Tai Chi for Depression by Aihan Kuhn

Author:Aihan Kuhn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: YMAA Publication Center

3. CREATING SMOOTH QI FLOW IN THE BODY

Qi is vital energy or life force. It is the energy that underlies everything in the universe. In the human body, qi is the various types of bioenergy associated with human health and vitality. The taiji sixteen-step form works to open the energy or meridian pathways, nourishing the entire organ system.

When you breathe, air enters the lungs. The lungs extract the external energy and blend it into the bloodstream that carries the internal energy extracted by digestion of food and water. The resulting blend is the basis for human energy, which is related to metabolism and immune function. Taiji optimizes lung function, allowing more oxygen to flow to every cell in the body. As a result, you feel energized and gain a sense of overall well-being, both of which help to fight depression.

You will recall that the liver is strongly associated with mood and emotion. The shifting, turning, and multiple circles of the form open the liver energy. This also helps to control the tendency of depressed people to eat either too much or too little. The heart is connected with the emotions as well, especially joy. So if you can elevate your heart energy, which this form is designed to do, you just feel happier. The form also aids in harmonizing your spleen energy, involved with digestion. Proper digestion is essential for building and maintaining strong qi flow. Finally, meridian pathways relate to the nervous pathways, so this form helps to soothe the nerves.

We also discussed how organs work both in pairs and as a team, and this form brings back the teamwork to the body’s organ system. This is why after completing this form, most people feel so good, even though they may not be able to explain why.

With the taiji workout, your energy moves in the body smoothly, your internal organs start to work harmoniously, and your mind and body begin to work together. This harmonious energy promotes healing.

If you wish to learn more about qi, I discuss it in my first book, Natural Healing with Qigong (YMAA, 2004).

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