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.