• Home
  • Open Macrobiotics
    • IDx Diagnosis®
    • Universal Full Spectrum Macrobiotic Approach
    • Vagen (not Vegan)
    • How To Be Safe on a Vegan Diet (not Vagen)
    • What is Macrobiotics
    • Macrobiotic Diet
  • Education
    • Blog
    • Online Events
    • Calendar of Events >
      • Dubai
      • New York City
      • Chicago
      • New Jersey
      • Connecticut
      • Massachusetts
      • Long Island
    • Diagnosis+Nutrition Health Coach Training Program 21 classes
    • Graduates
    • Audio Training Program 11 classes
    • Video Training Program 10 classes
    • Bonus Bundle Training Program
    • Diagnosis & Traditional Foods Video
    • Resources
  • Services
    • Health Consultations
    • Energy Healing
    • Menu Planning
  • Store
    • Health Products
  • About
    • Expertise
    • Testimonials
    • Media Room
  • News+Events
  • Contact
  • Galleries
    • Cuba 2015
    • Gardening
JOHN KOZINSKI MEA, FSMA
Connect:

4 Foundations of Health: #2 Exercises

4/25/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
It is known that being too sedentary, such as sitting too much, will lead to many kinds of illnesses including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. This is not new. 2000 years ago, the Nei Jing, the Chinese classic of Chinese medicine stated “Prolonged sitting damages the flesh” and “Prolonged lying damages the qi, or life energy”.

When we exercise, the muscles contract and expand releasing tension and toning the muscles. Stress of any type causes physical tension in the organs. Thomas Hanna, the originator of the amazing body system, Somatics, which I’ve incorporated into my health teachings, rightly believes that habitual muscle tension will stop the organs from functioning properly and lead to disease. Movement by releasing the tension in the muscles counteracts habitual muscle tension. This is the major reason that we feel stiff in the morning after sleeping and after sitting for long periods of time. Because the body is one unit working in concert, body tensions cause mental and emotional imbalances.

Exercise increases the circulation of blood, lymph and energy through the increased functioning of both the heart and lungs. Exercise increases and improves digestion which strengthens your blood and immune system.
A lack of exercise which is common in the U.S and modern countries leads to a softening of the bones and tendons, a lack of energy, poor appetite, lassitude, obesity and shortness of breath on exertion. Psychologically, a lack of exercise worsens anxiety, irritability and depression.

Humans need regular exercise. It is best in modertion. In oriental macrobiotic and longevity teachings in Asia which are based on the principle of balance, too little or too much exercise is considered bad for health. Too much exercise uses up our energy or known as chi in China and blood (nourishment). Too little exercise and we don’t produce energy and healthy blood (nourishment).

There are five types of exercise that are important for health: physical exercise as part of one’s daily living, aerobic exercise, resistance training, stretching and Chi Gung (Qigong).

In 3rd world countries, walking and daily chores are common.  In developed countries, elevators and machines are present for convenience. In developed countries, because of machines that are a part of work and daily life, it is easy to not get enough exercise. To counter or balance this situation, we need to consciously use our bodies more.  We can take time to walk upstairs, skip the car and walk to destinations when possible, do chores by hand and other physical activities as part of our daily life.

There is not enough physical activity built into daily life in modern countries because of work and other obligations.  Most people need to make the time to practice regular exercise aside from daily life. Walking, jogging, dancing or martial arts can give us an aerobic workout. My own choice for aerobic activities has been by practicing two internal martial arts known as Hsing-Yi and Bagua. When I take the time to practice, I feel much better. Balance is important as too much aerobic exercise can exhaust the body. Internal martial arts are softer and can have both aerobic and resistance training as part of the practice.

Body weight training can be used moderately for strengthening the muscles. Body weight exercises such as pushups or sit ups are best to approach with some study as there are better methods.  Be cautious of the overuse of machines as they tend to isolate the muscles and cause imbalances. Free weights in moderation can be a better choice.

Stretching is important. It can be incorporated as gentle yoga, or as part of Chi Gung and part of modern movement systems such as Hanna Somatics. Be careful to stretch gently. Overstretching makes the body tighter, cutting off the circulation. This is called the stretch reflex.

Chi Gung or Qigong is a unique system that I recommend everyone learn as they get older to uniquely rejuvenate and balance the body. Chi Gung in its higher form known as Nei Gung works all of the body’s energetic pathways. It opens and closes all the body’s tissues (joints, muscles, connective tissues, internal organs, glands, blood vessels, lymphatic pumps, respiratory system, cerebrospinal system and brain) producing a powerful synergistic effect on the mind, body, and spirit. Over time these practices reduce chronic stress and pain, increase the body’s strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. I study, practice daily and teach Chi Gung. I’ve found that although you can get a benefit from almost any Chi Gung system and form, there are better and more effective forms to learn and practice to achieve the above benefits.

Convict Conditioning by Paul Wade
The Complete System of Self-Healing Internal Exercises by Dr. Stephen T Chang
Qigong video with John Kozinski from www. macrobiotic.com (coming soon)
Somatic Qigong: Chinese Health Promoting Qigong/Nei Gong combined with Somatic Exercises https://www.macrobiotic.com/energy-healing.html
Monthly Qigong Somatic classes in NYC with John Kozinski

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture

    Author: 
    John Kozinski

    Health Educator, Counselor, Pioneer and practitioner of macrobiotics for almost 40 years, John Kozinski has devoted his career to helping people achieve and maintain optimal health.

    Popular Title:
    Living Macrobiotics: the future of education  
    click on Jan. 2015 category directly below


    Archives

    September 2020
    July 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    April 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

    Categories

    All
    AIDS
    Cancer
    Candidiasis
    Chronic Fatigue
    Colitis
    Degenerative Disease
    Energy
    Food
    Heart Disease
    Immune System
    Infectious Diseases
    Ki Acupressure
    Macrobiotic Lifestyle
    Macrobiotics
    Mental Health
    Natural Health
    Qigong
    Radiation
    Shamanism
    Shiatsu
    Sustainability

    RSS Feed


Want to learn more?  Join Our Mailing List

John Kozinski
​Jeanette Thomas

Nashville, TN

Office: 413-464-2990

Copyright 2023  All Rights Reserved
Need help finding something?  Search here:
The information and educational material on this entire website is based on the opinions, research, and experience of John Kozinski unless otherwise noted. It is not medical advice. John Kozinski recommends you do your own research and consult with qualified health care professionals.
Photos used under Creative Commons from TheJokersTrick, h.koppdelaney, jon.brinn352, Eddi van W., peddhapati, mayrpamintuan