The 24/7 CHI app is a great introduction to meridians, and provides practical instructions for exercises and acupressure therapy.
24/7CHI iPhone App and Meridian Therapy
There are several Meridians or Chi energy pathways in the body. Each of them is more functional or sensitive during different parts of the day. These paths are usually associated with a major body organ and different exercises and activities are more or less beneficial depending upon the time of day. 24/7 CHI is one of the few iPhone apps available, which are useful to those interested in Tai Chi Chuan. The solution to this inadequacy, is to download your favorite videos directly to your iPhone, which is described in the article " Saving Tai Chi Videos onto an iPhone ." However, 24/7 CHI is an exception in that it helps the Tai Chi Chuan enthusiast understand the traditional Chinese perspective regarding Chi flow .
Meridian Diagrams
The 24/7 app is set up to automatically display Meridians appropriate to different time periods of the day, thus providing an easy reference. Diagrams illustrating meridians are a bit crude, but do adequately show Meridian pathways. Also, acupressure points are sometimes a little difficult to see; however succinct descriptions are given on how to locate these areas.
Chi Therapy Choices
The 24/7 CHI app user is able to select from three therapy choices related to each meridian:
- Chi Kung Exercises—gentle stretching and breathing routines.
- Meridian Stretches—the more strenuous Shaiatsu, Makko Ho exercise routine is described. These stretches are similar to yoga.
- Acupressure—location and massaging or tapping special points along a meridian affects energy, emotion and body functioning.
24/7 CHI and Tai Chi Chuan
Though 24/7 CHI is not strictly speaking a Tai Chi Chuan app, it does provide insight into the idea of chi and chi flow, through the body. In Tai Chi Chuan – Biochemical Science vs. Chi, the idea of chi was compared to western medical and fitness knowledge. There is some correlation, but the ancient concept of Meridians does not correlate with modern science. However, the fact remains that many people benefit by the relaxation exercises and breathing techniques and acupuncture therapies, which are founded in chi flow and Meridian theories.
For the serious Tai Chi Chuan practitioner, knowing about Meridians, will lead to a higher level of understanding regarding Tai Chi movement and energy flow. This IPhone app cites authoritative references and even provides web links for detailed information. 24/7 CHI is an uncomplicated, useful app and at the time of writing was a free download.
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