The Daoist prescription for fitness is to move just enough to keep our muscles fit, andmove blood, lymph and Qi (loosely "vital energy"). Moving at just the right rate, helps us so we don't stagnate which leads to many illnesses.
Qigong helps open up the joints and tissues so Qi is able move into all parts of the body. Then we need a little bit of exercise to energize the heart. Finally, it is necessary to also have quiet, seated practices that brings us into a Yin state in which, Qi can build. We need all 3 mechanisms for health.
A 20 daily brisk walk, walking up stairs or a hill, a bike ride are ideal. But, careful, no more than a light sweat, and not to the extent of being out of breath. If you are out of breath on a brisk walk, you must slow down, and walk everyday until you are not out of breath! Your fitness is not optimum yet!
At the other extreme, endurance sports can be highly depleting. If you are out of breath, it is a state of hyperventilation. This means Co2 is out of balance with Oxygen and we are too acidic. Acidity over extended periods creates inflammation and can also tax bone health leading to osteoporosis (see https://www.janbullacupuncture.com/post/2018/09/30/women-menopause-and-wisdom-wrinkles.
Over-taxing can detract from our "Yin" nourishment (fluids, hormones, blood, Jing) and lead to chronic dehydration, heat. It can disrupt the hormones, creating to much stress hormones like cortisol and depleting the yin hormones like Estrogen. These reasons are why women athletes often stop menstruating.
I personally made this mistake. I believed the cultural Mantra that the more the better. I took up high-endurance bike riding after menopause when I was already in Yin depletion. After 2 years of doing 200 to 400+ km bike rides every 3 weeks, I became fully osteoporotic along with 2 foot stress-fractures.
It's been a 12 year journey to bone stability for me. I truly I care to help others at least have the information necessary make informed choices, be aware, and take extra care.
We need to move at just the right rate. The Goldie Locks principle is pretty Daoist!
So, a daily brisk walk or bike ride is ideal. Get out in nature and enjoy. And I know you won't like this, but "unplug" as much as you can. Just be. No music, no podcasts, no chatting and conference calls. Here the birds and the tree leaves rustle. Feel the light breeze and the sun. Come into absolute presence.
We have major work to do in our culture to nurture our Yin and Qi for improved health and wellness. It is not easy because we are addicted to the dopamine hit of doing.
I'll be offering two upcoming classes at the end of summer. We'll move and also cultivate the Yin within! I hope to see you in person or online in Zoom soon!
Sept 3-Week Immune Boost Series (Zoom) ( 7th, 14, 21st) All classes are recorded and available for you to download.
For practices during the summer, you may access a handful of recorded classes here with the password qgfun .
Cheers,
Jan
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