TAI CHI AND TONUS

 

Tonus# is the level of contraction of the fascial system necessary to maintain stability of the skeletal structure against the force of gravity.  It exists even when lying down, still and relaxed as the internal organs and circulatory system and more, need to be free from skeletal pressure in order to operate effectively.  Fluctuations in tonus contribute to the pumping against gravity that is necessary for movement of blood in the vascular system.

 

What we refer to as free flowing Qi is relative to the homeostasis* of tonus maintained in the body.  Points of restriction caused by excessive tonus creates blockage of Qi.  Too little tonus can also be a cause of blockage due to insufficient support in and around an organ, or in general throughout system.  This can occur in many places: respiratory, fascial, circulatory systems and even in the lymphatic system or interstitial pathways.  Mental stress can be a cause, as well as the result of, an imbalance in the tonus that results in a blockage in the myofascial or  nervous systems.

 

Tai chi does not create Qi; it releases Qi by letting go of tension that blocks Qi. Qi or life force is always present either flowing freely or blocked but not created.   Looking at Qi as an energy system we can say that Qi is created during the production of ATP at the cellular level and that Qi moves throughout the extracellular matrix in the form of information.

 

The 8 brocades Qigong forms are particularly effective at targeting a source of blockage to fascilitate a release.  First awareness (Intent) is enhanced, then release is possible.  Any tai chi form can provide the opportunity to become aware and to initiate release of tension and blockage.  Advanced practitioners can, of course, get the benefit with any form practice.  The 8 borcades calls for many repetitions of the same form movements and is therefore a good practice for the release of Qi.

 

Vertical Shake (VS) is one example of a tonus rehab practice.  See previous post on date for detailed description of the Vertical Shake.  One of the purposes of the VS is the realignment of layers of fascial tissue.  Myofascial tissue plays a key role in the level of tonus, so optimal alignment is essential for homeostasis to exist.

 

#Tonus will be the topic of additional future posts

 

* homeostasis:   The tendency towards a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.

 

 

 

 

With Every Breath, Life Flirts with Death

Note:  This following oversimplification of the cardiovascular system and the biochemistry of ATP production is adequate for this presentation.

What sounds a bit morbid is actually a beautiful statement of the wonders of life.  A full breath includes the inhalation of air which oxygenates the blood to be delivered to the cells.  Oxygen is the crucial element supplied to the cells in order for energy to be created (ATP) for mitochondria which is central to metabolism that supports the life of the cell and by extension the life of the organism.  The poisonous by-products of cellular life, which includes carbon dioxide are transferred to the circulatory system to be expelled from the lungs with each exhalation. Without the oxygen the cells die, cease to perform the functions within the organism with death to follow.  This is the result, as well, if the by-products are not eliminated.  And, of course, well before death occurs at the cellular level, without oxygen brain death comes within minutes. 

Inhalation is an inspiration which carries the promise of life as oxygen.  Inspiration is expansive as the expanding  lungs fill the chest cavity.

Tensegrity tells us that when one thing moves (expands) everything moves, therefore an inhalation results in the expansion of all of the processes and structures of the body, e.g. musculoskeletal system, circulatory, nervous, lymphatic as well as all connective tissue.   

Exhalation is an expiration, an expelling of the used and turgid air containing the by-products of the life of a cell, which while poisonous to the organism is used by the environment to allow for plants to exist.   It is also true that an inspiration cannot happen without an expiration just as an expiration cannot happen without an inspiration.  The yin/yang of a breath requires that within each inspiration exists an expiration and vice versa.

 

To expire can mean to die.  Is it also true that to be inspired can enhance life. This yin/yang relationship is the flirtation.  As the inspiration grows there is a sensation of fullness that will soon reach a maximum capacity.  No more oxygen can be inspired within that breath implying that life giving oxygen will soon diminish. The only path forward is for a release, but the expiration seen as a release does not contain any further oxygen.  

At the same time, the oxygen depleted air in the lungs is absorbing carbon dioxide to be expelled in the exhalation.  The contraction of the diaphragm begins the exhalation.  As the lungs empty the absence of oxygen triggers a release of the diaphragm which begins the next inhalation.  It is in these moments when change is needed to keep the life giving breath going that the life or death of the organism comes into question.  The flirtation with death is momentary but dramatic.