The Function of Chi in TCC

Often times students are curious about the specific purpose of individual TCC movements regarding their influence on the “function” of chi. For example, one might ask, “Which movement is good for the heart?” Another may want ‘the movement’ that will help cure asthma or arthritis. There is no certain answer for such inquiries.

I have never heard Justin suggest that by performing a certain TCC movement pattern, the chi will function in a specific manner to accomplish a certain, desired result. He does not prescribe or claim that a particular movement will bring an anticipated outcome. It would be irresponsible to predetermine the functioning of chi and what it will accomplish for an individual, because (relatively speaking) we are each completely different from one another. Rocking Motion might stimulate the chi flow in the heart area for one person while activating the bowels of another. All TCC movements seem to contribute life-enhancing, harmonizing influences to each practitioner, but in varied ways. The chi functions beneficially for individual needs. It is good to know that chi always endeavors to function optimally through us, because this is its nature, its natural impulse-inclination. TCC practice can only assist this function by working with it, allowing its optimal function through the mind-body.

We can view certain TCC movements in general terms regarding their possible influences: Bird Flaps Its Wings obviously helps activate the lower tan t’ien and the downward flow of chi which contributes to the process of eliminating waste (“apana” in Sanskrit), yet also activates the organ meridians running through the wrists as we ‘flap and circle.’ Pulling In The Energy seems to stimulate the physical heart as well as the anahata (heart) chakra, sometimes activating emotional surges in the chest (and subsequent releases). Light At The Top Of The Head/Temples helps energize the ajna (upper tan t’ien or brow point) and soma (crown) chakras, relieving headache symptoms for some. Daughter On The Mountain Top contributes to the natural function of chi descending through the “conception vessel” (inside the lower lip through the midline of the torso to the perineum), which assists proper operation and balance of the triple heater system. Again, these are only general characteristics of a few TCC movement patterns that assist the innate function of chi as it endeavors to maintain harmony throughout the individual.

Justin’s idea of not specifying the effects of particular TCC movements is, I believe, the wisest policy for teaching. If the teacher states that chi will function in a certain way while doing “__________” movement, she/he has only provided the student with a conceptual limitation. By simply doing the TCC movements with “unclouded mind,” the life-enhancing benefits will manifest as they should for the individual practitioner. Why clutter the student’s mind with pet concepts (including personally meaningful imagery – new age or gender based!)