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The Qi of Carnaval
I'm not sure I believe in reincarnation, but if reincarnation exists I must have been a Brazilian in a past. life. This might come as a shock to some of my relatives—but all I know is that there is something about the samba rhythm that resonates with me.
Ever since I moved to The City I've been a big fan of Carnaval. To me, it embodies much of what makes San Francisco the special place that it is—the beauty, the diversity, the tolerance.
Carnaval is the largest multicultural celebration west of the Mississippi, second in the nation only to Mardi Gras. San Franciscans with roots across the whole of the Americas and beyond come to share their heritage and culture in one of the most vibrant events going. The costumes, music and spirit are something I look forward to each Memorial Day weekend.
Most years when I attend I am merely a happy spectator, soaking up the good vibes. That was my intention again this year. But as fate would have it, I ended up being invited to participate with some drummers I had the pleasure of playing with a dozen years ago. I could hardly pass up the opportunity. When I was chatting with my patients on the day before the parade and told them I would be attending, I had no idea that I'd end up marching down Mission Street tapping out samba beats and shaking my derriere.
I know a few of my patients were in attendance. I wonder if any recognized the pale percussionist as their practitioner?
By now you might be saying, "that's very nice but what does Carnaval have to do with Chinese medicine?" And I would have to say, "It's all about the Qi."
Qi in Chinese medicine is the life force, the fundamental energy that makes us alive. Chinese medicine teaches that when the Qi is deficient, excess or stuck, problems arise and our health suffers. Chinese medicine is about preserving and enhancing life.
There is no greater way to keep our Qi flowing smoothly than to move our bodies. Whether it's dancing or doing Tai Chi the body needs to be in motion and to explore the range of motion.
Carnaval is a celebration of life, in all its diversity, colors, and flavors. It's an opportunity to reconnect with the universal force of life that is as old as the planet. I consider myself lucky to live in a place where I can "recharge my batteries" and add my Qi to the rich melting pot that is San Francisco.
© 2010 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
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