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What is Qi - An explanation?
Exploring Tai chi with the TCQHC (Part 1)
“Do you relax during your TaiChi practice”?
Exploring Tai chi the TCQHC Way (Part 2)
Excerpt from the book 'Urban Warrior'
Everything has a beginning and an end
No: 7 Hexagram
Tai Chi and Scientific Research by Dr William
Question of Qigong validity
A day and age of freebies
Royal Naval Field Gun origin and history.....
Exploring Tai Chi with the TCQHC (part 3)
So you think you've got it hard in the West?.....
Qi (Chee) generally speaking, is the intrinsic substance that makes up the cosmos, and produces all things through its movements and variations. The physiological definition of Qi in TCM is the intrinsic substance that flows in the human body and is the impelling force for all activities. Qi includes the energy derived from the air, food, and water, as well as, the innate energy source we inherit from our parents. The existence of Qi is felt indirectly and manifested as a result of the body's interactions within its integral parts and with its surroundings
Qi in the human body is classified according to the source of the Qi. Innate-qi comes from our parents. It is the energy source that we inherit from our parents when we are born. It is converted from innate-jing. Acquired-qi is converted from food, water, and air. The combination of innate-qi with acquired-Qi is further classified as genuine-Qi, serving as the dynamic force of all vital human functions. Because qi distributes in different parts of the body, it is further classified into different categories to explain the function of Qi in different areas of the body.
The general term for these different types of Qi, whether it is from innate- Qi and / or acquired-Qi sources, is called vital-Qi. It is the cumulative term, describing the human ability to defend against pathogenic influences that cause disease. That is, the ability of the human body to ward off diseases depends on the abundance or lack of vital-Qi in the body. The basic premise of qigong training is to remove stagnation and balance qi, and to build and strengthen vital-Qi.
Qi is not visible to the untrained eye. Many gifted individuals and qigong practitioners are able to see a manifestation of Qi as an aura. Even though most people are unable to see the Qi, everyone can feel the Qi. Qi can be felt as warmth, coolness, tingling and magnetic repulsion sensations.
Extract from the web article 'Roots of Illness'
by G-Master Shou-Yu Liang & Master Wen Ching Wu.
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Exploring Tai Chi with the TCQHC. Part 1
Tai Chi is practiced by about 20 percent of the world's population and is fast becoming the most popular exercise in the world today. Its rapid expansion is largely due to one important fact it feels really good. Although Tai Chi was originally a martial art and is increasingly offered by martial arts studios, it's now practiced in businesses, hosspitals, and schools everywhere. Tai Chi is not only a valuable tool for improving health , it is a powerful business tool as well. Companies see that T'ai Chi improves productivity by helping employees to be happy, relaxed, and creative. Hospitals see Tai Chi as a potent, yet cost-effective, therapy for nearly any condition . Tai Chi classes can be found nowadays almost anywhere . In this chapter, I'll give you a whirlwind tour of the reasons behind Tai Chi's growing popularity and what Tai Chi can do for you.
Exploring the Reasons Behind T'ai Chi's Popularity
Do you ever feel like life is getting more stressful ? It is. The increasing stress in today's world is one reason for Tai Chi's growing worldwide popularity. Tai Chi was designed to help people go through change with less damage by improving the way we handle stress. Studies show change is stressful, and even though change is often good, if the stress that change causes isn't managed it can damage your health and outlook on life. Since about 90 percent of the discoveries made in the history of the human race have been made in our lifetime, we are all going through some serious change and stress. Therefore, Tai Chi's ability to help practitioners “let go” of this stress more easily is just what the doctor ordered, literally.
Imagine life is a carousel upon which we ride. When life gets spinning really fast, Tai Chi seems to slow things down, like a hand pulling us away from the “edge,” back to the center of life's carousel. Here, in the center, we can let life spin even faster and not feel like throwing up (hardly ever anyway). In fact, by practicing Tai Chi as you ride life's carousel, you might even catch yourself going “wheeeeeeeeeeeee” a lot more often.
Whether you are stressed out, continually exhausted, treating a health problem, or just wanting to get in shape and feel young again, Tai Chi is just what you need. Tai Chi goes right to the heart of everything we do by healing and cleansing the central nervous system. Tai Chi helps us to let go of all the nervous tension that bogs down our mental computer system (like getting a general tune up every day). This makes everything inside us work better, which often makes the world around us seem better, too. So Tai Chi is really a self-improvement tool that will make you a better “anything-you-want-to-be.” Unless of course you want to be stressed out, exhausted, uninspired, and feel old and out of shape. In that case, Tai Chi won't help but it will balance your mind body and spirit.
With thanks to the World Taichi Day website/Resauces
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"Do you relax during your TaiChi practice"?
Defining 'Sung' as practiced in TaiChi.
The definition of ‘Sung' is not easy to translate into English from Chinese. To comment on the single word ‘Sung', is extremely difficult, but loosely it means ‘relax', ‘completely relax'. Relax means to soften the tendons and blood vessels of the whole body and focus your Qi. The principle of ‘Sung' implies loosening one's muscles, releasing tension and giving up external energy, but preserving internal energy so that the body will be sensitive and alert to adapt itself to any circumstance.
Students of TaiChi travel along the road to perfection, only if from the very beginning of their training, they make ‘Sung' a priority. Technical detail and refinement of each form posture will improve gradually and naturally with continuous practice and then and only then ‘Sung' will be realised. Never force your form movement and posture, when this stage is reached you will experience the union of mind, body and spirit.
The vital quality of ‘Sung' is lost by students who egotistically strive to ‘look good' during their practice to the detriment of their Qi flow. Grandmaster Yang Cheng-fu used to say to his students, “Relax, relax and then relax again” in order that the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bone marrow achieve the supreme conditioning of ‘Sung'. ‘Sung, exists in the very depths of our essential nature, ‘Sung' cannot be explained in rational terms, but the following may help a little to unlock the mystery and understanding of ‘Sung':
When we free ourselves from fixed rigidity, we have ‘Sung' in our posture. Then external strength, brute force and aggression disappear from our movements and give way before the gentle, relaxed softness of ‘TaiChi–Sung'. We become moderate, flexible and open in all our movements, knowing when to yield holds all opposite forces in natural balance, creating a balance in our own body, at the same time enabling us to ‘Self Heal'.
‘ 'Sung' must be felt and experienced when fully relaxed in movement and posture, the mind focused, the body relaxed, then the spirit can respond to any call. The martial artist would define ‘Sung' as the warrior instinct; faJing (explosive inner energy) can only be experienced when a student is truly ‘Sung'.
“Moving without feeling the detail within a movement”. For instance, in the slight wrist movement in ‘Wave Hands Like Clouds', you should not feel that individual wrist movement as it is subtle and flowing within the movement as a whole, and again when ‘Brushing Left and Right Knee' the striking palm should flex from yin to yang during the hand transition at the wrist, but once again should happen without conscious effort, subtle and flowing within the movement. The state of ‘Sung' highly promotes the flow of Qi and Jing. Therefore, to achieve ‘Sung' you must let go of all tension throughout the body, but still remain alert in the mind. This is the true sense of ‘Sung' ‘alert, aware and yet completely relaxed'. Then and only then ‘Sung' will allow your Qi and spirit to flow like a river, subtle yet powerful. Do not look for ‘Sung', ‘Sung' will find you.
Author: Colin Orr/TCQHC
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Exploring Tai Chi with the TCQHC. Part 2
TaiChi Relaxes the Mind, the Body the Spirit and our Lives.
Just as we flow through the changes of life, our life energy, or Qi, flows through us (or not, if we are stressed out). Qi is the energy of life and flows through all living things. Qi animates, heals, and nurtures life. When the stress of change makes us tense, we squeeze off the flow of life energy. Physically, this feels like tension. Tai Chi and QiGong are easy, simple, yet sophisticated relaxation exercises that encourage the muscles to let go of tension, the mind to let go of worry, and the heart to let go of anger. Tension, worry, and angst all block our Qi flow.
Tension, worry, and anger are usually the result of our mind, heart, or body being unable to “let go” of something. The goal of Tai Chi is to move through a series of choreographed movements like a slow martial arts routine, but very slowly and in a state of absolute relaxation. In order to do this, we have to let go of our mental/physical
tensions, grudges, prejudices, and anything that keeps us tied to the past. This enables us to flow more easily into the future by clearing our mind and body of old stress so that we constantly get a “fresh” perspective on life.
Tai Chi is simple and easy to do , yet benefits us on many deep and complex levels. Tai Chi's slow, relaxed movements incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques that cleanse our mind, body, and emotions each time we go through the gentle movements. T'ai Chi is designed to uncover and release every single place we hold tension or blocked energy. When our mind or heart holds onto issues (fears, obsessions, angers, and so on) our body literally squeezes itself with tension. Going slowly through the movements is like doing an internal scan of the entire body to clear and release any place the body is gripping onto tension. There is no exercise on earth that can help you go through this wild ride toward the future quite like T'ai Chi can—which is why T'ai Chi is truly the exercise of the future.
In martial arts circles, it is known as an internal martial art. Tai Chi promotes internal strength physically, mentally, and emotionally, which is why it can be powerful training tool for martial artists. But you don't have to be a martial artist to benefit from Tai Chi because it can also be practiced even by those in wheelchairs, with great results.
Unlike karate, Tai Chi has no belt or ranking system because the benefits of Tai Chi can only be felt and not seen. You practice Tai Chi to live better, more calmly, clearly, healthfully, and productively. Tai Chi is a tonic for life. You will see your progress reflected by how you feel, how spry you look in the mirror, how much you love life, and how healthy you are. Isn't this much better than owning a black belt? However, if you do karate, Tai Chi can help you get that black belt by improving your internal function and grace.
Also, Tai Chi differs from most martial arts in that people of all ages can practice it. Many people with disabilities and ailments practice Tai Chi as therapy. No one is restricted from practicing Tai Chi, and yet Tai Chi can benefit the fittest athletes, just as much as it benefits elderly arthritis sufferers. Tai Chi clubs are sprouting up all over the world, with people from all walks of life.
With thanks to the World Taichi Day website/Resauces
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Excerpts from the book 'Urban Warrior' by the Barefoot Doctor
WARRIOR - You are an urban warrior:
Everybody is an urban warrior, if you're reading this article, anywhere in the global urbanised sprawl, dealing with your reality with some degree of consciousness, you're an urban warrior. 'Warrior' may bring to mind all manner of images to you, from the muscle-bound gladiator to the diminutive taichi master but these are just archetypes. 'Warrior' has the same root as 'war' so when you say you're a warrior it implies that you're at war. This war is an internal one which is taking place in the spiritual realm between the forces of light and the forces of dark throughout the universe and specifically within you.
From the beginning of time the generative, life-affirming current has been at war with the degenerative, entropic, life-negating current and this drama is enacted millennium after millennium by us unwitting puppets.
War is happening in microcosm within each of us and in varying degrees macro-cosmically in our global society and the result to date is the world you see around you.
This is neither a negative nor positive statement but merely a description of a condition.
As a warrior, your challenge is successfully to negotiate this condition in order that you thrive, not just survive, in a state of relaxation and unshakeable, impenetrable wholeness in the very midst of events.
You do this by channelling the forces of light and dark within you into a perpetual dance of equality as opposed to an eternal series of inner street brawls. For this you need all your energy channels open so you can be centred, clear-minded, aware, alert, positive and loving in any conditions in order to appreciate fully and enjoy the miracle of your existence at all times.
When the two opposite forces are in harmony within you the world around you will reflect this and you will manifest harmony wherever you go.
As a warrior you take responsibility for holding the balance between light and dark within you and, by extension, the world around you, and ultimately when you go deep enough, the universe.
It's a big responsibility, the biggest in fact and once you sign on it's irreversible but the pay-off is also the biggest - absolute freedom and a wonderful life for as long as it goes on, of ease, richness, joy and peace in full conscious awareness.
So if you're on for the gambol, say immediately, 'I am an urban warrior. I am willing to take on the responsibility of being a warrior and willing to take on all associated benefits as of now'.
This may seem daft but being a warrior requires you do quite a few daft little rituals just to remind yourself.
With thanks to the Barefoot Doctor
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Everything has a beginning and an end:
All things on earth and the universe have a beginning and an end.
We are born and given the gift of life but then that life must end; a natural occurrence. This goes the same for the aspect of TaiChi. The form must have a beginning and naturally an end. Whatever we do in life has a beginning and end and this goes the same for your taichi learning session. Always open the session by greeting each other (teacher/student) politely, which means we should close the session politely by thanking each other i.e. by exchanging gratitude. This is a mindful exchange of saying hello and at the close goodbye and thank you for participating in the evening's learning. This is why it is good etiquette to bow, not because we are trying to be a martial artist! In other words a session has a beginning and an end. Without the end the session has not closed properly.
If a taichi practitioner should not close his/her practice in the formal manner then the learning is incomplete i.e. has no conclusion or end. One of the many basic aims in learning Taichi is to integrate yin and yang (opening and closing) to balance mind and body in our daily lives even just by saying hello and goodbye.
TCQHC-Chief Instructor, adapted from TCQHC News Letter.
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Number: 7 Hexagram from the I-Ching (Pronounced 'Yee Jing') book of change.
SHIH |
COLLECTIVE FORCE |
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Overall Judgement:
An army is a group; to be upright is to be correct. Those who are able to employ groups correctly can thereby become leaders. When strength is centred it is responsive; action in dangerous straits is obedient. Even if this poisons the world, the people will follow it. If there is good luck, what blame will there be?
With thanks to Thomas Cleary from the book 'I-Ching: The Book of Changes'
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Tai Chi and Scientific Research
The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Conditions by Doctor William - abridged
Archives Internal Medicine. 2004;164:493-501.
Comments For Non-Medical Readers:
A systematic review such as this digs deep into all the published scientific evidence for the health benefits of Tai Chi. Some may see it as a negative report. Their own subjective opinion about Tai Chi may indicate benefit. However, clinical studies into Tai Chi are very difficult to construct and carry out. As reviews go - this was quite positive!
Brief Summary:
Objective A systematic review of reports on the physical and psychological effects of Tai Chi on various chronic medical conditions.
Conclusions:
Tai Chi appears to have: physiological and psychosocial benefits safe and effective in promoting balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness in older patients with chronic conditions. limitations or biases exist in most studies, and it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the benefits reported.
Intrduction:
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines deep diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation with many fundamental postures that flow imperceptibly and smoothly from one to the other through slow, gentle, graceful movements. It has been advocated for development of mind-body interaction, breathing regulation with body movement, hand-eye coordination, and tranquilization. Tai Chi has evolved into many different styles -.Chen, Wu, Sun, and Yang style. , Chen is the oldest, Yang is the most popular. Despite the lack of rigorous evidence regarding its benefits, Tai Chi is widely practiced in many countries as a form of exercise for health and fitness. However, despite its popularity, the biological mechanism and clinical effects of Tai Chi are not well understood.
Method:
A total of 743 abstracts pertaining to the practice of Tai Chi were obtained from 11 sources: The search strategies used the text word "Tai Chi." This includes English and Chinese articles and all types of studies.
Balance Control and Falls:
The evidence on balance reported that 8 to 16 weeks of Tai Chi training significantly improved balance, flexibility, and strength of knee extension and reduced the occurrence of falling in community-dwelling elders.
Overall, these studies reported that long-term Tai Chi practice had favourable effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness and reduced the risk of falls in elders.
Hypertension:
A reduction of mean blood pressure was found for regular Tai Chi practice in all the studies.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory System:
Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of Tai Chi on cardiovascular and respiratory function. Since 1993, patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (mean age, 57 years). After 1 year of 4-times-weekly Tai Chi training, the Tai Chi group showed significantly enhanced cardiorespiratory function, strength and flexibility,
The authors concluded that Tai Chi practitioners use efficient breathing patterns during exercise. since 1979. All but 1 study suggested that regularly practiced Tai Chi might delay the decline of cardiorespiratory function in older individuals and might be prescribed as a suitable exercise for older adults.
Psychological Responses:
The effect of Tai Chi on psychological responses were The Tai Chi group significantly improved their scores on the perceived self-competence and visual-motor integration tests.
Conclusions:
Most of the studies evaluated in this systematic review have been performed in China and the United States to examine the physiological and psychosocial benefits of Tai Chi for all age groups. Benefits were reported by the authors of these studies in cardiovascular and respiratory function in healthy subjects and in patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery as well as in patients with heart failure, hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Benefit was also found for balance, strength, and flexibility in older subjects; falls in frail elderly subjects; and pain, stress, and anxiety in healthy subjects. Overall, Tai Chi appears to have physiologic and psychosocial benefits and appears to be safe and effective in promoting balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness for older adults with chronic conditions. However. Unfortunately, many studies of Tai Chi lack rigorous scientific methods.
It should also be noted that none of the studies from Asia were Randomised Controlled Trials. In contrast to those published in the United States and other Western countries, almost all the studies published in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan reported positive results. Studies may have been conducted with different levels of methodologic rigor, and publication bias may be greater in some countries than in others. Aadequate follow-up are needed for proper evaluation of the effects of Tai Chi.
With thanks to Dr William (TCQHC)
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Question of Qigong validity
Question: (via email to the TCQHC)
Dear Qigong center,
(1) Can I do other forms of qigong if I also do fragrant chi gong level one forms at another time? (I had read that one shouldn't)
2) I had seen a website, which said fragrant chi gong may not be a real form of chi gong, but rather a modern one that is really only an exercise. Is this correct?
Thanks Glenn (Qigong practitioner)
Answer:
Hi Glenn
(1) As far as we are concerned there is no problem with practicing the Fragrant Buddha with any other Qigong set. At the TCQHC all students mix Qigong sets which include the 8 Strands of Silk Brocade, Fragrant Buddha, 18 TaiChi Qigong set of movements with Standing Zhang Zhong and the Dayan Wild Goose Qigong movements.
(2) The Fragrant Buddha Qigong was developed by a Buddhist monk 2000 years ago for the purpose of self healing, so it's been around for some time. Grand Master Tien Rui-Sheng practiced this Qigong for 50 years before introducing the movements to the world in 1988. My DVD on this Qigong gives a short appraisal on its origination.
It is by no means a modern day set of movements purely for exercise, but a set of movements to meet the needs of the modern world.
Colin Orr - TaiChi-Qigong Health Centre
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A day and age of freebies
In this day and age it seems everybody wants something for nothing and it's almost become the norm! I believe this should not be normal. To give and receive is wonderful; it should be joyful to give but also to receive. When something is taken without return it becomes very negative and empty. Years ago when money wasn't so important, when the instinct of survival was strong and the next meal wasn't readily available, a person wouldn't take a sack of potatoes from say a farmer to feed their family without giving something in return. This basic principle hasn't changed since the year dot. So why do people expect something for nothing? It's a day and age of taking and not giving. Nine times out of ten it's nothing but greed.
I am always very pleased to share my knowledge by answering questions without obligation from the enquirer, free of charge, but we are not a carousel of knowledge for dubious characters that have nothing else to do but to get something for free.
To receive without giving back creates an imbalance of Yin and Yang in many aspects of life. Go with the Tao but give something back in return and the Tao will keep giving.
By Colin Orr November 2005
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Royal Naval Field Gun origin history
From > about us/instructors > Chief Instructors bio profile
The Royal Navy Field Gun Crew run at the Royal Tournament simulated the siege at Ladysmith during the South African Boer War campaign in 1899 when HMS Powerful and Temple landed guns in support of the British army. The Naval Brigade transported their guns and brought them into action against the Boers. Sailors manhandled the guns over very difficult terrain. One story tells of sailors carrying one of the 12 pounder guns for 2 miles after one of the wheels collapsed.
The siege of Ladysmith lasted for 120 days until February 1900. On their return home, the sailors from the Naval Brigade paraded their guns through London and appeared at the Royal Naval and Military Tournament at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. Displays of Field Gun drill continued in subsequent years.
The Interport Field Gun competition between Devonport, Portsmouth, Chatham and the Fleet Air Arm was established in 1907 (Chatham was excluded when the base was closed in 1983) and was a highlight of the Royal Tournament in London until the Last Run in 1999. Click here for more info;
Exploring Tai Chi with the TCQHC. Part 3 |
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Finally an Exercise That Feels Good!
Tai Chi is popular because it is easy to do and provides a gentle workout that doesn't leave you drained, but energized! Tai Chi's “effortless” nature is a big stretch for most of us, however, because we associate exercise with force, pain, and tension. In fact, some exercise actually contributes to stress. When I played junior high football in west Texas many years ago, the coaches determined that we were through running when one of us started throwing up. That's right, upchucking. It was the only time in my life I ever hoped to see someone throw up.
Tai Chi is helping the world get a healthy, enjoyable view of exercise. As a nation, we have adopted a mutant notion of exercise, exemplified by the mantra “no pain, no gain.” This has traumatized many Americans, including myself, leaving an indelible mark on how we view exercise. In Tai Chi we have a mantra, too, “If your exercise causes pain, you'll get so sick of the thought of it that you'll never want to do it again.” Ours isn't as neatly poetic as “no pain, no gain,” but ours makes infinitely more sense. Tai Chi should always, always, always, feel good. And since it does feel good, you will look forward to it. Each morning you will find yourself grateful that you're alive and able to practice this cool exercise called Tai Chi.
Getting to the Root of Tai Chi
One name does not adequately express everything Tai Chi is because Tai Chi nurtures so many aspects of our lives at the root. Although originally a martial art known as Tai Chi Chuan (“supreme ultimate fist”), the shortened name of Tai Chi reflects how it is now viewed, as one of the most effective mind/body exercises in the world. So Tai Chi now refers to “supreme ultimate health exercise,” “supreme ultimate relaxation therapy,” “supreme ultimate balance conditioner, muscle toner, beauty treatment.”
Tai Chi is the supreme ultimate because it goes right to the root of most health problems by relaxing the muscles and mind, aligning the spinal posture, and balancing the energy systems that run through the body, providing them with life energy. It is one of the most soothing, easy, and powerful things you can do for yourself. It is a profound self-improvement tool, a great toning exercise, and an incredible 'healing art'. Whether you want to improve external beauty, mental outlook, or physical health and longevity, Tai Chi heals the roots of your being.
Explaining Tai Chi: History and Premise
Tai Chi is unique. Although it is in a way 2,000 years old, it is at the cutting edge of modern Western medical research. Tai Chi is ancient yet modern , Eastern yet increasingly Western. Using Tai Chi is a way to get the most benefit out of all worlds, old and new, East and West. In fact, Western science is embracing Tai Chi very rapidly. Almost every month a new study seems to find yet another thing Tai Chi can treat, cure, or improve. A researcher at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell said Tai Chi is about to explode (in popularity) as medical practitioners discover the time-tested technique.
Historical Tai Chi
For an exercise that is so made to order for modern life, it is amazing to realize that Tai Chi is thought to be about 1,200 years old. Furthermore, Tai Chi is an expanded version of a more ancient exercise called QiGong, which may be at least 2,000 years old. Tai Chi's moving exercises are done very slowly, like slow motion kung fu. In days of old, Tai Chi (or Tai Chi Ch'uan) was primarily a martial art. It is believed that Buddhist and Taoist monks began practicing Tai Chi forms in monasteries (yes, like the Shao Lin Temple) for two reasons: One, to promote health because they were out of shape from sitting around meditating all the time; and two, because they were so out of shape, they couldn't defend themselves, and bandits would come and beat them up before taking their valuables. (And you thought you had stress!)
With thanks to the World Taichi Day website/Resauces
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So you think you've got it hard?:
The following is an abridged article from the WTBA representative for England, Pete Smith. Peter is an acupuncturist, osteopath and Internal Martial/Healing Arts teacher from Folkestone in the UK. He has been working and traveling back and forth to India for some time now at his own expense on voluntary work with Indian children who have been abused, sold into prostitution, had joints and bones broken on purpose so that they can join the "begging business" or have been tortured in order that they will perform sexual acts for money for their parents! And all this from what was once a "spiritual" country, a country that many westerners would go to in order to renew their faith and gain some ancient wisdom and spirituality!
Peter teaches these abused children simple games and Tai Chi movement to help recover their self confidence and dignity. If you think you have it hard in the West, then read Peters report.
I have recently returned from a 6 week trip to India working in homes for boys and girls rescued from enforced prostitution. The girls' home is purpose built and the boys live in dirt floor huts. As soon as enough money is raised, a home will also be built for the boys.
The facts are not pleasant but must be told. These children were either sold by their parents or kidnapped by pimps who coach and force them into prostitution, the methods used to enforce these children who resist are regular beatings, rubbing chili in the eyes and burning with cigarettes. I have seen the results of this barbaric behavior. There is also gradual brain washing process to convince them that what they are doing is honorable and good.
It sickens me to write this but boys and girls as young as 3 years are taught to masturbate men. After a time these children accept this as normal behavior.
The corruption in this vile practice runs deep from the parents to the pimps and to the corrupt police and politicians. The parents because of their impoverished state sell their children to the pimps who bribe police officers to turn a blind eye, which in turn, I am told supply children to corrupt depraved politicians. Some police even pay politicians to get posts in areas where there are lots of brothels and lots of bribe money from the pimps.
The trustworthy police have a tough time and are often threatened and driven out. Whilst I was there, the police arrived at the ‘Home’ at midnight and took 20 children away. They placed them in a Government run home in appalling conditions and were immediately put to work on the streets!
The Home was started 16 years ago by two courageous and compassionate men. They have been beaten, stabbed and have received death threats from the police and pimps because rescuing the children reduces their income. This also embarrasses the police as the ‘Home’ is seen to be doing what the police should be doing … rescuing the children. The first two years at the ‘Home’ are spent in rehabilitation and recovery in an atmosphere of love, compassion, understanding and kindness. In the words of one of the founders, "the most important thing is that they are happy and smile".
After the recovery period, they attend school or college daily. Many of the children I met are now educated, mainly happy young adults, although the terrible emotional and physical trauma they have suffered is occasionally obvious in their eyes. It's at these times that you just want to give them a comforting cuddle, but this is not wise! It could be misinterpreted or seen as favoritism by the other children have emotionally and physical scars. I found this very difficult but we had to take extra care as the police spread rumors that we are not getting paid so we must be abusing the children ourselves!
There were two of us working in the Homes; myself and a brilliant and funny practitioner and friend, Sean Cleere. We started the first day treating the carers and just a few of the older girls. As the word of our acupuncture treatment spread and that it didn't hurt too much the treatment clinics grew.
Treatment was informal with everyone being treated together in a gym. There was lots of joking and laughing but eventually they would all fall asleep with very noisy snoring. I also taught Tai Chi three mornings a week at the girls' home and two afternoons at the boys' home. At the 2nd class in the girls' home, they all looked a little serious, I don't know where it came from but I found myself teaching them the Hokey-Cokey and they loved it.
Standing in front of these boys and girls, I was sometimes overwhelmed by their suffering. We were told many shocking heart rending stories. One girl was sold by her parents to a Doctor and his wife at the age of eight. In an accident, she fell from a balcony fracturing both of her hips. The Doctor for some reason was in fear of the legal consequences so he just dumped her on the streets of a busy city. Unable to walk and in great pain, she could only crawl around and was soon taken in by a ‘begging cartel gang’. She worked for three years as a beggar before being rescued by the ‘Home’. They raised the money for a hip operation helping her to walk again. She is now a lovely young woman.
An 8 year old girl was covered in cigarette burns inflicted by her Mother to force her into sex sessions with clients. And a 18 year old boy, now working, had 10 operations following repeated anal sex when much younger. An 18 year old girl with HIV was hospitalized while I was there. I visited her and was shocked by the lack of hygiene, chaos and dilapidation in the hospital.
This barbaric inhumane sex trade exists and persists. We must do everything we can to continue to support and protect these children.
It was a privilege to try to help these people and I can't wait to go back.
Peter Smith
Further information can obtained from the WTBA.
Epilogue: These are facts that should not be ignored, I can say they are true as when I was in India myself I saw and witnessed the appalling conditions. These children were sold into prostitution slavery and begging gangs by their parents. Anybody who has been to any one of the big cities in India would have experienced the 'gangs of begging children' some with dislocated limbs and facial disfigurements. These are facts that should not be ignored.
Colin Orr - TCQHC
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Creatrix Impigritas - Creative Energy |
Disclaimer: The opinions and information contained on this website are intended for general interest only, any clinical advice is intended as subject interest only. Any advice, opinions or recommendations given therein is without prejudice.
