Four stages of Qigong practice

The first test stage, also known as the perceptual stage. Initially, some are skeptical of qigong; some mistakenly believe that qigong is a superstition; some practice a few days and hope to cure the incurable diseases over the years by Chinese and Western medicine for a long time the rule is invalid; some begin training on the I hope Qigong masters "Empowerment", "enlightenment"; In fact, these knowledge is vague and unrealistic. First stage: the first test stage

The first test stage, also known as the perceptual stage. Initially, some are skeptical of qigong; some mistakenly believe that qigong is a superstition; some practice a few days and hope to cure the incurable diseases over the years by Chinese and Western medicine for a long time the rule is invalid; some begin training on the I hope Qigong masters "Empowerment", "enlightenment"; In fact, these knowledge is vague and unrealistic.

Notes Qigong is Peibu strength, infuriating, not breathing gas. Strength was born in the congenital essence, with the important role of the original impetus of life activities, strength is the life of the country. "Su asked Elder naive theory," pointed out: "tranquil nothingness, infuriating from keep within the spirit of patient safety has never been." It is brilliantly described and summarized qigong Peibu strength mechanism. Practice the trick is to master the correct Gong Li Gong, physical and mental pleasure, but points to the pursuit of the Dialectic power. In addition to "perseverance", allowing you to unknowingly enter Qigong state.

Practice early because they do not have a good xujing relax basis, distracted, generally difficult to quiet. Practice time soon, will feel backache leg linen. If we have the next teacher guidance, to master the technology "to a read on behalf of Wan Nian" physique naturally, muscle relaxation, perseverance, self-experience "air sense" becoming transcendent realm. Refining the "gas", circled in the "lesion" at his hands, it will cause the remission, or even eliminate. At this time, you will be preliminary experience the beauty of qigong exercises confidence.

The second stage: the entry phase

The entry phase, also known as rational knowledge stage. Practitioners through the hundred days to build the base, gradually master the correct method of practice, clearly the essentials of practice, gradually habits Zhan Zhuang and meditation practice, and practically tasted the sweetness of qigong. Practice, clear-headed, quick thinking, ruddy, energetic. At this time, as long as a practicing Zhan Zhuang moving power, as long as both hands to lift, there are micro-currents between the fingers Ma thermal, sweet saliva, and selfishness to eliminate will be able to enter the stoned state of qigong. Practice, such as static power, its breathing are increasingly able to "deep, long, thin, uniform"; gradually make the gas Zhiguan pubic region, but also turned into a warm and auspicious atmosphere, bottom-up, three to Baihui Bai Hai and then throughout the whole body; are increasingly able to understand micro-current Ma thermal flow through the body with the blood running, the exciting moment in the whole person, such as drink mellow wine of the pleasure; are increasingly able to understand BI air mass is growing, more and more concentrated, more round of feeling. Enhance stomach function, appetite, growth, strong digestive function, and after the umbilical fever flu, the original of the back and two kidney area significantly alleviate the suffering from various chronic diseases.

When you developed a new "external qi", you can use the "outside air" for others to heal disease. The specific method is, first of all to communicate with the master and the universe, intended master on your side, and then "fairy grabbed the lesion, where sick, the idea caught off the gas where the disease at the same time, the use of the outdoor air Taking the lesion circle mortar, enter a virtuous ideas of all diseases to eliminate bacteria and viruses wipe out ", so the treatment effect is obvious. You as a refiner to this realm, if "in his mercy, salvation, whatever the case, for others to heal disease, not only the accumulated experience of treatment, and make your skill grow faster .

Phase III: disease repeatedly stage

The process of practicing Qigong is a balance of yin and yang, dredge the meridians, promoting blood circulation, Qiangshen spermatogenic process. Through exercise, the sensitivity of the meridian improve the response to the "sick air", where sick, where there is a reaction. Some not practice qigong before the body somewhere in the old lesions when lesions or children, usually cured, but the exercises to this extent, it will be lesions stimulate the General does not hurt, the pain is unreasonable. In fact, this time there "air red lesions" is a good thing, one can diagnose self-physical condition, and second, we can be "external qi" combination of drugs modulating their own illness.

To enter the third stage, we must be firm belief. Gas red lesions "process is the process of righteousness and evil struggle, regardless of how the disease is repeated, we must adhere to the practice, and appropriate ophthalmic injections, the disease will naturally be effectively controlled. When refining to blood is strong, the body organs and meridians system has been adjusted, natural cure of the disease in various parts of the body.

Phase IV: physically strong stage

Practice qigong after repeated struggles of the first three stages of your firm belief in the German-based, more good things, perseverance and diligent practice, the repair was enlightenment, and finally make their own body meridians to clear to achieve "fine over mixed round body "realm.

Its performance is as follows:

The first is intended to gas, gas line at random, "regardless of training station static stance or practice of static power, as long as there is a little one idea, will feel a surge of micro-current to flow through the body, the exciting moment of the whole person, partially drunk. Some part of the body lesions occur occasionally, as long as an idea, will feel an air flow to the lesion site, and then enter an "inflammation to eliminate, eliminate pain, bacteria and viruses eliminated all diseases, to eliminate the benign ideas, their disease is not medical healing.

Followed by "external qi" strong. Whether it is for others to heal the sick, raising his hand, or an idea, there are micro-electricity or an influenza cold hurricane hurricanes the breeze feeling into the lesion site, combined with the internal organs Heart, it will cause the most disease Shoudaobingchu , intended to cure diseases, but also to themselves and others stone tumor dissipate.

Third SG Dading. At this stage, as long as you are a begin training, you can in a loose static state, increased saliva, and sweet, the whole body warm, and soon can be gasified nothingness, in the "fetal breathing" state. At this time, two slightly to the head, see Note head gradually found Tian Linggai the two mesh SG shining a mass of light; Should two Weibi the sharp eyes and keen nose, nose view of the heart, will be able to "see" to the five internal organs Six Hollow brightly translucent, then will feel the whole glittering, a variety of specific functions are also excited this time, our bodies naturally strong.

The beginning of training qigong master tips

Qigong is a traditional physical and mental training methods, regulating yin and yang, dredge the meridians, qi and blood flow, promote metabolism, improve physical fitness, enhance immune function, can treat themselves to a variety of chronic diseases. Qigong is a traditional physical and mental training methods, regulating yin and yang, dredge the meridians,`qi and blood flow, promote metabolism, improve physical fitness, enhance immune function, can treat themselves to a variety of chronic diseases. Many older people want to practice fitness, but was worried about training may not be law and possessed by the devil, the beginner practicing qigong should pay attention to what issues?

The Qigong fitness characteristics

Qigong exercises a wide range, it should be the person's physical living environment and to choose their own exercises. Qigong choreographer ever-changing, but the core of past and present are inseparable from the three adjustments: aligning the interest rate adjustment (adjust gas), and tone the body.

Step 1 aligning

Is first of all should be adjusted to control conscious thought. The basic requirement is to exclude selfishness, so that "the ascetic, to reach into the static. In order to better practice, we must choose a clean environment, time and place fixed. The first row of the net two would then undress, to prevent the effects into the static. Into the so-called static, and is intended to keep, change "cranky" for "meditation designed to" further to do "without thinking without thinking, quiet and pleasant, leisurely, this is a move in order to quiet. The so-called mind concentration is to the focus on a part of the body or some kind of activity, or is intended to keep some kind of useful things on the body. One of the most commonly used is intended to keep breathing and intended to keep the "pubic region". Intended to keep the breathing is the interest rate adjustment, intended to keep the pubic region is to focus on the 1.5-inch under the navel, "the sea air hole", a combination called "gas penetration in the pubic region. Abdominal breathing, the diaphragm or inspiratory decline in lower abdomen outside the drum, to the pubic region, lower abdomen exhale retraction. This method can be gentle massage, chest, abdomen, internal organs, improve visceral blood circulation, strengthen the physiological activities. Such as bloating tightness after a meal, first Xiongshihuxi, intended to keep the gas between the two milk sea (Tanzhong) to strengthen the heart and lung function, improve bloating tightness. Some people like that intended to keep Mingmen (fourteen vertebral under the navel) to benefit kidney. Begin training often can not quickly into the static, then can not be impatient, and slowly will be skilled.

The second step interest rate adjustment

Is adjusted and controlled breathing to help aligning and intended to keep into the static. The basic requirement is that the breathing to achieve a "small, quiet, uniform, long silent, and out of the rain, in order to gradually reach, if the deposit if the death" situation. Exercise to let it go and not be anxious, in order to avoid bias.

Third the pace of the body

To adjust the control body, to maintain a certain posture, to help in meditation. To maintain a static posture for a long time, you can adjust the distribution of systemic blood. The Qigong tone the body is generally OK, walking, sitting, lying, do five kinds of circumstances, that is, five kinds of exercises posture, any kind of position should be with the aligning and the interest rate adjustment. In other words, either to practice "position power" training "power walk" can be practiced anytime, anywhere, depending on their condition. The principle is "the natural, comfortable for the law".

In short, the basic requirements of the practice is "the heart to be clear, the interest rate to be quiet, the body to be loose (relaxed), and the flexibility to adjust the movement speed, elastic and so on. Three-tune the law, the early practice of martial arts light, must be the intention of the tune ", then the intention too, but exhausting. Practitioners skilled, work to naturally and successfully, it will transition to the stage of "no intention of tune". Summed up as "active and persevering, comfortable and natural, step by step."

Chinese medicine interpretation of Qigong

TCM theory holds that man and nature is a continuum, the human body and nature it needs is closely related to the nature of the changes in motion can be directly or indirectly affect the human body. TCM theory holds that it needs between man and nature is a continuum, the human body and nature are closely related to the nature of the changes in motion, either directly or indirectly affect the human body, corresponding to physiological or pathological responses, so Neijing ": "People of Heaven and Earth correspondingly. The Neijing four atmosphere of God on the articles discussed in detail the ancient regimen used with the modern to enjoy the comfortable air-conditioned, but diseases continue the comparison, I hope you have something to consciousness.

The first month of spring, February and March is the season of rebirth, nature presents an animated scene, vegetation, twigs, leaves, everything thriving. In order to adapt to the natural environment, people should stay up late to get up early, to appear in court yard to walk after getting up, Pisan open hair, wearing spacious clothes Do not make the body by binding, so that the spirit as germinal in the spring of all things comfortable and lively and full of life . Treat things, but also meet the characteristics of the spring, just let it happen should happen, not going to hurt it; should be training to go train, rather than to punish it; should be given to give, do not deprive it. This is adapted to the characteristics of the natural environment Chunsheng, nursed back to health principles and methods of the "raw" gas in the human body. If a violation of this will harm the liver qi, the summer will be a cold nature of the disease. Why is this? Spring by the warmth of yang, summer exuberant yang basis, if the spring yang can not be born to Xiatian Yang gas should be long and not long, there will be insufficient yang Deficiency disease card.

Buddhism blowing method get rid of cold

Ancient winter without heating, the Buddhists who resides deep in the mountains, how cold? The ancient monks long-term practice summed up a set fend off the cold blowing method. Ancient winter without heating, the Buddhists who resides deep in the mountains, how cold? The ancient monks long-term practice summed up a set fend off the cold blowing method.

Fend off the cold blowing method to use inflatable to Quhan, as we blow out the candles. Winter feel the cold hands and feet, the practice of blowing method, hands and feet would immediately feel more warm, If you still feel the chill Nanxiao, you can add "intended" full blow of the body cold, or even feel the internal organs of the body, meridian by the inside to the outside to warm up, very comfortable. If you have arthritis and other edge points by acupuncture point, doing the blowing method, imagine cold joints radiated, to adhere to the effect of a period of time will be very obvious.

In addition to click some points can alleviate the symptoms of cold hands and feet and body chills. Yang Fengchi means that the store to gather the sun's heat. Yang Chi hole in the back of the hand wrist, the third straight four metacarpal and the wrist crease at the intersection depression acupoints. The first to bend the back of the hand, wrist, there will be a few folds, the folds of the side near the back of the hand press, in the center will find a tender point, this point is the yang chi point. Stimulate positive chi point, take a longer time, the intensity should be slow.

Calm and rational practice infuriating

From the Du channel in the cell, under the perineum, upstream along the spine inside, to the Fengfu at option to enter the intracranial network of brain, by the entry along the head midline, through the head, forehead, nose, upper lip, Department with the Department to the upper lip. From the Du channel in the cell, under the perineum, upstream along the spine inside, to the Fengfu at option to enter the intracranial network of brain, by the entry along the head midline, through the head, forehead, nose, upper lip, Department with the Department to the upper lip.

The Ren starting in the cell, under the perineum, along the mons pubis, abdomen and chest midline line, to the throat, up to the jaw around the lips, along the cheek, the branch to Mukuang.

Qigong therapy is an integral part of Chinese medicine, it is closely related to acupuncture, massage therapy. Such as acupuncture need to "get air" massage practice to cultivate internal force. Clinically on three organic combination of air-communication inside and outside, can enhance the efficacy.

"Qigong is an important part of traditional Chinese culture, it is neither religious, nor is the virtual magic skills in the martial arts practice qigong really wholesome, but not cure, nor is it suitable for everyone qigong from an academic perspective, qigong is not mysterious, most qigong phenomena and mechanisms can be explained clearly.

Qigong in the vast land mass basis, was widely loved by the people. Called for public calm, rational look at the practice qigong also hope that the media science, publicity and reports of qigong.

Qigong is not a religion, infuriating run method from Taoism small Zhou exercises

"Qigong is a tone one tone the body, the interest rate adjustment, aligning physical and mental training skills." Skill learning does not require belief, only need to practice. This is an important feature of the qigong different from the religious. Qigong exercises, tone the body, the interest rate adjustment, aligning the three main types of operating techniques, the three tone-one practice to achieve physical and mental state, namely Qigong realm.

From the the qigong angle of view, infuriating run method from the traditional Taoist elixir Zhou exercises can be said that the Starter Edition. Infuriating run law practice through Renduermo purpose of the Act to Magician the Rendu the practice process is divided into five stages, and the practice session of each practice, practice time and the corresponding physical and mental feelings. This is equivalent to give a small Zhou Gong practice the process of road conditions and road signs, and easy for people to learn.

The so-called infuriating, refers to the subjective experience of the practice process to appreciate the inherent gas machine is running. Division of the five stages of the process of infuriating run law practice, based practice at different stages of different subjective feelings. In theory, these subjective feelings, changes may be detected by scientific instruments showed, this is precisely the qigong research in recent years the direction of. However, due to the limitations of the various conditions, has yet to breakthrough. Looking to the future, such as able to practice the process of scientific goals can be achieved, will not be too far away.

What meridians "accessible", how to evaluate qigong efficacy

"Practice, the so-called the accessibility Renduermo, different ideas through 'and' infuriating pass'. The former can be rapidly reached, which comes with time ideas pass by virtue of imagination and through, not really accessibility, such as too much emphasis may also occur qigong deviation. Infuriating pass truly feel the inner gas machine running throughout Rendu, that is accessible in practice on. However, the generally negative ideas through defective, because the idea through and infuriating pass a definite link, for example, through the pilot as infuriating. This can be seen, qigong teaching is difficult and requires the teaching staff with the appropriate level of professional and teaching experience. Infuriating run method, beginners often difficult to distinguish between the ideas through, and infuriating, and the distinction between and a good grasp of both teaching should pay special attention to the problem.

As for the efficacy evaluation of qigong therapy, whether it is the practice of of infuriating running law or other exercises, the efficacy test results should be adopted by modern medicine, there must be control check before and after practice. Existing medical conditions, so this is not very difficult. The subjective feelings of the practice could be included in the indexes, but not based on a subjective feeling.

Qigong is "treating disease" means medical qigong eligible to access

Qigong therapy experience, then, Lian features applicable to a variety of prevention and treatment of chronic common diseases, traditional Chinese medicine "treating disease" of one of the important means of In the modern mode of health care reform, medical qigong appropriate crowd popularity is feasible, Lee Quo-of Huimin the practical, but requires professional management.

"Urgent need for the development of medical qigong scientific, standardized, and should have access measures of the national Chinese Medicine published by the department of industry qualification, teaching materials, training courses and test medical qigong practitioners must have the industry threshold limit, teaching should be professional training to obtain a qualification certificate can be employed, which is an important guarantee for the healthy development of medical qigong. "In this regard, Qigong has to go in front, and achieved good results. Compared with Qigong, Medical Qigong more professional, work in this area also should be more strict and standardized.

Infuriating to run exercises and application

Infuriating run method is a static reactive power law, the interest rate adjustment, mainly through the breath, cultivate infuriating to run through the meridians, regulating yin and yang qi, while up to prevent and cure diseases, the effect of longevity. This power law in accordance with the theory of the "Yellow Emperor", and adopted the method of Zhou Gong practitioners, finishing innovations made. Infuriating run method is a static reactive power law, the interest rate adjustment, mainly through the breath, cultivate infuriating to run through the meridians, regulating yin and yang qi, while up to prevent and cure diseases, the effect of longevity. This power law in accordance with the theory of the "Yellow Emperor", and adopted the method of Zhou Gong practitioners, finishing innovations made. The core part of the law is "five-step exercises. Characteristics, has a simple, not easy to bias, and discipline of practicing steps through any set of user-friendly, the Governor two-pulse method. Such as practice, in accordance with the law can play also fine brain, slow down aging and disease prevention and control effect.

First, the power law

(A) position

There are OK, stand, sit, lying four kinds of forms, including sitting, supplemented by other posture. Head, such as hanging, eyes closed within visual and hearing the breathing practice which the step function depending on which site, keep calm and natural.

(B) respiratory

Its specific breathing and snorting nose and call attention to the breath, inhale any of its natural, it is only through the breath movement, to push the infuriating down into the pubic region.

(C) ideas

A. Breathing Note Xinwo Branch

(1) first practice conditions are ready to narrow field of vision, attention to the tip of the nose is low, and turn a blind eye to the chest, within ears breath, not allow Wensheng chest department, ideas, tend with the breath, inhale when you go with the flow. And then call to remain as the previous method. Exercise a certain future, infuriating in the chest department focus, which is also a good way to rule out the distractions. If distracting thoughts or troubles, the available number of interest law, no longer rise up to the distractions, you can give up a number of interest law.

(2) practice time 3 times a day, every 20 minutes. Conditional fixed time can be arranged, and a habit of meditation helpful. Seriously practice, about 10 days to complete the first step in power.

(3) practice 3 to 5 days, that is, to feel heavy chest department, 5 to 10 days, chest department a warm feeling, which is infuriating concentrated expression, to lay the foundation for the second step gas Shen pubic region.

Operation Tip: Note the chest department, the idea is to relax, not be too persistent. If the distractions are too many can not be intended to keep, we can use the number of interest method to be distractions to reduce and then changed to pay attention to the chest department.

Decline through the first step in practice make the Firelight, inspiring Spleen. Where the spleen and stomach, loss of appetite, to be received to increase the appetite effect.

Two. Italian interest rates go hand in hand pubic region trend

(1) When the first step exercises to do breath chest fever, intended to interest rates go hand in hand, exhale downward, step by step to the lower abdomen (pubic region) to promote natural.

(2) practice time daily or 3 times every 25 minutes or half an hour, about 10 days to gas Shen Dan Tian.

(3) Exercise period of time, the breath will feel a surge of heat into the pubic region. Gurgling sounds in the lower abdomen, bowel movements increased, vector gas increased, which enhanced the performance of gastrointestinal function.

Operation Tip: intended to lead gas from the chest to the pubic region, the intention to slow the heat slowly toward the pubic region, not be too hasty in order to avoid discomfort.

Practice this method can make the spleen and stomach function is enhanced, chronic digestive diseases to be improved, and generally increase appetite, improve urine anomalies, has a positive effect on chronic colitis.

3. Pranayama breath to keep the pubic region

(1) When the second step of the power pubic region fever can breathe consciously or unconsciously beyond the pubic region, that is intended to keep the pubic region. Do not pay attention to the breath sent down, so as not to heat too large, the depletion of Yin Ye, guilty of the disadvantages of the strong fire fresh air ". Breathe naturally, intended to keep the pubic region, a slow fire to warm and nourish.

(2) practice time 3 times a day, every 30-40 minutes, or longer. This hurdle is to cultivate the pubic region strength, to lay the foundation for the product gas is washed off. Takes about 40 days before fulfilling and powerful.

(3) at this stage the lower abdomen, fever, and then by 10 a few days, gas Confucius, with Kung Fu growth, gas Confucius is also growing. To be belly full, have enough power, that is, downward swimming, sometimes itchy genitals, perineum beating, or limbs, waist fever, these feelings can vary from person to person.

Operation Tip: This method simply put ideas in the pubic region, no longer concerned about the breath sent down.

Make smooth Ren, heart and kidney intersects the mind quiet, peaceful sleep, and visceral functions coordination, therefore, impotence, irregular menstruation, abnormal urine, and other illnesses can be significantly improved.

4. The Tongdu Do not forget multiplexing do not help

(1) enriched by the third step of the power pubic region, infuriating after the perineum, along the Du channel uplink. On line, our emotions go hand in hand, do not be distracted (do not forget). If the line to stop somewhere, can not be forcibly guided (not help). The upstream speed is determined by the power of the savings in the pubic region in infuriating. If the strength is less than eager to "clearance" to impose guidance, will be guilty of "Destructive Enthusiasm" error, you should go with the flow. If the uplink to the jade pillow off the pass, as within the head can pass.

(2) a day may, at their discretion, increase power, each time should be extended to 50 to 60 minutes. Most of the people by about one week Tong Du channel.

(3) Du reaction varies from person to person, and some moments passed, the force is very fierce; some subject to hours or days; some trekking about living; some straight and on. Strong and urgent items back, the ring head arrested in tight, this is the reaction of the Du channel must, do not have doubts, you should naturally relax after clearance (sink, Jiaji, jade pillow) naturally pleasant.

Operation Tip: infuriating sufficient, inhale slightly intention infuriating rising along the Governor Vessel, breath through the day a week to drop along the Conception Vessel. Clearance, however, to one place to stop, do not force the intention of air-entraining need to re intended to keep the pubic region, be infuriating sufficient to run the Zhou.

Call two infuriating into the pubic region, a suction infuriating into her mind, one breath to form a cycle of any of the Du channel, called as "Zhou". This stage, where the loss of kidney essence caused dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, forgetfulness, irregular menstruation, palpitation, shortness of breath, irritability, trance, loss of libido embolism can be improved. The long-term adherence is expected to recovery. The disease-free energetic, nimble body, a different person.

5 Education vigor of soul Charge

(1) in principle is intended to keep the pubic region. Tongdu, the meridians have been through`open, such as overhead activities forces, Jacuzzi keep the pubic region.

(2) practice time 3 times a day, each about 1 hour. About the time in January, a variety of dynamic touch phenomenon will gradually disappear, only more concentrated strong power of the pubic region and on the pubic region.

(3) within 10 days after Tongdu smooth the meridians, strong internal respiration. Infuriating filling the early emergence of scalp itching, tongue flutter linen covered are often similar to the current ran, pruritus Ma ants crawling between the eyebrows, nasal tension ring head arrested in tight, the body is sometimes warm and sometimes cool and other The phenomenon of moving contacts. In such cases, either do not panic, do not pursue, the shift will disappear naturally.

Tongdu, between the upper and lower pubic region seems magnetically attracted to each other, the Department of the cerebral cortex instinctive force enhancement, endocrine strong of coordination. The deeper the effort, the power of the more obvious and active, it is the regulation of systemic physiological function better, infuriating and more fulfilling. Can make to enhance immune function, the original disease has also been improved or cured. Adhere to exercise, physical and mental health, and longevity.

Practice at the end of the first ideas to relax, two of the palm of your hand relative friction, such as bath surfaces like, so that the spirit of normalization, and then slowly stood up activities can be.

Second, the application

The exercises for the treatment of a variety of chronic conditions. In recent years, clinical validation achieved a certain effect of chronic rhinitis, common cold, pharyngitis, bronchitis, esophagitis, gastritis, ulcer disease, ptosis of the stomach, hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, colitis, gastrointestinal neurosis, adhesions , nephritis, impotence, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emission, irregular menstruation, low libido, neurasthenia, insomnia, forgetfulness, hysteria, anxiety, hypertension, coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers (eg lung cancer). No disease can also practice this law to health care.

Tai chi double-edged sword form

The tai chi double-edged sword is called the Men and is described as the king of
the short weapons. A thorough knowledge and expertise in the tai chi solo form
should have been gained before moving on to this sophisticated weapon.
Without the knowledge and expertise empty handed training can give, the
wielder of the sword will appear clumsy and lifeless.
The sword should be looked upon as an extension of the solo tai chi form
outlined in this book. Once the student can guide the chi effortlessly to the
fingers, feet and throughout the body, the next step is to extend it further. To
achieve this, tai chi uses four weapons — double-edged sword, broadsword, staff
and lance.
The blade of the sword is flexible to facilitate the movement of energy along its
length. When the sword is thrust forwards and the energy directed to its tip, a
discernible wave of force should travel along its body. But a sword, especially a
good one, is very expensive and many people practise with a wooden one
instead. Although it lacks the great flexibility of the spring steel sword, great
progress can still be made in strengthening the chi with it.
The principles governing the use of the sword are the same as with the solo
form and pushing hands. Central equilibrium, sticking, neutralising, leading and
attacking are all part of its application. Leading is an extension of neutralising and
involves leading your partner or assailant into a position where you may attack
and score. Control is the watchword of leading when you move from the
defensive cycle of sticking and neutralising to that of attacking.
Within the United Kingdom Tai Chi Chuan Association, three Men forms are
used. The form demonstrated here is called the 'small idea sword', which
contains all the basic elements necessary for successful use. It should not be
considered as a beginner's form which is inferior to the other two, more as a vital
first step without which skill and dexterity could not be gained. The small idea
form is akin to learning the alphabet - without it words, sentences and
paragraphs could not be constructed. Many of the postures learned in this form
are repeated in the later forms in their more advanced stages.
Once the solo Men forms can be performed with dexterity, two-man exercises
can be learned. Among these are routines called 'sticky swords', similar in many
respects to pushing hands. At the beginning of sticky swords, partners touch
176
THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD FORM
their swords together and move through pre-set manoeuvres to develop
sensitivity and finesse. At no time are the students allowed to break the
connection between the two swords. For the purpose of these two-man
exercises, wooden swords are used for safety. 'Free-style sticky swords' is an
extension of the earlier two-man exercises, differing in the sense that you may
attack or defend in any way you wish. To break contact in order to score a point
would place you in a position where you could be scored upon through lack of
contact. This free-style exercise is not only very instructive, but also great fun. All
of the techniques learned can be put into action, and all of your acquired skills
honed in safety.
Beyond sticky swords are two-man pre-set routines, or san shou, and two-man
free-style sparring. The san shou are directly derived from the solo form in which
two people run through known attack and counter-attack without deviating
from the pattern. In free-style sword sparring, the two training partners attempt
to 'cut' the partner's wrists with their wooden swords. Again, all of the principles
must be applied in this free flowing exchange of techniques. At no time is any
other part of the body to be attacked apart from the wrists. Sticking and leading
are very important to this form of tai chi training, together with the complex of
footwork patterns employed. At all times safety should be the priority: wild
flailing techniques are not allowed.
Sword form
Rules for practice
The rules governing the tai chi sword are basically the same as for the bare hand
solo form detailed earlier. The difference between the sword and the empty hand
forms is that of speed. In the sword form you will tend to move somewhat faster
than in the solo form. This does not mean that you move so fast that you start to
pant and breathe hard. Your movements should be smooth and relaxed, with
light and agile movements of the feet.
Integrate the actions of the arms and legs, blending them together like pearls
on a necklace, separate movements in continual, integrated flow. The sword will
seem clumsy and unwieldy initially, making it difficult to use. But with steady
practice the implement will become part of you, an extension of your will.
To learn the form well, be consistent and practise every day, even if it is for a
few minutes only. Take one posture at a time and exercise until you can perform
its actions with smoothness and accuracy, before moving on to the next posture.
The sword charm
The free hand that is not wielding the sword is just as important as the one that is,
with regard to the point of chi circulation and the balance of the form. When the
sword arm moves out in an expansive movement, the other hand moves out to
177
THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD FORM
balance the action, encouraging a flow of energy down the sword arm. When the
sword arm shifts back in towards the body, the supporting arm also reciprocates
the action, as a general rule.
The 'sword charm' is the name given to the free hand which is held as in fig.
278. The small and ring fingers are folded over, with the thumb resting on them;
the middle and index fingers are held straight. The configuration of the sword
hand is believed to encourage the flow of chi during the exercise.
We will again use the points of the compass to indicate the direction in which
you should be facing. At the beginning of the form you are facing north.