The Chinese paid much attention to natural healing in earlier historical periods.  One of the oldest classics on medicine is the Huang Ti Nei Ching, or the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.  This was possibly written in the Han dynasty.  In it was put forth the the theory that the art of massage and exercise should be used for the curing of paralysis and prevent disease.

Two thousand years ago, the taoist Chuang Tzu imitated the movements of the bear and the crane , and combined them with methods of respiration and meditation to create an exercise that would improve heath, alleviate pain, and promote longevity.

In the Han dyhnjasty, the famed doctor Hua T'o proposed the theory that the body which moves often would eliminate harmful air (or Chi) and enhance the circulation of the blood, thus preventing the occurrence of sickness.  Man is "similar to the axis of a door whose hinges will work smoother and last longer because of it's constant rotation."  He invented the Exercises of the Five Animals, namely the Tiger, Deer, Monkey, Crane, and Bear, and taught them to his students, who were noted for their longevity.

T'ai Chi was created at the end of the Ming dynasty and has over three hundred years of history and development.  It combines traditional martial arts with meditation, philosophy and Chinese medical theory.  This exercise strengthens the external muscles and internal organs, in addition to being an excellent method of self defense as well as a beneficient tool for therapeutic use.  T'ai Chi is good for people suffering from neurasthenia, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, gastric and enteric diseases, paralysis, arthritis, and chronic heart diseases.  T'ai Chi has been known to alleviate these diseases.

For more information about classes and private instruction, call Dr. Leung at (617) 497-4459.