A Bridge Between East and West

About a week ago, a friend wrote me about a martial arts/energy workshop he had attended in the Boston area. He thought, given my involvement with Tom, qi gong and aikido, that it would be of interest to me. After reviewing the references, I bought a book by the instructor, The Secret of Seamm Jasani by Asanaro and quickly perused the exercises. Many reminded me of qi gong movements – not a surprise as I find all Eastern arts have common elements – and I am currently exploring the exercises in more depth.

What really caught my eye was the discussion on the benefits of the exercises. Perhaps it was that I had just attended the ASTD conference and noted an increased emphasis on discussions of the brain in several of the sessions. Here, in this small book on ancient Tibetan exercises, under the benefits of performing the exercises was a discussion of the impact on brain functioning. The breathwork and exercise movements were stated to put the brain in a state of alertness by forcing both of its hemispheres to work together, resulting in the unconscious awakening of some of the 90 % of the brain that is typically not developed. (It is often quoted that humans use only 10% of their cerebral capacity.)

Here was a book on eastern arts using western terminology. When I studied qi gong, many benefits of the art were discussed. However, we utilized the more eastern approach of medicine, discussing meridians, points, and energy blockages. Now what I am seeing is a strengthening bridge between east and west in the realm of mind/body work that excites me. As western scientific methods validate eastern practices, a greater acceptance of the role of eastern arts in western settings is inevitable. I point with pride to a small rural hospital near where I live in Clifton Springs, NY where acupuncture, massage, hot springs and an herbal medicinary are offered within the hospital. Patients have the option of integrating eastern and western medicine together for optimal care.

My hope for the future is an increased appreciation and utilization of healing traditions from many cultures to support us in living healthy, longer lives.

Judy Warner