Tai Chi and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
By Bill Smith
Innermost Essence, Inc.

Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong are part of the unique physical culture of China. As classical movement forms, Tai Chi and Qigong arise out of the internal school of Chinese martial arts. Through the spread of Chinese culture many people found value in Tai Chi’s slow, rhythmic movements. Tai Chi and Qigong are commonly viewed as health arts with meditative and martial aspects. Perhaps a good modern definition of Tai Chi and Qigong would be to call them “psychophysical movement disciplines where mind, body and spirit work together for the development of one’s greatest potential.”

The importance of this to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is in regard to sensitivity. Like its human oriented counterpart Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), TCVM is based on the theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. It also uses the technique of reading pulses as well as other diagnostic methods. All of these methods are connected to the sensitivity of the practitioner. The more aware a person is, the greater the sensitivity to subtle changes in a patient’s energy. Tai Chi and Qigong are among the best ways to develop sensitivity and increase awareness. This is because they are based on the same theoretical framework: Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.

Principles in Action: Sung, Ting & Tung

With Yin-Yang and the Five Elements as the theoretical basis, the physical practice of Tai Chi and Qigong is then guided by a series of fundamental principles. Although the diverse styles of these arts include a variety of principles, here we shall focus on three.

The first of the three is SUNG, (pronounced soong). Its direct translation means “to relax” or “to embody a relaxed awareness.” Relaxation in this context is neither sleepy nor sloppy. Awareness and focus keep one present while seeking to release tension from the muscles and joints of the body. This manifests when one is in balance with the supportive energy of the Earth, which keeps us stable, balanced and upright while the force of gravity is experienced as a downward flow of energy.

The second principle is TING, or Ting Jing. Its translation means “to listen” or “listening energy.” This is the idea of “kinesthetic listening” or listening through feeling. As a way to develop personal feeling awareness, Ting Jing is the path to greater sensitivity.

The third principle is TUNG, (pronounced dung). Its translation means, “to understand” or “understanding.” This is the “gut knowledge” or type of non-verbal understanding that resides at the core of our being. The fruit of this understanding allows us to continue progressing in our new skills.

These principles are not static. One strives to understand them at deeper and deeper levels through practice. The three principles arise together and inform one another in this way: by working with the principle of relaxation (Sung), we can then listen better (Ting), and what we “hear” increases our understanding (Tung), which then improves relaxation (Sung)…By continuing in this manner our skills develop.

A willingness to challenge one’s current concepts is absolutely necessary for profound accomplishment. This is the embodiment of the foundational principles. Integrating these principles into daily life can bring valuable awareness and insight for the TCVM practitioner.