When pushing or applying power your hands should not go beyond
a line drawn vertically up from your front knee.
When they do, it is time to step.
(Lau Kim Hong)
Stretching
Stretching is good for you.
Dance,
pilates, yoga and tai chi all involve some degree of stretching.
It can be healthy to stretch.
Exercise classes encourage people to stretch in a very particular way.
The stretches occur in a controlled environment.
When the body is stretched, the student must maintain balance.
The
vertical centre needs to be appropriately
aligned.
Leaning and imbalance causes strain.
Strain
Strain slowly leads to damage over time.
Prolonged imbalance can result in
injury
as the small strains gradually wear
away at the body.
Like cracks, they cause very subtle damage.
Most people impose very slight strain on their bodies all day long.
Hunching over a computer.
Sitting badly.
Reaching to do something rather than stepping closer.
Strain
is the norm
People fail to be aware of bodily misuse because it is all they know.
When something is done often enough it becomes a habit.
Awareness training such as tai chi,
pilates or alexander technique can re-train the body to feel uncomfortable when it is under
stress.
Removing strain
Tai chi is concerned with the physics of relationship.
It aims to balance
the body moment by moment.
Placing the body in the optimal position for strength at all times is a
major concern.
An unbalanced body is a clear
indication of poor physical awareness and is the first thing to be addressed
in a tai chi class.
The careful practice of good
body habits leads the student to avoid
strain and damage.
Each new
neigong reduces the risk of injury.
Page created 1 November 2004