By Dr. Michelle Greenwell, PhD CIH BioEW | Be Well Podcast
When we think of healing, we often look to what hurtsāour joints, our energy levels, or perhaps a condition that has been slowly wearing us down. But what if we began from the inside out, activating the natural systems already designed to help us regenerate?
In this solo episode of the Be Well Podcast, I invite you into the world of Tai Chiānot just as a movement practice, but as a dynamic healing art that connects breath, intention, and movement to awaken the body’s deepest wisdom.
āÆļø The Spiral Effect: Moving From the Bones Outward
Tai Chi is rooted in spiral energy. Every turn of the wrist, rotation of the spine, or shift of the hip reflects natureās most efficient movement patternāthe spiral. These spiral actions stimulate the body at a cellular level, improving the strength and density of our bones, while also encouraging the natural washing and regeneration of bone marrow.
Bone marrow washing refers to the activation of the body’s internal systemsāsuch as enzyme activity and immune functionāby encouraging deeper circulation and the movement of vital life force (Qi). This subtle inner process has been known in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, and now modern science is catching up to the wisdom encoded in these ancient movements.
š£ Weight Shifting and the Pump of Life
One of the most powerful aspects of Tai Chi is the way it shifts weight from foot to foot. This isnāt just for balance or graceāitās part of a sophisticated physiological response.
When we press into the foot, we activate a pumping action that moves blood and lymph from the lower body back toward the heart and vital organs. This gentle but consistent pumping supports detoxification, boosts immune health, and relieves pressure in the joints.
We also activate the grounding, centering, gravity, balance, and stability reflexes through the feet. Our vestibular system is motivated from the ground up.
These activations are especially important for those who are seated for much of the day, recovering from illness or injury, or exploring Tai Chi in a seated form. Even small shifts in posture or spiral rotations of the limbs can generate profound internal benefits.
š¬ļø Breath, Belonging, and Letting Go
We begin each practice by coming home to our breathācreating space in the lungs, slowing the nervous system, and reminding the body it is safe to heal. With intention, we enter each movement not trying to fix or force, but to allow flow.
Lucky Dragon tea was my companion for this episode, offering the affirmation:
š« “Create a clear vision for outcome and then let go of your expectations. The journey is the reward.”
This simple message mirrors the essence of Tai Chi. We do not need to know the root of our imbalance or illness; we only need to move with openness, curiosity, and trust. In doing so, the body reveals its own intelligence. We let go of expectationāand healing begins.
š§ My Passion for Tai Chi: Movement as Medicine
For over 30 years, Iāve explored Tai Chi in its many formsāstanding, seated, sabre, and Lok Hup. My background in dance first led me to study the power of movement, but it was Tai Chi that showed me how every gentle shift, breath, and spiral could create wholeness in the body.
I’ve “geeked out” for decades about how movement affects the fascia, lymphatic system, circulation, the biofield, and more. And today, I share that journey with youābecause healing isnāt something we chase, itās something we awaken.
šæ Take the Next Step
I invite you to pour a cup of tea, find a quiet space, and listen to the episode. Feel your feet on the ground, your breath moving through your body, and let Tai Chi guide you to balanceābone-deep and heart-centered.
š§ Listen to the Episode Here
š Want to explore more about seated forms, sabre, or Lucky Dragon tea? Visit greenwellcenter.com or check out my YouTube channel for free resources and tutorials.
Sign up for our August ‘Nature’s Resonance’ online Tai Chi class with intuitive musician Colin MacLeod. The class is ON SALE for a reduced price until July 31st!
For in-person classes you can check out the calendar for Tai Chi Cape Breton and visit Wine Country Tai Chi Society for the West Kelowna, British Columbia classes.
Are you looking for the perfect tea blend? Be sure to check out our great selection in the shop. Lucky Dragon is a popular blend for us, as well as Nova Scotia Harvest, plus many more green teas, black, herbal, and honeybush. If you have been thinking about discovering the power of tea for a wellness plan, we have you covered!
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As a gift for reading right to the bottom, check out this Magnifying Peace Project Video I shared with Tai Chi as the background.
You can watch the full 108 Tai Chi set in the woods, here, and enjoy the meditation that happens even when you are watching. Be sure to sign up for an in-person or online class today, and get started on a magnified wellness journey with the power of intentional movement for wellbeing.