Just like India's Yoga there are several kinds in the Taoist method, there is the sitting which often leads to sitting meditation then there are standing static postures including torso twisting and then there is the swinging more ballistic(in a gentle way) method and there are probably more. History tells us that China and India shared alot between them through the years and what I will be talking about in this post is the ballistic method. The arms are moved in different directions through swinging arcs and propellar like movements and it has been to my benefit for a frozen shoulder. Done in steps pretty soon you are swinging quite dynamicly bringing elasticity back to the area and creating space in the body reducing pain. These exercises can sometimes be seen in Tai Chi Classes and Ba Gwa Chuan also.
Hi JB
Having you read and/or watched Yin Yoga by Paul Grilley? It is an interesting combination of Taoist thinking and Indian Yoga with yin and yang postures.
Best Wishes
RP
I have his book, I like his theorem on the sacrum and it makes me think of Saul Goodmans statement that the sacrum is associated with the word sacred. Another group of similar postures are taught by Bow Sim Mark of Boston, these floor exercises often lead to meditation.
Taoist Longevity Breathing Blog...
ello, here's my thoughts about the 'yoga' form as a Taoist practice...
Yoga derived from India has so many styles that the subtle internal sensations and connections can be lost within the 'stretch to relax' method.
Saying than, I have experienced some deep and subtle forms of Hatha/ Scaravelli/ Restorative Yoga where the bodily release is deep and mindful and the body enfolds more internal layers and is less about the external (visual) form - looking 'right', doing yoga.
Often, the 'body noise' of muscles stretching, plus the mental strain of trying to make the right shapes, can drown out the deeper work.
Taoist Yoga integrates the techniques of breathing and meditation to enable the unfolding of deep layers of tension and release blockages in the qi flow of the meridians and deeper channels.
Check out the Energy Arts blog for a discussion of Tao Yoga compared to Hatha Yoga:
bip bip,
Hi emshenki
That's one of the interesting points of (so-called) Yin Yoga, that it's more inner, meditative and restorative than typical "Power style Hatha Yoga". The amount of people I have met with "Power style Hatha Yoga" injuries suggest to me it's far too Yang and firey.
Even in Iyengers book "Light on Life" he critises yoga practitioners too focused on external form.
Hurray for the Taoist 70% rule!
Best Wishes
RP
The arm swinging methods are not too well known or seen and are good for releasing stuck energy in the upper body.
Yoga in India
Yoga is from vedas the ancient Indian philosphy system. Yoga is not merely a physical excercise form but a complete lifestyle system to gain control over five senses, ego and mind. For some who wishes to know more should read Patanjali Yoga Sutras. Modern yoga styles are only focused on relaxation or physical well being, the real purpose and benefits are lost in transition.