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November 21, 2005

Knee Injuries, Knee Pain: How Qigong and Tai Chi Principles Can Help

There is no joint in the human body we have more problems with than the knees. There are many good principles from qigong and tai chi which could help you either avoid knee problems in the future or rehabilitate your current injuries.

I have just read a spiral bound book from Ting Kuo-Piao called Answers to Common Tai Chi Questions (go to www.silvertigertaichi.com for more information) which includes some excellent advice on knee health. Here is a brief quote from Master Ting’s book, which I encourage you to get:

“It is very important to keep both knees always slightly bent, never full straighten or lock your knees. If even one knee is too straight you will lose flexibility, not only in the knee, but also in the hips and back. Injuries are much more likely wherever there is rigidity. Also when knees are too straight the lower back closes blocking the connection between upper and lower body and preventing the posture from sinking and rooting into the ground.

Connect the knees with the toes, in this way the weight will pass through the knee into the ground. Otherwise, if the knee exceeds the toe or is allowed to lean or turn inward, the knee will take on all of the body’s weight.”

As someone who has had to personally deal with a right knee injury in the past, I can testify that advice of this kind that has helped me greatly.

Have a look at the upcoming workshop I am doing with Pavel and Steve Maxwell, called Unlock! All three of us will be teaching numerous principles from our very different disciplines that may prove to be life savers for your knees.

If you live in the Twin Cities, Minnesota visit www.qigongclasses.com and join me at my local qigong classes where I can help you in person with your knees.

See all of John Du Cane’s qigong resources.

Posted by james at November 21, 2005 7:30 AM