My post-graduate studies include Acupuncture in the treatment of substance abuse at Lincoln Mental Hospital at the South Bronx, NY, and Acupuncture & Functional Neurology – The Integration of Chinese Medicine & Clinical Neuroscience, at Carrick Institute in Cape Canaveral, FL. It is my intention of passing on the information that has generously been given to me by my teachers, and to share my own discoveries along the path.
During the last 15 years I have taken a strong interest in a holistic approach to gastroenterology with a particular focus on the gut's microbiome. Recent studies and data indicate that digestive disorders have risen worldwide with a substantial increase since the COVID‐19 pandemic. My research into the inner workings of the gut's bacteria lead me to write and publish my book "In The Belly of Darkness: A Journey Through The Gut's Microbiome and its Secrets", available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. How does this shameless plug for your book relates to tai chi, you ask? Here's how:
It has been well documented that stress affects the microbiota, our little friends in the gut. The effect of stress on our digestion, commonly known as the gut/brain axis, is mediated through a cross-talk between the brain signals and the intestine's own nervous system—the enteric nervous system (ENS), often nicknamed the "second brain" because it's a complex network of over 100 million neurons in the gut wall that can control digestion independently, though it communicates with the brain.[cm_simple_footnote id=1] This two way communication is carried out through the vagus nerve highlighting the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut.[cm_simple_footnote id=2]
Conversely, an unhealthy gut ecosystem will in time, have a negative effect in brain function leading to number of neurological diseases, underlying the importance of keeping our microbiome as healthy as we can through stress management and overall lifestyle modifications.[cm_simple_footnote id=3]
Here's where Tai Chi shines. A study with college student basketball players. A total of 30 student basketball players from a university in Henan were selected and randomly divided into a control (15) and an experimental group (SPT) of 24-style simplified tai chi practice. At the end of the study, there was a significant improvement on various blood biomarkers and stool test showed and increase in the richness or diversity of the gut's microbiome.[cm_simple_footnote id=4]
The study of Tai chi, as with any other system, takes time, perseverance, patience, introspection, and quality instruction. The benefits can be felt very soon into the practice. Proper performance of the postures, however, takes time. No one performs the posture with perfect alignment. We are all in the process of refining our expression of the postures. Keep in mind that the therapeutic benefits are derived from daily practice.
Often I hear students say that they didn’t practice out of fear of doing the form/postures wrong. This is a mistake. You are going to perform the postures with less than ideal alignments. This is the natural way all things are learned. Like baby steps, or learning the fundamentals of music, painting, horseback riding, etc.
While I wish for everyone to have a pleasant experience during class time, please remember that the focus of the sessions is to correct postures, to teach the principles that governs the art, and to add new material.
I am here at your service. The main difference between us is that I’ve been on the path a bit longer..
Fernando Bernall, DOM – Saint Augustine, FL