Western health science is based on matter, its makeup, and its functions– and watching the body run until it breaks. Then it tries to fix it. Eastern health science is based on energy, and how to use it for longevity, vitality, (power,) and for healing. It empowers the body, therefore warding-off sickness, disease and injury– all preemptive efforts to keep the body from breaking.
If you’re reading this, chances are you understand only the former, and very little of Eastern health science. So I’ll illustrate for you. Westerners don’t think about things in terms of energy; although you know right away when you’ve run out of it. Right ? Consider the energy of conception.
Westerners don’t think about sperm and an ovum as having much energy. But in fact, the energy of a single sperm and a single ovum is so great and powerful that it can CREATE a new life, a new being. Where else can you find that kind of energy ? While you ponder the theory, I’ll let you in on a little secret.
You still have that kind of energy in your body. The Taoists call it “pre-natal energy” or “original energy.” This is the same energy that made you and keeps you alive. But year after year, you have less of it. You probably sit too much. You’re diet might not be the greatest. You don’t exercise properly. So your hips are getting stiffer, your breaths are getting shorter, and your skin is wrinkling.
These are indicators that your original energy is slipping away from you. There is good news ! The Taoists have developed ways to stop the clock, and actually turn the hands backward. You can rebuild your pre-natal energy with special breathing, relaxation, posture and movement.
Not only can you get it back, but you can cultivate it to very high levels. The best tool I know of is the internal martial arts: Tai Chi, BaGua and Xing-Yi Boxing. Collectively, these are called “Wudang.” (the rap band Wu-Tang Clan named themselves after these most-powerful of martial arts).
What I like to say is this: the proof is in the pudding. Check out this video. First, guess how old this guy is. Then guess again. He’s no spring chicken, probably about 70. But watch how he moves.
Watch how flexible he is. See how powerful he is. This is proof that Wudang is the fountain of youth !