Hello and welcome to this edition of the Motion Health Newsletter. I have been anxious to assemble this edition for quite some time
as we have an article submitted by one of our school's most valued advisors and contributors David McVinney LMHC, CAP. This article
explores the use of Tai Chi as the foundation for rehabilitation and therapy of various addictions. David has combined traditional Western psychotherapy
with Eastern healing methods to treat addiction holistically. The article is called "Tai Chi for Recovery: Healing Mind, Body and Spirit". I'd like to personally
thank David for this contribution and his continued support of Motion Health Institute.
Along with that article we have some quick notes regarding Posture Two ~ Grasp Bird's Tail, the current class schedule
and a few other things.
As always, thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I hope to see you at classes soon.
Please note. The last week in April our Tuesday evening class will be moving to Monday evening.
I'll send out another email with exact details before we make the official switch.
In several of our weekly classes we are starting to review in detail Posture Two - Grasp Bird's Tail. This
posture has eight complex movements and turns from facing South to North and back to South again. Within
the posture exists movements which stimulate health in various parts of the body some of which include the lower back, upper back,
forehead and abdomen. Once one can perform Posture Two with the correct ideas, feelings and movements, good health
will arrive and reside in virtually very part of your body.
To give you an idea of what the form looks like, I've included an excerpt of Master Jeffrey Guiffre performing
the first two postures.
We now have in stock our premier self study course Tai Chi Essentials at Home. I am proud to be able to offer this package
to our students at Palm Beach Tai Chi and to the general public.
The course includes an interactive DVD, meditation CD and our class textbook.
If you sign up for a Tai Chi class by May 15, 2009 you will receive this self study course
Absolutely Free! (An $82 value)
Click Here to find out more about the self study course.
Alcoholism and other forms of chemical dependency negatively affect individuals in several major areas of functioning.
The seriousness of these effects, of course, is different for each person depending on factors such as drug type,
amounts used and length of use. We can, however, categorize the major areas of personhood into the following three
categories:
1. BODY
2. MIND
3. SPIRIT
The profound effect on these areas as a result of substance abuse and addiction makes the recovery process challenging
for both the recovering person and the professional treating them. In the philosophy of ancient China, the mind plays
a much more significant role that opens many more opportunities for the serious student of Tai Chi.
These opportunities can be fully explored with a teacher. The incorporation of Tai Chi into a program of recovery,
whether provided in treatment or obtained by the individual, can assist in bringing about a balance in a person's life.
BRIEF HISTORY OF CHINESE HEALING ARTS
Asian healing arts have been getting a lot of attention lately as many Westerners are beginning to discover the health
benefits offered by these disciplines. Acupuncture, massage, yoga and herbal treatments are becoming mainstream as many
experience the benefits of these alternatives to traditional Western medical approaches.
Tai Chi began as an internal system of martial art which utilized internal energy (chi). The practice of a fluidly moving
Tai Chi form also helped build strength, flexibility and stamina as a secondary gain. Traditional Chinese medical aspects
were also encompassed by Tai Chi practice in terms of balancing the yin/yang aspects of chi (vital life essence) and balance
of the Chinese five elements (water, earth, wood, metal, fire), which correspond to the internal organs.
Ancient Tai Chi masters observed nature and found that there was a cooperation between two opposites,
(called Yin and Yang in Chinese), which is incorporated in authentic Tai Chi. Tai Chi as it is commonly referred to in
English, is correctly termed Taijiquan in Chinese and is represented by Chinese characters which contain a much more
detailed meaning. Once again, a high level teacher will be able to assist the student in understanding these concepts
and incorporating them into actual practice of movement.
As Tai Chi found its way into the United States, teaching of the art began to be customized to fit with Western lifestyle
and practice time constraints. Some traditional authentic training still exists, but a lot of Tai Chi being taught
is a combination of systems that include meditation, chi kung, and some westernized techniques tailored to the student
expectation.
AUTHENTIC TAI CHI (Taijiquan)
As previously stated, chemical dependency affects body, mind and spirit and recovery requires healing to occur over time
in these same areas. Tai Chi, practiced in its authentic manner, addresses all three areas in a gentle and progressive
manner that promotes balance, health and well being with the student progressing at their own pace and ability.
The various components of authentic Tai Chi can be divided into the following categories:
NEI GONG
This meditative practice addresses the area of the mind. The mind is first trained to be calm and still through guided
meditative instruction. Once this is accomplished, the mind then has the capacity to focus on ideas that activate and
stimulate acupoints in the body. During this process the mind leads the chi to selective areas which achieve profound
feelings of calmness and well being. Advanced breathing techniques, based on centuries old Buddhist and Taoist
health and longevity practices are also done. Thus begins the MIND/BODY connection.
CHI KUNG (Qi Gong)
This type of gentle exercise routine helps the body develop stamina, coordination, flexibility and balance.
Several methods of chi kung practices can be utilized depending on the health needs and ability of the student.
Hundreds of types of chi kung are practiced throughout Asia.
A combination of a Five Element Meditation, Muscle/Tendon exercise and Energy Gathering exercise appear to present
the best method of the types of chi kung which lend themselves useful for the recovering person, at least initially.
Due to various types of physical trauma suffered by the addict as a result of addiction, withdrawal and post-withdrawal
factors, the chi kung routines listed above serve to support a gradual return of physical and internal functioning
without risk of injury.
TAI CHI FORM
The form of Tai Chi is referred to by some as a "moving meditation". The form itself brings together all the components
for integrating the healing of body, mind and spirit. If properly taught in the authentic method by a qualified
instructor, the Tai Chi form can bring about rapid progress in the following manner:
1. First, the mind has an idea.
2. This correct idea produces a self feeling.
3. From the correct idea and self feeling, movement occurs naturally,
The mind is relaxed, yet active and focused. The body is moving naturally and without effort as it connects to the mind.
As a result, the spirit (Shen in Chinese) is raised and a feeling of peace and well being ensues.
Regular practice of the form can create rapid and profound changes in improving ability to concentrate;
regain and maintain balance and health and increase energy levels. I would recommend investigating the
incorporation of Tai Chi into a recovery program for both professional organizations and recovering individuals alike.
STRESS
The incidence of stress is continually on the rise and is, of course, a risk for those in recovery.
Stress results in elevating the potential for relapse. In addition, we are experiencing a new level of stress
related disorders which places additional burdens on the recovering person. Fatigue, mood swings, change in appetite,
and change in sleep patterns can indicate that one is suffering from stress. Meditation and Tai Chi can be extremely
effective in reducing these symptoms and, in many cases, eliminate the symptoms entirely.
PAIN
Another area that has gained a lot of attention in the practice of Addiction Medicine and Addiction Treatment is the
issue of pain or chronic pain. Many addicts suffer from pain or pain related problems, some as a result of their
addiction. This is another situation that can result in having a high relapse potential. The use of meditation
and Tai Chi once again has proven to effectively reduce pain and can offset the side effects of some medications
if prescribed.
CONCLUSION
In closing, I would urge anyone in recovery to explore the incorporation of meditation and Tai Chi into their
program of recovery.
David McVinney is the president and owner of David McVinney Associates, Inc.
David has over 20 years of experience in counseling and psychotherapy, behavioral health treatment and administration.
He is a graduate of Barry University with a degree in Liberal Studies and holds a Masters of Professional Studies
(with distinction) from New York Institute of Technology. David is a Certified Addictions Professional and Licensed Mental
Health Counselor.
David McVinney has practiced Asian Martial and Healing Arts for many years. He has studied Bai Long Nei Gong-fu and
Yin Cheng Nei Gong, Qi Gong and Tai Ji Quan with Master Training Systems which was established in Palm Beach in 1990.
As a personal student of Master Jeffrey J. Guiffre, David was tested and ranked at the 3rd Higher Level
"Spiritual Leader" and appointed Chief Instructor of Motion Health Institute.
David accompanied Master Guiffre to China for intensive training in Qi Gong and Wu Style Tai Ji Quan with
Great Master Wang Pei Sheng (Yin Cheng) of Beijing.
David is a student of the renowned Tibetan Nyingma Scholars and Lamas Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche
and Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Oongyal Rinpoche.
David has combined traditional Western psychotherapy with Eastern healing methods to treat addiction holistically.
This unique approach to both the assessment and treatment of addictions has helped many clients and families recover
from their pain when other methods have failed. David has dedicated his career and his life to helping those who
suffer from the disease of addiction find peace.
One who knows others is intelligent.
One who knows himself is enlightened.
One who conquers others is strong.
One who conquers himself is all-powerful.
One who approaches life with force
surely gets something.
One who remains content where he is
surely gets everything.
Signing Off
Thanks for reading!
That's it for this edition of Motion Health Newsletter. I hope you found at least one or two useful items
to help you attain a more balanced and healthy life.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more information about our school
feel free to contact me directly or visit our website. I hope to see all of you at classes real soon.
