Download the December issue of Yang-Sheng as
Download the December issue of Yang-Sheng as
Download the December issue of Yang-Sheng as
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>the</strong> body. There are concentrations <strong>of</strong> nodes in your upper<br />
chest near where your arms join your torso, in <strong>the</strong> center<br />
<strong>of</strong> your chest, in your lower abdomen where your legs<br />
join your torso, and <strong>the</strong> bottoms <strong>of</strong> your feet.<br />
The nodes in your upper chest are m<strong>as</strong>saged when you<br />
move your arms back and forth and up and down. This<br />
happens in many taiji movements, such <strong>as</strong> brush knee,<br />
white crane spreads wings, repulse monkey, etc.<br />
The nodes in <strong>the</strong> center <strong>of</strong> your chest are m<strong>as</strong>saged by<br />
deep breathing. As <strong>the</strong> diaphragm moves up and down, it<br />
m<strong>as</strong>sages <strong>the</strong> lymph vessels. Taiji and Qigong both<br />
emph<strong>as</strong>ize <strong>the</strong> kind <strong>of</strong> deep breathing that promotes<br />
lymph flow.<br />
The nodes in your lower abdomen are m<strong>as</strong>saged when<br />
you step, shift your weight, or open your kua (hips). Taiji<br />
emph<strong>as</strong>izes using <strong>the</strong> waist to lead <strong>the</strong> movement. Any<br />
taiji form that involves stepping should have <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong><br />
opening and closing <strong>the</strong> kua.<br />
The nodes on <strong>the</strong> bottom <strong>of</strong> your foot are m<strong>as</strong>saged<br />
when you step forward onto your heel and shift your<br />
weight forward, bringing <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> your foot down on<br />
<strong>the</strong> floor. In <strong>the</strong> medical field, <strong>the</strong> term “pedal pump” is<br />
used to refer to methods that m<strong>as</strong>sage <strong>the</strong> bottom <strong>of</strong> your<br />
feet to promote drainage <strong>of</strong> lymph from <strong>the</strong> lower<br />
extremities.<br />
If a lymph node h<strong>as</strong> been damaged or h<strong>as</strong> been<br />
removed during surgery, <strong>the</strong> interstitial fluids cannot<br />
readily enter <strong>the</strong> lymphatic system. The fluids collect and<br />
cause swelling and edema called lymphedema. In<br />
addition, bacteria can enter <strong>the</strong> lymph through <strong>the</strong> skin<br />
and cause infections. It requires daily effort to m<strong>as</strong>sage<br />
<strong>the</strong> t<strong>issue</strong> and ensure <strong>the</strong> lymph is flowing. Daily Qigong<br />
or taiji practice can contribute significantly to keeping<br />
your immune system healthy.<br />
E ric Borreson - a student and<br />
teacher, finds teaching tai chi, qigong,<br />
and meditation to be a path to a more<br />
meaningful life. Eric is <strong>the</strong> founder<br />
and director <strong>of</strong> Meditation in Motion,<br />
specializing in teaching about living<br />
healthier and happier lives. He is a<br />
certified Instructor in Dr. Paul Lam's<br />
Tai Chi for Health program. He<br />
teaches tai chi, qigong, and meditation at <strong>the</strong> prestigious<br />
Heartland Spa, a top 10 destination spa, located in Gilman, IL.<br />
In addition, he teaches tai chi (Sun-style tai chi, and Dr. Lam’s<br />
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Tai Chi for Diabetes, and <strong>Yang</strong> 24) at<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r venues. He conducts workshops and teaches private<br />
lessons on request. He writes a weekly wellness column at<br />
http://eric-taichi.blogspot.com.<br />
Follow on Twitter @eborreson<br />
<strong>December</strong>, 2011 <strong>Yang</strong>-<strong>Sheng</strong> (Nurturing Life) 25