer patients as a last resort. If they don't initially have the strength to practice while standing or sitting, they practice lying down until their strength builds up.

Can overweight people do chi gung or tai chi?

Tai Chi is especially valuable for big people and those who are overweight because it is an extremely low-impact exercise. This issue becomes increasingly important the larger you are. High-impact exercise can cause damage to vulnerable joints such as the knees because of the weight impacting forcefully upon the joints and spine. Tai chi enables overweight people to handle their weight better and makes a difference to their day-to-day experience of health. Tai chi seeks to maintain, enhance and heal the physical functions and strengths that make you healthy at any weight level, from extremely thin to very heavy. When practicing tai chi, observing the 70% rule is especially important for the overweight.

Can chi gung help a back problem?

In China, Chi Gung is routinely used to help back and joint problems. Three B. K. Frantzis Energy Arts programs are particularly helpful: Heaven and Earth prepares your joints, giving you the basic foundation of opening and closing techniques. These techniques are more refined in Bend the Bow and Shoot the Arrow, which teaches you how to work directly with your spinal vertebrae and the basic spinal pumps. Gods Playing in the Clouds completes the process.

Can tai chi and chi gung affect repetitive stress injuries (RSI)?

All repetitive stress arises when one or two anatomical spots take the full strain of whatever action you continually repeat to get a job done. For example, using a computer requires you to bend your wrists and move your fingers to strike keys and move a mouse, often at similar bad angles, millions and millions of times. Tai Chi helps prevent repetitive stress injuries in three ways:

Can tai chi and chi gung help me do physical labor?

It increases your physical flexibility so you can move better and faster. When you are doing heavy lifting, Tai Chi educates your body to use its whole strength, especially the lifting power of your hips and legs, thereby creating less strain. Tai chi also creates looser, stronger and less tense muscles. This increases your stamina for physical labor, and helps to prevent occupational injuries.