wfs (02/23/83)
1983 Inside KungFu Yearbook The Healing Circle of Pa Kua Chang
Fighting Infection Through Internal Arts By Dr. John P.
Painter
contributed by Walter F. Scott
The secret of the healing benefits of the internal arts
lies in the rhythmical contractions of the external and
internal musculature during the exercise. The slow tensing or
squeezing and expanding of the body during the practice of Tai
Chi Chuan or pa kua chang can produce a number of benefical
effects.
Pa Kua Chang's Effect Upon the Lymphatic System
One of the most dramatic effects of pa kua chang in
healing can be seen in its effect upon the lymphatic system.
In very simple terms, the lymphatic system is part of the
body's first line of defense against disease. The following
explanation is dramatically simplified, but should serve to
give you a better understanding of the function of this
important system:
Lymphatic fluid is formed from water, dissolved, digested,
white blood cells and oxygen. The blood flowing through the
circulatory ystem supplies the elements for lymphatic fluid.
Human blood is about 80 percent water. During the process of
blood being pumped through the arteries, water is squeezed out
of the capillaries. This water circulates freely among the
cells of your body. In this was every cell is supplied with an
adequate amont of water, food and oxygen.
The circulating lymph removes from the cell tissues waste
products and carbon dioxide. The fluid then returns with its
load of waste to the bloodstream to pick up a fresh supply of
vital oxygen and nutrients.
The lymphatic fluid does not empty directly back into the
circulatory system (blood), but rather flows from the spaces
around the cells into a system of lymphatic capillaries. The
capillaries branch out into larger tube, called lymphatics,
which continue to branch into larger tubes (lymphatic ducts)
which drain into the subclavian veins of the circulatory
system (blood) just behind the collarbone.
One of the most important functions of lymph is to bring
white corpuscles to the scene of infections in the body. White
blood cells are designed to destroy invading bacteria.
Throughout the lymphatic system are located lymph nodes,
sometimes called lymph glands. These lymph nodes manufacture
approximately 25 percent of the body's white blood cells and
act as filtering units for infections as well.
Lymph, flowing past the cells of infected tissue, carries
harmful bacteria to the lymph nodes. There the white blood
cells attack and destroy the bacteria. In the process of
working to destroy the bacteria, these nodes may swell in size
due to the extra amount of lymphatic fluid
From this simplified explanation,it can be seen that the
lymphatic system plays a major role in the eradication of
infection,as well as supplying the cellular tissue with life-
giving energy and nourishment.
Cellular function and reproduction is responsible for the
rate at which the physical body ages. If the cells are not fed
correctly, they weaken and produce inferior cells, which
accelerates the aging process.
This,in turn,increases the body's susceptibility to
infections and disease.
Pa Kua chang's effect upon the circulation of lymphatic
fluids becomes apparent when we understand that the flow of
this beneficial fluid through our bodies relies mainly upon
the action of the external musculature. The lymph system has
no pump, as the blood does, to push it throughout the body.
The action of contraction and expansion of muscles during
movement squeezes the lymph through the vessels.
Ordinary movement is sufficient to keep the flow moving;
however, when the nodes are overworked by fighting an
infection, stronger stimulation is required to aid the flow
through blocked vessels and to aid in flushing toxins out of
the system. The postures and methods of activity fill the bill
quite adequately. Many of the major lymph nodes lie at the
junction of the leg and the lower abdominal cavity,
The movements in this art give strong stimulation to these
areas, thereby increasing the flow of lymphatic fluids
throughout the system.
Walt Scott
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