Dynamic Tension

[Tame The Tiger]

Interesting posts, guys.

The traditional Chinese concept of chi isn't so much that tension stops its development but that it impedes its flow. Not quite the same thing.

The concept behind Wai Dan Chi kung sets is that you use tension to build up chi in the extremities of the limb and when you relax it flows back through the meridians (clearing them) and to the body.

These exercises are helped on a mental level by concentrating on the limbs (say the points on the palm or soles of the feet) which increase the effect. This is part of the "what" I guess.

[Empty_Cup]

Originally Posted by Tame The Tiger

Interesting posts, guys.

The traditional Chinese concept of chi isn't so much that tension stops its development but that it impedes its flow. Not quite the same thing.

The concept behind Wai Dan Chi kung sets is that you use tension to build up chi in the extremities of the limb and when you relax it flows back through the meridians (clearing them) and to the body.

These exercises are helped on a mental level by concentrating on the limbs (say the points on the palm or soles of the feet) which increase the effect. This is part of the "what" I guess.

Well said. This is the theory of Wai Dan as I understand it as well.

What you say about focusing on the limbs is also consistent with "let the Yi lead the qi"

[mickey]

Greetings,

It does not stop at the limbs, That is incredibly rudimentary. It builds back up into the body. Think of you hands and feet as the bottom of a cup and your torso the mouth of the cup. And this is just a conceptual beginning. There are some major things that the "classics" do not cover. You have to experience it. In terms of chi returning to the body, I have found the exact opposite to be true. Otherwise, these practices would be a complete waste of time.

mickey

[Syn7]

Originally Posted by Tame The Tiger

Some styles utilize dynamic tension in their Chi Kung sets. Some just imagine tensing, some use varying degrees of tension, and some are quite forceful.

A quick question for those who practice it. To what degree do you tense? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each method?

Personally, I was taught to stop just at the point the hands begin to tremble.

Dynamic Tension is the name I gave to my first B-Boy(that's breakdance for you commercial victims) crew. At the time I thought the name was brilliant, and I still like it. You can still find DTC pieces and tags all throughout 4 major American and Canadian cities.



As for DT as a strengthening concept, I know for a fact it works.

[IronFist]

I think you can reasonably estimate a percentage.

Well, I think I can reasonably estimate 50% tension.

But keep in mind I have 10+ years of weight lifting experience and I'm pretty familiar with what muscle tension feels like.

But yeah, like was said in the 2nd post, paying attention to percentages and stuff is kinda pointless.

The harder you tense, the less amount of time you will be able to maintain the tension.

When I would do forms with dynamic tension back in the day, I would probably average about 80% tension (estimated). Full tension and then release a bit so that you're not shaking like crazy when you move. A little shaking is ok.

The problem with dynamic tension is that alone it doesn't really increase strength that much. You have to contract against an outside force to gain strength.

That being said, it's better than nothing. It can also be used in conjunction with resistance training (read: weight lifting) although I forget the specifics of the studies.

Is it better than nothing? Yes.
Is it better than weight lifting? No.
Is it a cool way to introduce another element to forms training? Yes.

Make sure you breathe smoothly when doing dynamic tension and don't hold your breath.

As for doing it in qigong, no idea. I know qigong people say tension blocks qi or whatever. I've heard people say qigong should be done as relaxed as possible, and I've also seen qigong exercises that involve a lot of dynamic tension. So, I'm not even gonna touch that one.