Classical Tai Chi Internal Disciplined Abdomen/Core Contraction
How to contract abdomen/core to develop internal discipline Master Hwa Video
NIH referenceNIH REFERENCE ARTICLE
Contraction releases “Myokines”
Classical Tai Chi Grandmaster Wabu Young, disciple of Wu Chien Chuan was quoted by Master Stephen Hwa as saying “…Tai Chi is not exercise…”! To paraphrase Grandmaster Wu who also said “…every movement in tai chi has the complementary parts of Yin and Yang, …Yang is movement, Yin is stillness and that makes a “Yin/Yang Junction”; …when it is IN the body core it is an internal move, when outside the core it is an external move…”!
Thus: We will say that contracting the abdomen/body core with your study of Classical Tai Chi using its intense “Internal Discipline”can lead to the release of “myokines”! Myokines are proteins produced and secreted by muscle cells in response to muscle contraction. Myokines play a role in muscle physiology and can exert systemic effects on other tissues and organs.
When the abdominal/core muscles contract, they can release myokines, contributing to muscle hypertrophy, glucose and lipid metabolism, and other physiological processes. For example, the contraction of the abdominal muscle, aka the core muscles, can be practiced to engage the core correctly, as described in the Classical Tai Chi context provided in great detail by Master Stephen Hwa. This engagement releases myokines, contributing to overall muscle health and function.
Ref. NIH: “Some specific myokines that have been identified include pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4). PEDF is a contraction-regulated myokine, although its serum levels can decrease after intense exercise. Additionally, 52 novel myokines have been identified that are not previously described as being secreted by skeletal muscle cells, indicating a complex and extensive network of muscle-derived factors.
In summary, contracting the abdomen can release myokines, which have various beneficial effects on muscle and other organs, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Myokines are peptides produced and released by skeletal muscle cells in response to muscular contractions, and they play a role in regulating metabolic functions.”
Classical Tai Chi, as beneficial to martial prowess and health that involves slow, circular body core movements (internal discipline), can be considered a form of abdominal/core contraction that stimulates the Myokine release.
- Myokines: These are cytokines or small proteins produced by skeletal muscle cells during abdominal/ core voluntary induced contraction. They have autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine effects, meaning they can act on the muscle itself, nearby cells, or throughout the body. Myokines are involved in associated metabolic changes, tissue regeneration, and repair, among other functions.
- Classical Tai Chi and Abdominal/Core Contraction: Classical Tai Chi involves movements that can engage various muscle groups, intensely including the abdomen. While Classical Tai Chi is not considered intense “exercise”it still involves muscular contractions that can potentially stimulate myokine production. The practice of Classical Tai Chi can improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, which may contribute to overall metabolic health.
- Potential Benefits: While specific studies on the direct effects of Classical Tai Chi on myokine production are limited, the “Internal Disciplines” intense ability to engage muscles and promote overall health suggests it could contribute to the beneficial effects associated with myokines.
