Mar 08

Discovering Discovery

Written by Peter Robinson

Discovery is the first thing we learn in Tai Chi, and, in our haste to learn more, and newer things, it’s often the first thing we let go of. Sometimes, we simply don’t do it, and other times, we don’t do it properly, rushing through it.

A good discovery can easily take a full hour, but even a fraction of that, done right, is never wasted, as discovery gives back exactly what you put into it. It is one of the most powerful tools and techniques we learn, and within it is the basis of all the work we will do.

Now, here are a few tips to help you get more out of your discovery:

March Self-Healing Tip

Written by Julie Festa, L.Ac.

The Chinese word for the 5 elements is “wu xing.” This translates (more or less) into “5 movements,” which is how the seasons are viewed in Chinese medicine – not as things, but as the movement of energy. March brings the movement of Water into Wood, Winter into Spring. For our bodies, we experience the power of Water nourishing and infusing Wood. The energy that Water gives to Wood allows for sprouts to emerge fresh and new from branches, and for new leaves to emerge from the inner growth and energetic storage that occurs during Winter. We need to honor this within the body by balancing the Water and Wood energies, and assisting in the infusion of Water into Wood.

Self-Acupressure for the transition into Spring -
Liver 8, Qu Quan, Spring at the Bend, is the Water point on the Yin Wood meridian. Qu Quan treats lower abdominal pain, retention of urine, insomnia, depression, impatience, irritability, and pain in the knee and thigh. It helps to nourish the Liver, and balance and strengthen the Wood element. It is an excellent point for knee pain relieving knee pain.

Liver 8 is located along the inside of the knee. To locate, bend the knee and find where the knee crease ends on the inside of the knee. Just an inch above this point is Liver 8, in a depression tucked right up next to the bone there. It should feel tender on palpation. Massage this point in the evenings and at night before bed on both legs for a few minutes.