To start off, this DVD is for everyone, not just those unfortunate souls who experience back pain.    The exercises shown in this DVD will make one's Taijiquan much more effective and powerful.   Additionally, anyone who practices these exercises will develop a very strong and flexible back as well as enhance their mind-body connection, in essence becoming more aware of any potential health problems.

During the Qigong discussion on theory and history, which begins the DVD, Master Yang is shown practicing the various Qigong exercises.   This is a good use of time, as it allows the viewer to immediately begin to follow along with appropriate movements.  Explanations are provided about the differences between and benefits of Soft Qigong, Soft Hard Qigong and Hard Qigong.

This DVD has particular significance for me, as I suffered a severe back injury in the early 70's.    I was told at the time that I would be partially disabled for life.    Well, that's not what I wanted to hear.   This injury, and its subsequent effect on my body, led me to begin learning Taijiquan in the late 70's.   I then became intrigued with the health and martial aspects of Taijiquan, and as healthy as my back is now, it's easy to forget the original reason that I began my studies.

Although I was able to heal my back, I still on occasion get lower back pain.   The first student to whom I began teaching Taijiquan is now a chiropractor.    He gets frustrated at times because I never use him for any treatment on my back.   Usually Taiji practice or very relaxed stretching is able to bring my lower back to a healthy condition.  

I was pleasantly surprised to see Master Yang bending at the waist and as his hands hung down to the ground he began slowly wiggling his waist/back area to allow further stretching.    This is exactly the same stretch I primarily use to deal with lower back pain.   I had discovered it while trying various stretches to relieve pain in the lower back and found it to be basic in nature, yet effective in practice.   My teacher showed me many similar exercises when I first began studying Taijiquan.   At the time, they seemed to take away from the time learning the form.   In retrospect, they are vital exercises that give the body skills necessary for the correct practice and execution of Taijiquan.

I use a hula hoop in my classes to demonstrate the presence of a loose waist.    To make a hula hoop go around and around one needs flexibility, relaxation and coordination in the waist area.    Jamba Juice frequently offers free health juices to anyone over fifty who can do the hula hoop for twenty seconds.   I've gotten many a free juice using my loose hips.   If you practice the exercises shown on this DVD, not only will you be able to use a hula hoop, but you will also gain a strong flexible back.

My philosophy has always been that if it hurts to bend at the waist, due to lower back pain, then you must embrace that position and slowly bend at the waist, while gradually relaxing all of the tight areas.   If you avoid the movements that cause pain, they tend to get tighter and take longer to heal, at least, that's how my body reacts.  

When Master Yang began to demonstrate some neck stretches, I had a moment of concern that he might do as many people do, which is mistakenly teach that one should roll the head in a circle, including back towards the spine.   Fortunately, and well within character, Master Yang explained that stretching in that manner can compress the vertebrae and cause problems.    I should have known that Master Yang, as someone who can walk the talk, would be totally aware of the potential problems resulting from such an ill advised neck stretch.

Following the loosening of the back muscles, then stretching techniques are shown for the torso, neck etc..   This is in line with similar viewpoints as expressed by Master Yang in other DVDs about the inter relationship of the organs and how the unhealthiness of one organ will in turn cause problems in others.   Similarly, lower back problems can cause problems with other parts of the back as well as the structural parts of the body.  

I do have a minor concern about one of the exercises.  During one of the waist circling exercises, Master Yang suggests using a chair or the wall to support your leaning body as you practice the exercise.    The video shows Master Yang using a wooden chair on a very shiny wooden floor.   I would caution the viewer to use the wall instead, or make sure that the chair cannot slip forward, causing the practitioner to possibly fall flat on their face.  Or use a counter top, which can't possibly slip.

At the end of the DVD, massage techniques for back pain are taught along with information on the various acupressure points that are useful in the treatment of back pain.  The massage section is roughly one third of the DVD and is very thorough.  Massage with a partner and sol massage are taught. 

The following is a list of the DVD menu:

INTRODUCTION

    FIVE REGULATINGS

    IMPORTANT KEYS TO PRACTICE

       

QIGONG EXERCISES FOR BACK PAIN

    INSTRUCTIONS

    LOOSENING THE LOWER BACK

    STRETCHING

    SOFT/HARD SPINE QIGONG

    HARD SPINE QIGONG

 

QIGONG MASSAGE FOR BACK PAIN

    QI CAVITIES

    GENERAL MASSAGE RULES

    MASSAGE HAND FORMS

    SELF MASSAGE

    MASSAGING A PARTNER

 

Peace

Patrick Dickson

 

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