Physical Practice in Taoism

The focus in this paper is on qi gong as a physical practice which emerges from the Taoist understanding of the world and the flow of energy through the body. In addition, there will be some discussion of qi itself, and its relationship to Western medicine, and contemporary use of Taoist physical practices.

In her introduction, Kohn (1993) indicated why it is so difficult to define Taoism, even in so elemental a way as to distinguish whether it is a philosophical system or an organized religion. The essence of the Tao is that it is ineffable and not fixed or rigid. This is not a doctrinal system, but a flowing, living system that depends more upon intuitive movement with the Tao than memorization of it. This does not mean, however, that it is some kind of amorphous and undisciplined feeling about the world. Instead, the Taoist practitioner may spend long years in deep concentration to even begin to get a sense of the location of his or her qi before being able to move it through the body. Practitioners attempt

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ot exclusively, or even primarily, a tool of medical science, at least in Western terms. Chinese medicine is much less divided or compartmentalized than Western medicine, so it includes what Western medicine would consider the spiritual and mental aspects, as well as the distinctly physical. Yet as Kohn (1993) noted, Taoist practices are more distinctly connected now to Chinese medicine primarily because the Communist revolution eliminated many of the other aspects of the religion, along with its practitioners. Breathing for Life As Kohn (1993) indicated, the physical exercises associated with Taoism are an important active step in moving the individual toward harmony with the Tao. The intent of the physical practices is to help the individual become aware of qi and learn how to guide, manage, and balance it. There are several important elements involved in qi gong practice. It is not simply a breathing technique, although that is the focus. It is also a tool to train the mind toward deep concentration and focused mental visualization. Total relaxation is part of the practice, as are the emphasis on natural posture, rather than contrived ones. Finally, selfmassage is an important emphasis. There are two basic forms of qi
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Jiang Weiqiao, Republic China, Wang Liu, Bill Moyer's, Takahashi Brown, Breathing Life, Brahman Tao, Review Reid, China Chinese, Nina Utne, qi gong, kohn 1993, breathing exercises, chinese medicine, physical practices, wang liu 1994, liu 1994, wang liu, inner alchemy, 1993 noted, levering 1994, kohn 1993 noted, takahashi brown 1986, people's republic china, kohn 1993 indicated,
Approximate Word count = 3239
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page)