Do In Che Jo and Martial Arts Origins of China

The Art of Healing has its roots in the martial arts. These techniques, developed throughout history, are the most natural way to promote health. Exercise is the most natural way for our body to maintain health. This application was spread to the public by Dal Ma (Bodhidharma), a Tibetan monk. The legend is that Dal Ma came to China from Ceylon (India) around 527 A.D.

In 495A.D., a temple was built … this temple was the Shaolin Monastery located on Shaoshi Mountain, China.  In 527A.D, an Indian monk called Dal Ma (Korean pronunciation) arrived at Shaolin Temple to teach and spread his form of Buddhism.  Dal Ma developed the art of “Myun Byuk Cham Sun”, which is loosely translated as “Facing Wall Meditation”.  During his practice, he noticed the poor health of the monks as a result of extensive meditation practice.  To improve health he taught the monks “Yuk Geun Kyong”, which is an ancient Yoga art to promote health.  These meditation and exercise techniques evolved to what became referred to as the martial art of Shaolin. 

He spent much of his life at the Shaolin monastery and is credited as being the founder of the martial art of Chaolin Chuan. Dal Ma spread his form of Buddhism and developed a form of exercise called "Yak Geun Kyong." This exercise combines several techniques such as Ki Gong (breathing exercises), Yoga, and Myong Sang Bub (meditation exercises). Another form of exercise for health, Tui Na, developed around 2,700 years ago and is called "Do In An Gyo Sool" in Korean. This form of exercise is used to treat many physical disorders. In modern times, the techniques of martial arts (exercise) and medicine became separate. However, they come from one main source. This connection is the concept of Ki.

I have researched this area of natural healing and martial arts with the hope of bringing better healthcare techniques to this growing area of medicine. I have been very interested in the relationship between medicine and the martial arts. Since I came to the United States in 1981, I have continued to practice Eastern medicine and martial arts. Eastern medical techniques include Acupuncture, Acupressure, Martial Arts Healing Therapy and Herbology.

Many written documents exist to support the relationship between martial arts and Eastern medicine. These two major concepts have remained intertwined in a long practicing relationship.

Martial arts and medicine have been linked together since the first discovery of medicine in China, about five thousand years ago. Martial arts history can be traced back much further than medical techniques in Asia. However, written documents can trace martial art's history back only five thousands years in Asia. The same time span as Eastern medical techniques.

Martial arts and Eastern medicine study the concept of Ki. Ki is the prime concept for all health, healing and life in this universe. This concept became the basis for the development of Eastern medicine. It is a basic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of physical disorders. Furthermore this concept has influence in the prescription of herbs, acupressure and acupuncture.

Ki (Life Force or Vital Energy)

Martial arts and Eastern medicine are traditional healing techniques. They share the same mainstream which relies on Ki (Life Force or Vital Energy).

The view poiknt of Eastern pathology is based upon a principle of a continuous generation and flow of Ki. This life force permeates every cell and tissue. It flows along pathways known as Meridians. Although they are traceable on the skin, they do not correspond to the nerve lines used in modern medicine. It is a completely different perspective.

If the flow of Ki maintains a proper balance, then there is health. If the balance is disturbed to any degree, then seeds of illness will appear. Our body has teh ability to cure itself because many diseases are created by the body. Mental attitude is of the utmost importance to our health. Whatever we believe in our mind, our body will work toward that end - be it positive or negative.

Eastern Medical techniques involve the use of needles and moxa or herbs to help solve any physical problems. However, the cause of disease must be diagnosed in order to prevent further problems. Martial arts techniques are also used to help treat illness, improve Ki in the body, and promote general health. Specifically, these techniques include Martial Arts, Ki Gong (breathing exercises), Myong Sang Bub (meditation exercises) and other related martial arts exercises. Therefore, the basic concept of health is to improve and maintain our Ki. Many physical problems can be avoided through proper exercise, diet and the prevention of diseases and their development. The philosophy of Eastern Medicine is that if someone has good Ki, then they won't easily get sick.