Chi theory and Chi Kung/Qigong studies is a complex topic that moves toward the metaphysical. This is only a brief introduction to the subject. The soft styles of martial arts, Tai Chi, Baugua and Hsingi, were all developed in the Wu Tang Mountain region of China. The study of these styles were formalized during the Song Dynasty (960 – 1126 AD). There is a strong connection between Tai Chi and Taoism.
Tai Chi theory is based on the Taoist book I Ching (The Book of Changes), written during the Zhou Dynasty (1122 – 249 BC). I Ching was written to explain the principles of life. It combines the ancient philosophy of Ying – Yang with the theory of the Five Elements. The Ying – Yang theory can be traced back 5,000 years with evidence that the principles may be as old as 10,000 years.
The Ying – Yang theory states that everything is produced, developed, changed and destroyed by Ying – Yang. Everything in the universe, including the universe, has an opposite counterpoint. These opposites are inseparable and together makes a whole. These two forces ebb and flow, each attempting to consume the other but never succeeding because nature always seeks a balance between the two.
There are four stated of Ying – Yang:
- Opposite but coexisting, each is equal (sky and earth, water and fire, man and woman).
- Interdependence, one cannot exist without the other (there can be no inside of a cup without the outside).
- Decreasing and Increasing, Ying – Yang is always changing. As one increases the other decreases (phases of the moon or night, sunrise, noon sun, twilight, sun set, night).
- Transformation – under extreme conditions Ying can become Yang and Yang becomes Ying (A ball thrown into the air reaches a point of maximum height and falls. The point between the ball neither raising or falling is the transformation.)
Check back later to see how all this ties in with Tai Chi and stress reduction. Sifu David