Recently, I had two students ask me very similar questions about wearing clothes during practice.
Hello Al,
I was told by a previous Tai Chi instructor (Exercise Method) that wearing a watch on your wrist or a belt around your waist can restrict the flow of Chi. I have developed a good routine now of practicing my ChiFusion in the stairwells at work during my dinner hour, but I cannot wear loose-fitting sweatpants while at work.Am I wasting my practice time because of that? Since this previous instructor never really taught the internal Chi work, I am hoping that he was simply misinformed.
And another student asked:
Hello, I was wondering what you thought of this.. I do your Tai Chi class. In [a] lectures [by another instructor] he mentioned not to wear rubber or synthetic shoes as the energy will not flow up as easily. I do not know if it is the Placebo Effect, or if it is true. I generally can gather Chi energy quickly and noticed a difference. in bare feet. I would appreciate your opinion.
Let’s start by saying – Chi practice in the “wrong” clothes is better than no Chi practice at all.
It’s better to practice when you can, even if the situation isn’t ideal, than to wait for the ideal situation. That’s how I’ve always looked at it. Back when I worked corporate, I would practice when and where I could like the first student mentioned, and I didn’t worry about what I was wearing.
But as far as watches and belts, I’d be more concerned about ease of movement rather than chi flow.
If we’re talking about “internal” chi flow, most of the time belts or watches won’t have that significant of an effect. Maybe if you are really in poor “chi health”, you might notice the effect. But if you are in reasonably good health, it shouldn’t be a problem. If we’re talking about “external” chi (the surrounding wei chi field), you might find the belt and watch more noticeably restricting during practice.
But again, it’s better than no practice at all.
The same applies to shoes.
Of course at some point, you develop your chi to a level where it won’t make too much difference what you wear.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
If I am wear bracelets while practicing, it feels slightly off, somewhat restricting. So, I now remove them before practicing.
I have asked other people about this, but no one in my acquaintance has that experience.
I can’t explain it, but for me there is a slight but noticeable difference with and without a bracelet.
[no, not really]: Interesting thoughts and feelings– It is very good you can sense the attachments to your body: note- anytime your body directs your attention to certain objects, then don’t ignore it. The reasoning is that out of 6.5 billion people each is an individual: thus you may be sensitive to certain elements others may not feel. The teachings that Master Al teaches is to help you notice and work with what you have and who you are in this life.
As far as the clothing and magnetic forces of the body, the earth and our surroundings is interesting even more so then most will ever realize. The direct balance of the energy being pulled from the earth is a mixture based on your ability to utilize these existing energies. Please understand, not to get to deep off of topic: all that can pass though you will pass though you, all that you can control will be controlled whether you have clothes on or not: the only variance to the clothing is not available to most people that can block any of the energy flowing: loose or tight won’t make a difference unless it makes you uncomfortable or non mobile in your movements.
With in one month, I will post this written information.
Sincerely,
Mr. Malcolm
In regards to the watch, certainly if the band is tight, it MAY restrict blood, lymph, and chi flow. I have been told by many acupuncturists and T’ai-Chi practitioners and masters that the battery in a watch worn on the LEFT wrist will interfere with the chi flow through the Heart Meridian. There are 3 very powerful heart points, right at the place on the wrist where a watch would be worn, that affect the heart and it’s actions. This idea does not seem to be an issue anywhere else on the body, including the right wrist. This is presented as information for your use, not as a warning or to promote fear about your health.