Knee problems? Watch a toddler!
It is so much fun to watch toddlers learning to walk. One minute the feet are turned in, the next they are turned out. Or they are walking on their toes! But finally they settle into it and off they run! One thing that is consistent though is the slightly bent knees, with a bounce in each step, always relaxed. When they want to sit, they will often squat, completely at ease, with no need for a chair. And if they do fall, they don’t get hurt. But then those toddlers become adults and the knee problems begin: no longer at play, sitting stiffly at computers, slouching in front of TV, pacing up and down stressed out from work, forgetting how to relax. Aches and pains, inflammation, arthritis, injuries to ligaments, tendons, cartilage……
The first knee arthroplasty (knee replacement surgery) was performed in 1968. About 1 million are now performed each year in the world, and half of them are in the US alone. So what are we doing that is creating such a need? Have you ever thought about exactly what job your knees perform? Well, they bend and straighten when we need them to. If we want to walk, run, jog, skip, hop,climb, swim, dance, turn, stand up, sit down, squat, our knees have to move. No wonder they can cause a lot of problems, especially as our body ages. Although replacement surgery is common and in the main successful, there are certain risk factors involved, such as being under 55 years of age,being male, obesity and already having osteoarthritis, infection or other illnesses.
In Oriental medicine knee problems are often seen as low energy in the kidneys and liver. Herbal remedies and acupuncture will help bring the organs back into balance and taijiquan will help strengthen the knees and improve flexibility. The gentle movements of tai chi encourage a relaxed body with all joints unlocked. Knees are bent slightly, never completely straight. This gives a springiness to the legs allowing the center of gravity to sink downwards and bring strength, fluidity and nimbleness to the legs. So next time you feel a twinge in your knee, try walking like a toddler!
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