Martial Arts, Qigong,Tai Chi as medicine for your life!

Hi Everyone,

Too often in the West we think of Martial Arts practice, Qigong, Tai Chi etc. as something fun we do, and not as something that is vital to our development and health. When I tell my Chinese friends and work associates that I practice daily and that my practice changed the course of my life, they usually nod in complete understanding.

In the West, Martial Arts practice has been cheapened in some sense and the fighting aspects glorified in another. Most people don't value the fact that these art forms can be just the medicine that we need for our health, quality of life, better relationships and more. In America, when people find out that you teach or practice Martial Arts, there response is often non interest, puzzled, "Do you have a black belt" or "I wouldn't want to mess with you" In the Chinese community the response is great interest, respect, and yes - sometimes a little puzzled too because of a non Chinese person devoted to a Chinese art, but always with respect.

Once you begin to value the results of your practice, you can understand how it is the same as needing to eat and sleep. Without it, the quality of health deteriorates quickly after age 40, patience wears thin, and sickness can be a recurring problem. With this medicine, you have no side affects, it doesn't cost as much as health insurance and can yield more results than either medication, surgery, or doctors visits. BUT to find the value, you must first obtain results for yourself. In order to do this, you will need to find a good teacher and be consistent in your practice.

Consider this the next time you become depressed, have anxiety, frequent sickness, frustration, problems in your personal life etc. Try to make room in your life to nourish yourself with the medicine of these practices.


Laoshi Markle
Head Teacher Gold Summit Institute
President GSODEC
Director Buffalo-China Sister City Affairs