氣 Qì
An Asian paradox in a multi-perspective critical examination
By Peter Kuhn
In Qigong and in Taijiquan we make reference to Qi, but perhaps without precisely being able to explain what we mean by this term. Peter Kuhn has attempted to investigate this phenomenon from various perspectives and in the process has concluded that common translations such as life force or energy are misleading at the least, or may indeed simply be wrong. He advocates a critical and informed approach to this term. In the next issue he will continue his examination of this theme in closer connection with martial arts and with Taijiquan in particular.
Understanding the Dao of Taijiquan
By Su Huaxiang
Taijiquan is characterised by a deep interconnection of theory and practice. Su Huaxiang explains how diligent training in line with the principles develops both physical skills and one’s personality, and how inner and external balance, centeredness and inner calm create the Taiji path to naturalness and deep insight. The harmonisation of the entire organism benefits life care and martial art in equal degrees.
Blossoming instead of burning out
Preventing and treating burnout from the perspective of TCM
By Angela Cooper
In recent years the burnout syndrome has become a global phenomenon. Since its causes are closely connected to the interplay of external demands and inner resources, methods such as Qigong – which promote personal resilience – can have both a prophylactic and mitigating effect. Angela Cooper has developed a model for the development of burnout which involves seven phases, beginning with a yin deficiency, progressing through the destruction cycle of the five transformation phases and ending with a yang deficiency. In each phase suitable TCM-based measures can help to restore balance to the organism.
»What you work for is what you‘re gonna get«
Experiences with the intensive training of the Yang Shouzhong tradition
By Markus Maria Wagner
In the Yang Shouzhong (Yang Sau Chung) lineage of Taijiquan the development of the inner strength »Peng Jin« is the absolutely crucial element of the curriculum. The training carried out to develop this skill differs strongly from most prevalent approaches to Taijiquan practice. In particular »striking-energy tuishou« represents a traditional training method that is rarely practiced in today’s Taiji circles. Markus Maria Wagner reports on his training experiences with Gim Hyo-Won, a close student of Chu Ginsoon and thus ›grandchild student‹ of Yang Shouzhong. In its intensity this presents particular challenges and is simultaneously highly effective.
The sadness and melancholy of autumn
By Katrin Blumenberg
The end of summer, the transition to the colder half of the year, is often accompanied by a certain sadness or melancholy: we would like to retain light and warmth a little longer. In the view of Katrin Blumenberg, these feelings have just as much justification as other feelings which may seem more pleasant to us. In the second part of her series in which she takes a psychosomatic perspective on the organ function spheres, now the lungs form the focus of attention, together with the sense of sadness assigned to them. Through their continual inhalation and exhalation, they connect us with the alternation of acceptance and letting go. Sadness, together with mourning, are just as much part of the cycle of life as is autumn. Through Qigong exercises we can give these emotions space, perceive them in an apprecia- tive manner and integrate them.