Thousands of years of Chinese medicine observations confirmed: researchers "discover" that seasons affect your health

It's no secret to those of us involved with Chinese health practices such as Qigong, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu: our health is intimately connected with the seasons.  But if you'd like modern scientific research to back up the thousand year-old tradition of The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, here's the story from NPR News.

Among other "discoveries" outlined in the story--

Inflammation, which is caused by the immune system becoming overactive, says John Todd, a geneticist at the University of Cambridge who led the research, has long been associated with a lot of the health problems that spike in the winter.

No one knows how the seasons affect our genes. But there are some obvious possibilities, Todd thinks.

"As the seasons come on it gets colder, the days get shorter," he says. "So daylight and temperature could be factors."

Other researchers say the findings could have far-reaching implications.

Xie xie.

Body Balance Lotus Study Group | Understanding and Practicing the Ancient Teachings

Each Wednesday after the 4:00pm Advanced Tai Chi Class, the Lotus Study Group meets at Body Balance. The Group is led by Shih Fu Eileen. Her objective for Group members is:

The stated objective of the Lotus Scholars is:

Balancing philosophy, form refinement and health practices to:

Optimize and integrate lifelong health through Tai Chi as a practice and a way of life. Develop a deeper awareness of the philosophical components discovered through the analysis of ancient wisdom in the context of a modern world.

Shih Fu Eileen chooses the reading material, makes reading and writing assignments, invites guest teachers and leads advanced floor work for the members.

Just a few weeks ago, we used a Christian tradition called lectio-divina. We opened a book of ancient wisdom (scriptures), then chose and read the passage aloud. Afterwards, we wrote responses and shared them aloud. Some members have given me permission to share their writings.

First the reading: Chapter 19 of "The Unknown Teachings of Lao Tzu" by Hua Hu Ching, translated by Brian Walker.

Nineteen
To the ordinary person, the body of humanity seems vast.
In truth, it is neither bigger nor smaller than anything else.
To the ordinary person, there are others whose awareness needs raising.
In truth, there is no self, and no other.
To the ordinary person, the temple is sacred and the field is not.
This, too, is a dualism which runs counter to the truth.

Those who are highly evolved maintain an undiscriminating perception.
Seeing everything, labeling nothing, they maintain their awareness of the Great Oneness.
Thus they are supported by it.

Our responses:

Words lose me,
the Tao moves me.
-Shih Fu Steve

Practice non-separateness
-Sue Simmons

a smile
a frown
the same
yet not the same
different yet the same
rest 
breathe
return
-Shih Fu Eileen

Practice with people
they are the greatest challenge.
One may sit with silence
but reject the noise.
Can you be in the world
but not of the world
seeing the Oneness in the many.
-Shih Fu Chris

What is holy? the
temple, the field, you and me,
vast humanity
-Shih Fu Catherine

The Lotus Group is open by invitation. A student who has completed learning the 108 long form is eligible for membership. Speak with Shih Fu Eileen if you are interested.

Tao Te Ching | Chapter 65 True Nature

The ancient Masters
didn't try to educate the people,
but kindly taught them to not-know.

When they think that they know the answers,
people are difficult to guide.
When they know that they don't know,
people can find their way.

If you want to learn how to govern,
avoid being clever or rich.
The simplest pattern is the clearest.
content with an ordinary life,
you can show all people the way
back to their own true nature.

-from a new English version by Stephen Mitchell

"Throw open every bone and muscle of the body" | The Philosophy of Tai-Chi Chuan

Ponder this excerpt from the book "The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan: Way of Rejuvenation" by  Jou, Tsung Hwa, 1981

"Before starting to practice Tai-Chi Chuan, stand erect [facing north]. Keep the head, neck and torso in one line, perpendicular to the earth, but relax as completely as possible. Avoid any nervous or muscular tension, any conscious facial expression. Empty your mind of thought. The result will be a look of serenity, representing the state of Wu-Chi.
   
The starting stage of Tai-Chi Chuan can be compared to a seed being planted in the ground in the spring. Something inside this seed is changing to a sprout. In much the same way the concept of practicing Tai-Chi Chuan is formed in the very first moment of change; everything is mobilized in a physical as well as in a mental sense. This transition from outer stillness to readiness for movement is called going from Wu-Chi to Tai-Chi.

Once the stage of Tai-Chi begins, one has a strong intention to practice Tai-Chi Chuan. The weight of the body rests squarely on the feet; in other words, one must be rooted to the ground. The Chinese say, "The root of the body is in the feet", this rootedness evokes the image of the earth. One's head and spine should be straight. In order for the spirit of vitality, or Shen, to ascend to the top of the head, it must be held as is suspended by a string from the ceiling of the room. The image of the sky is evoked by the says, "The spirit of vitality, or Shen, reached to the top of the head". By relaxing totally, one aims to throw open every bone and muscle of the body. In this way one allows the intrinsic energy, or Chi, to sink to the Tan-Tien, a point three fingers width below the navel and two fingers' width inside the abdomen. This principle, represented by the image of the humanity, is described as "the Chi sinks to the Tan-Tien."

When one practices Tai-Chi Chuan for years, gradually one will feel that every movement of Tai-Chi Chuan is the movement of the universe. One's body may be perceived as moving like the branch of a tree, blown every which way bu the wind. One's breathing will be part of the movement of the universe as well. The awareness of the environment being engaged in a gigantic cosmic dance will suddenly dawn on you. You and the universe will become identical, like the Tai-Chi diagram. You are then the Tai-Chi and the Tai-Chi will be you, or you will be the universe and the universe will be you."