HEALTH / MARTIAL ARTS From the Taoist point of view, good health depends upon the free flow of chi--healthy life-force energy--throughout the body. Taoists refer to healthy chi as good wind. When energy is trapped in the body it stagnates and becomes negative, manifesting in the symptoms of physical or emotional illness. Taoists call this negative energy sick wind or evil wind. The Advanced Chi Nei Tsang practices focus on mastering these winds. They include techniques for developing sensitivity to sick winds, releasing internal energy blockages, and chasing sick winds from the body to reestablish a healthy flow of energy. Negative energies caused by stress, tension, and the effects of past illnesses tend to accumulate in the navel center, so the Advanced Chi Nei Tsang techniques use elbow pressure on specific reflex points around the navel to release energy blockages associated with each internal organ. They also work with wind access points found near the standard acupuncture points. These advanced practices build upon the organ detoxification and rejuvenation practices introduced in Chi Nei Tsang, allowing the practitioner to work intensively at an energetic level toward the restoration of optimum health and well-being. MANTAK CHIA, world-famous Inner Alchemy and Chi Kung master, founded the Universal Healing Tao System in 1979. He has taught and certified tens of thousands of students and instructors from all over the world. He is the director of the Tao Garden Integrative Medicine Health Spa and Resort training center in northern Thailand and the author of 33 books, including Chi Nei Tsang, Chi Self-Massage, and the bestselling The Multi-Orgasmic Man.
