One of the most important studies within our martial art system is the study of chi kung. Literally, chi means air and kung means work. Of course, there are richer meanings to the word chi as you get more familiar with it’s concept and depth. Often, it is described as our very life force. I look at it as having do with anything and everything regarding the energy systems of our body that give us health and life. For me: our electromagnetic field, synapse, nutrient exchange from eating to blood to function, oxygenation and on and on are aspects of chi. The list is long.
A brief thought regarding chi kung and blood pressure:
Through relaxed muscle contractions and rhythmic breathing, the heart reaches a balance that assists the body in reducing high blood pressure. The chi kung breath combined with a gentle sequential movement also begins to quiet the mind and slow down the repetitious thought patterns reducing anxiety. Of some 80,000 thoughts we have a day, most of them are “return thoughts” … nothing new … such as worries. I call that syndrome “circle mind”. Obviously, as the mind quiets down, the blood pressure and the emotional tension pressure of the heart are reduced as well. Hand in hand it all works together.
Deep, rich breathing that is steady and smooth, begins to regulate the heart: how much blood is in the heart, how the arteries work and even how fast the heart beats. It may also help the balance of distribution of blood throughout the body. Often, the heart slows down and again, becomes more rhythmical when doing chi kung. Bottom line – relaxation. Now there is one key to better health.
When you execute your chi kung breath, be sure not to breathe a 100% in or exhale a 100% out as that will cause your body unnecessary tension. That would work against your goal. There may be a few chi kung exercise that require that kind of breath, but not ones I believe in or employee in our training curriculum.
