I'm just an ordinary person studying Tao/Taoism and Tai Chi

with the aim to apply my learnings to our modern world. 

Here are some of my comments/thoughts from my journey so far.  

2025-04-2413:45 Weizhong (BL-40), also known as "Middle of the Crook" (委中), is a significant acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian, widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for various therapeutic purposes. 📍 Location Weizhong (BL-40) is located at the midpoint of the crease behind the knee, in the center of the popliteal fossa (the soft spot at the back of the knee). To find it: Sit or stand with your knee slightly bent. Feel for the center point in the crease where your leg bends—between the two major tendons (biceps femoris on the outer side and semitendinosus on the inner side). ✋ How to Apply Acupressure Sit comfortably or lie on your stomach. Use your thumb or knuckle to apply firm, steady pressure on the point. Massage in a circular motion or press and hold for 1–2 minutes. Breathe deeply and relax during the session. Repeat on the other leg if needed. 💡 Tip: If it's hard to reach behind your knee, use a tennis ball or massage tool while lying Read More 2025-04-1910:13 What is Acupressure? Acupressure is a manual therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where pressure is applied to specific points on the body—called acupoints—to promote healing, balance energy (Qi), and relieve pain or tension. It's like acupuncture without the needles. ⚙️ How Does Acupressure Work? Based on the same meridian system used in acupuncture. Energy (Qi) flows through meridians — pathways connected to organs and systems. When Qi is blocked or imbalanced, it may lead to pain or illness. Pressing acupoints helps to: Unblock stuck energy Stimulate blood flow Relax muscles Calm the nervous system 🌀 Benefits of Acupressure CategoryCommon Uses Pain reliefHeadaches, back pain, joint pain Stress & anxietyCalms the nervous system SleepHelps with insomnia DigestionEases bloating, constipation, nausea FatigueBoosts energy flow Menstrual healthReduces cramps and hormonal tension 🧘How to Perform Acupressure (Step-by-Step) Find the Point Use anatomical landmarks or charts. (I can send one if you want.) - Apply Pressure - Use your thumb, finger, or a rounded tool. - Pressure Technique - Hold steadily, or press and rotate slowly. Duration: 30 seconds to 2 minutes per point is common. Repeat: Can Read More 2025-04-1217:13 After many years of practicing Tai Chi I recently decided to revisit some fundamentals of the Tai Chi 24 form. This one was my first major form which started my passion for Tai Chi. I went through each posture starting at the beginning and re-explore the breathing part of it. http://livingthetao.com/tai-chi/tai-chi-forms/tai-chi-24-beijing/tai-chi-24-breathing #taichi #taichi24 #taichi24breathing 2025-03-2317:52 The Five Steps (五步 / Wǔ Bù) form the footwork principles of Tai Chi, complementing the Eight Energies (八法 / Bā Fǎ). These steps represent different ways of moving, positioning, and shifting weight, ensuring balance, agility, and control. The Five Steps are: Advance (進步 / Jìn Bù) – Moving forward Retreat (退步 / Tuì Bù) – Moving backward Look Left (左顧 / Zuǒ Gù) – Moving or turning left Look Right (右盼 / Yòu Pàn) – Moving or turning right Central Equilibrium (中定 / Zhōng Dìng) – Maintaining balance in the center These steps are not just physical movements but also strategic concepts in Tai Chi’s martial applications. 1. Advance (進步 / Jìn Bù) – Moving Forward Meaning: Moving forward with balance and intent. Principle: Expanding force while maintaining stability. Application in Combat: Used to close distance and apply pressure to an opponent. Often follows Ji (Press) or An (Push) to drive an opponent backward. Example: In "Step Forward to Deflect, Parry, and Punch," the step forward adds momentum to the strike. Training: Practice stepping forward Read More 2025-03-1715:34 The Eight Energies (Bā Fā / 八法) – Hand and Arm Techniques The Eight Energies (or Eight Forces) are the core movements that define how energy is issued, absorbed, and redirected in Tai Chi. They are essential for both internal energy cultivation and martial applications. These energies are often divided into two groups: Four Primary Energies (四正 / Sì Zhèng) – Fundamental and commonly used techniques. Four Secondary Energies (四隅 / Sì Yú) – More advanced techniques for breaking balance and attacking from different angles. The Four Primary Energies (四正 / Sì Zhèng) These are the foundation of Tai Chi movements and are used in Grasp the Bird’s Tail, one of the most fundamental sequences in Tai Chi forms. 1. Peng (掤) – Ward Off Direction: Expanding outward, like an inflated balloon. Feeling: Buoyant, resilient, and structure-based rather than muscular force. Application: Used to deflect an incoming force without clashing. Helps maintain postural integrity and prevent collapsing when pushed. Example: In Push Hands, if someone pushes your chest, you expand outward Read More 2025-03-1209:40 The Thirteen Postures of Tai Chi (十三勢, Shí Sān Shì) form the foundation of Tai Chi practice. These postures, or energies, combine basic movements and principles of the art, integrating footwork, hand techniques, and body alignment. These postures are divided into eight basic hand techniques (八法, Ba Fa) and five footwork directions (五步, Wu Bu). Together, they represent the core movements and energies of Tai Chi. For detailed information please refer to http://livingthetao.com/tai-chi/tai-chi-basics/thirteen-postures-of-tai-chi-shi-san-shi #taichi #thirteenpostures #eightenergy #fivesteps 2025-03-0317:53 Great visualisation highlighting the difference of the 'Single Whip' between the different Tai Chi style. #taichi #singlewhip #yangstyle #sunstyle #wustyle #chenstyle

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