A Training Log |
Conditioning |
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This routine is designed to simultaneously loosen and strengthen the body. The result is increased strength and flexibility to make daily tasks simpler; coupled with a relaxation which allows internal energy to flow unimpeded by body tension. This in turn heals the body from the inside out. The routine should be done once daily (ideally in the morning soon after waking) and before doing T'ai Chi or other exercises as a warm-up.
As a stand-alone exercise apart from T'ai Chi I have found this routine to be helpful for those battling arthritis and fybromyalgia. Rather than standing, the exercises may be performed in seated or lying positions.
This exercise routine is influenced by the silk reeling exercises taught by Jou Tsung Hwa*. I was first introduced to them by Elaine Waters, who in turn learned them directly from Master Jou. Please note, however, that there is a different emphasis since I'm using these as conditioning exercises rather than silk reeling exercises. In silk reeling, the whole body produces the movement; while in conditioning, the movement is isolated to a specific muscle area.
Yang Jwing-Ming teaches both solo and two-person forms of the silk reeling exercise. He calls the two-person routine, T'ai Chi symbol sticking hand training.
The following book does not teach this exercise. I've included it here since a selection from the text, "the pliability of a child, the health of a lumberjack, and the peace of mind of a sage" influenced my title for this section.