Why martial art?
A reflection on the essence of art and play
By Klaus-Heinrich Peters
Martial art, the art of fighting and of defending oneself and others, is often measured by how well it achieves this clear goal. But is that actually its essential purpose in the present day? Klaus-Heinrich Peters reflects on the value of martial art, whereby he puts the emphasis on the art that is practised for its own sake, and also on the aspect of play. Commitment to the thing itself can lead to transcendence that takes us beyond our self.
Shaping the architecture of the brain
Qigong and neuroplasticity
By Dieter Bund
The profound effect that Qigong may have on our sense of well-being can nowadays also be explained using the findings of the neurosciences. Dieter Bund explains these insights with regard to the ability of our brain and nervous system to change – something that we can consciously promote. For example by linking the memory of negative experience with positive feelings, new neuronal pathways can be created which in turn change the structure of the brain. Qigong exercises, especially those that focus prosocial feelings, can effectively support this process.
When the emperor lives in the heart
A critical look at the German Qigong community
By Zuzana Sebkova-Thaller
Over the last four decades Qigong has spread and established itself in Germany in several phases. Zuzana Sebkova-Thaller, who has experienced all these phases, looks back to the be- ginnings of shared enthusiasm, the gradual emergence of types of organisations which now- adays sometimes seem to devote more attention to their own interests than to the common cause, and the constant struggle to gain recognition from the statutory health insurance com- panies. She sees the danger that the constant preoccupation with external assessment criteria is to the detriment of essential areas of Qigong that are not subject to these criteria, and she advocates a renewed dedication to sensory perception and letting the heart take control.
Building inner strength through the fascia, Part 2
By Frieder Anders
In the previous issue Frieder Anders introduced the relationship between fascial tensile strain and the development of inner strength in relation to Taijiquan and Qigong. Now in the second part of his article he examines the practical realisation of the biotensegrity concept, which is key to this approach. He asserts that the postural principles he has developed, which can open the way to inner strength, are also to be found in quotes from old Taiji masters.
The wisdom of the heart
By Katrin Blumenberg
The heart is most familiar to us as an organ, in the German language it also appears in numerous sayings and proverbs. As emperor in the organ system it deserves particular attention, since injuries to the heart compromise the organism as a whole. Katrin Blumenberg describes the role of the heart in our well-being, also examining the serious consequences that emotional wounds or injuries can cause. Here the pericardium with its protective ›guard function‹ is also assigned major importance. By promoting clear perception, Qigong can help us to identify the causes of injuries and to initiate changes. Through the experience of self- efficacy it strengthens our self-confidence and supports forthcoming processes of healing.