The below appeared in the Fall edition of the Qi Journal, as well as an article on my research.
Interview from the Qi Journal, with Dr. Peter Anthony (Tony) Gryffin, author of Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi” (available at your local bookstore, or online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BooksaMillion.com).
I began training 30 years ago in Yang style tai chi, as well as in forms of long fist and praying mantis kung fu. My primary teacher in tai chi was Master Duke YM Cheng, a third-generation teacher of these arts. The training I received through Sifu Cheng provided strong roots in the health and martial side of these arts, as well as in qigong and acupressure. My training in these areas have since been enhanced by many other teachers as well.
Aside from the above, I have also studied extensively elements of Zen (Chan) as related to mindfulness, as well as applications of sport and positive psychology, which was the focus of my Master’s degree. At Fullerton College I developed the curriculum for eight mind/body courses, which I taught for 10 years. When I saw the impact of my classes for cancer and health, as well as for dealing with addiction and trauma, I returned for my PhD in Health and Human Performance. I received the Alumni Fellowship at the University of Florida to study and better understand the theory and scientific side of mindful exercise.
I am currently contracted for “Mindful Exercise: Tai Chi for Mind, Body and Spirit.” The benefits of mindful exercise for psychological health are tremendous, and can be enhanced by incorporating Western elements of psychology. The book will also address the full spectrum of health for the body, in addition to Metarobic benefits, as well as the benefits of a mindful practice for enhancing an understanding of spirit. I also have a unique book in the works which presents mind/body training in an experiential way, which is part fiction and part workbook.
Over a period of several years, I had three students with cancer who took my tai chi class at Fullerton College. All three experienced significant effects on their cancer, described in my book. One had been given three weeks to live, and tai chi made a huge impact in her health. Like many tai chi teachers, I attributed benefits to qi. But I also began to wonder if there was some measurable physiological effect which might be having an effect on cancer. Upon researching cancer, I found that hypoxia (oxygen deficiency in the tissues) complicates cancer treatment, and also underlies or complicates a wide range of chronic conditions, including heart, lung and kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, immunity, chronic pain, thyroid conditions and more.
Since most Chinese/English dictionaries define qi as “air,” I began looking into how tai chi might impact and maximize oxygen in the body. Since these exercises are performed slowly, sometimes in stationary poses, I coined the word Metarobics as a term to fit within aerobic and anaerobic forms of exercise, due to effects on oxygen metabolism. Metarobic exercises have unique measurable effects on enhanced blood oxygen saturation and diffusion, which can impact hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency. Since Traditional Chinese Medicine tends to focus on the energy aspect of qi, and current scientific studies focus on the benefits of tai chi, it seemed important to write a book which documented how mindful exercises benefit health from a measurable physiological perspective.
Understanding how and why mindful exercises such as tai chi can benefit cancer is the first step. The experiences of my students stressed the need to also consider how often these exercises need to be practiced, as well as for how long, what I call “dosage.” For people in good health, Metarobic exercises can maximize health and longevity (particularly through potential effects on telomeres and chromosomes). For people with severe or life-threatening conditions, a Metarobic approach to mindful exercise gives one more avenue of hope, and a way to maximize this hope. My goal is for people with chronic conditions to be able to use mindful exercise as a specific treatment, rather than through trial and error.
This is an area in need of further research. Current studies on tai chi tend to have patients learning tai chi two or three times a week, for an hour or so. As I mentioned earlier, dosage, or the amount of time practicing these exercises, is an important consideration. I have collected over 50 case stories of people who feel that tai chi made a major difference in their cancer, some who had been given only two to three weeks to live. One of the goals of my work is to determine exact effects of varying dosage on cancer and other conditions, as well as the most effective format. I have used Metarobic theory to enhance benefits of tai chi for my own peripheral neuropathy, to the point that the pain is gone, and all numbness has cleared up. Preliminary work done at Purdue University has shown that increasing oxygen diffusion in hypoxic areas can have a significant effect on tumors. This is the basis of Metarobics.
Tai chi originated as a martial art, with the idea that moving slowly would increase body coordination, sensitivity, and power. Relaxing and moving slowly with a focus on the breath is also good for your health, similar to qigong (breathing exercises). But some styles of tai chi emphasize faster paces and sections, as well as other elements, which can reduce the effectiveness of tai chi for health. It is still good for you, but the health benefits may not be maximized. All forms of tai chi have health benefits to some degree, but my research indicates that benefits for chronic conditions may be enhanced by a Metarobic approach. The traditional formats are still valuable with many benefits for the body and mind. A user friendly Metarobic approach can be a good doorway to more traditional formats.
Tai chi is often considered a form of qigong (breathing exercise), particularly when the focus is on the breath and relaxation. Most qigong is stationary, and performed in place, much like yoga. Indeed, some call qigong Chinese yoga. Since many forms and aspects of yoga also focus on relaxation and the breath, those formats can also result in a Metarobic response. Any exercise with an aspect of relaxation and abdominal breathing may have Metarobic effects. This may come to include walking, since there is some debate as to whether or not walking should be considered an aerobic exercise, unless done at an accelerated rate.
Traditional formats generally have a long learning curve, to be able to practice tai chi as a martial art. By focusing on the health aspects of tai chi, the Metarobic effects, you can follow individual repeated movements, much like you would follow an instructor in an aerobics class. I lay a foundation of movement as a base, which allows easy incorporation of hand movements. It is much like an aerobics class, but even easier, since movements are performed slowly. I have led groups of over 100 people in instant practice of the 24 tai chi short form, using the Metarobic approach.
From various interviews and focus group studies, the greatest barrier identified is that people do not understand how moving slowly can benefit your health. As one focus group participant said, “people see us and think we are waving our hands around for no reason.” Then there is also the long learning curve traditional to tai chi. Metarobic theory addresses these issues – it explains how and why these exercises benefit health, and removes the learning curve. The Metarobic approach allows instant practice of tai chi for health, while laying a foundation of interest for life-long learning of traditional formats.
Before Dr. Cooper wrote his book Aerobics, documenting his research, relatively few people ran, biked, or swam for health. An aerobic understanding was necessary for the tremendous growth of these exercises. Currently, only a small portion of our society practices tai chi and qigong. It is my hope that Metarobics will result in a boom in these exercises, the way aerobics did with running and related exercises. Deaths from heart disease dropped 25% since the publication of Aerobics 50 years ago. A Metarobic understanding could have a similar impact on an even wider range of health conditions, by creating wider interest in mindful exercise.
I am currently working on a book which details many benefits as a mindfulness-based practice. As a form of moving meditation, tai chi can enhance mental health, reduce stress, and can be used to deal with addiction, trauma, and many other areas, for creating optimal psychological health. As for physical benefits, the Metarobic response for health and chronic conditions is but one factor. Tai chi is also fantastic for balance, and for developing back, leg, and knee strength, as well as for reducing or eliminating problems in these areas, particularly related to structural alignment.
Aside from my book “Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi,” people are encouraged to visit the resources available on the Metarobic Institute website (), as well as “Liking” the for regular posts and information. Dr. Gryffin is available for presentations, talks, and workshops on his work. This includes maximizing health benefits for health and chronic conditions, learning tai chi and qigong as a Metarobic and mindful practice, and how to adapt traditional formats to enhance health benefits based on current research. He can be contacted at [email protected]
Interview from the Qi Journal, with Dr. Peter Anthony (Tony) Gryffin, author of Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi” (available at your local bookstore, or online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BooksaMillion.com).
- What is your education and background in this area?
I began training 30 years ago in Yang style tai chi, as well as in forms of long fist and praying mantis kung fu. My primary teacher in tai chi was Master Duke YM Cheng, a third-generation teacher of these arts. The training I received through Sifu Cheng provided strong roots in the health and martial side of these arts, as well as in qigong and acupressure. My training in these areas have since been enhanced by many other teachers as well.
Aside from the above, I have also studied extensively elements of Zen (Chan) as related to mindfulness, as well as applications of sport and positive psychology, which was the focus of my Master’s degree. At Fullerton College I developed the curriculum for eight mind/body courses, which I taught for 10 years. When I saw the impact of my classes for cancer and health, as well as for dealing with addiction and trauma, I returned for my PhD in Health and Human Performance. I received the Alumni Fellowship at the University of Florida to study and better understand the theory and scientific side of mindful exercise.
- What are your future writing projects?
I am currently contracted for “Mindful Exercise: Tai Chi for Mind, Body and Spirit.” The benefits of mindful exercise for psychological health are tremendous, and can be enhanced by incorporating Western elements of psychology. The book will also address the full spectrum of health for the body, in addition to Metarobic benefits, as well as the benefits of a mindful practice for enhancing an understanding of spirit. I also have a unique book in the works which presents mind/body training in an experiential way, which is part fiction and part workbook.
- What brought you to write Mindful Exercise?
Over a period of several years, I had three students with cancer who took my tai chi class at Fullerton College. All three experienced significant effects on their cancer, described in my book. One had been given three weeks to live, and tai chi made a huge impact in her health. Like many tai chi teachers, I attributed benefits to qi. But I also began to wonder if there was some measurable physiological effect which might be having an effect on cancer. Upon researching cancer, I found that hypoxia (oxygen deficiency in the tissues) complicates cancer treatment, and also underlies or complicates a wide range of chronic conditions, including heart, lung and kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, immunity, chronic pain, thyroid conditions and more.
Since most Chinese/English dictionaries define qi as “air,” I began looking into how tai chi might impact and maximize oxygen in the body. Since these exercises are performed slowly, sometimes in stationary poses, I coined the word Metarobics as a term to fit within aerobic and anaerobic forms of exercise, due to effects on oxygen metabolism. Metarobic exercises have unique measurable effects on enhanced blood oxygen saturation and diffusion, which can impact hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency. Since Traditional Chinese Medicine tends to focus on the energy aspect of qi, and current scientific studies focus on the benefits of tai chi, it seemed important to write a book which documented how mindful exercises benefit health from a measurable physiological perspective.
- Your book mentions that you started looking into this area, due to three of your students with cancer. How does this relate to their experiences?
Understanding how and why mindful exercises such as tai chi can benefit cancer is the first step. The experiences of my students stressed the need to also consider how often these exercises need to be practiced, as well as for how long, what I call “dosage.” For people in good health, Metarobic exercises can maximize health and longevity (particularly through potential effects on telomeres and chromosomes). For people with severe or life-threatening conditions, a Metarobic approach to mindful exercise gives one more avenue of hope, and a way to maximize this hope. My goal is for people with chronic conditions to be able to use mindful exercise as a specific treatment, rather than through trial and error.
- Can tai chi really cure cancer?
This is an area in need of further research. Current studies on tai chi tend to have patients learning tai chi two or three times a week, for an hour or so. As I mentioned earlier, dosage, or the amount of time practicing these exercises, is an important consideration. I have collected over 50 case stories of people who feel that tai chi made a major difference in their cancer, some who had been given only two to three weeks to live. One of the goals of my work is to determine exact effects of varying dosage on cancer and other conditions, as well as the most effective format. I have used Metarobic theory to enhance benefits of tai chi for my own peripheral neuropathy, to the point that the pain is gone, and all numbness has cleared up. Preliminary work done at Purdue University has shown that increasing oxygen diffusion in hypoxic areas can have a significant effect on tumors. This is the basis of Metarobics.
- How does a Metarobic approach relate to the different styles of tai chi?
Tai chi originated as a martial art, with the idea that moving slowly would increase body coordination, sensitivity, and power. Relaxing and moving slowly with a focus on the breath is also good for your health, similar to qigong (breathing exercises). But some styles of tai chi emphasize faster paces and sections, as well as other elements, which can reduce the effectiveness of tai chi for health. It is still good for you, but the health benefits may not be maximized. All forms of tai chi have health benefits to some degree, but my research indicates that benefits for chronic conditions may be enhanced by a Metarobic approach. The traditional formats are still valuable with many benefits for the body and mind. A user friendly Metarobic approach can be a good doorway to more traditional formats.
- How does Metarobics relate to other mind/body practices, such as qigong and yoga?
Tai chi is often considered a form of qigong (breathing exercise), particularly when the focus is on the breath and relaxation. Most qigong is stationary, and performed in place, much like yoga. Indeed, some call qigong Chinese yoga. Since many forms and aspects of yoga also focus on relaxation and the breath, those formats can also result in a Metarobic response. Any exercise with an aspect of relaxation and abdominal breathing may have Metarobic effects. This may come to include walking, since there is some debate as to whether or not walking should be considered an aerobic exercise, unless done at an accelerated rate.
- You state that a Metarobic approach can allow instant practice of tai chi. How does a Metarobic approach make tai chi a more user-friendly exercise?
Traditional formats generally have a long learning curve, to be able to practice tai chi as a martial art. By focusing on the health aspects of tai chi, the Metarobic effects, you can follow individual repeated movements, much like you would follow an instructor in an aerobics class. I lay a foundation of movement as a base, which allows easy incorporation of hand movements. It is much like an aerobics class, but even easier, since movements are performed slowly. I have led groups of over 100 people in instant practice of the 24 tai chi short form, using the Metarobic approach.
- What do you see as the primary barrier to promoting tai chi for health?
From various interviews and focus group studies, the greatest barrier identified is that people do not understand how moving slowly can benefit your health. As one focus group participant said, “people see us and think we are waving our hands around for no reason.” Then there is also the long learning curve traditional to tai chi. Metarobic theory addresses these issues – it explains how and why these exercises benefit health, and removes the learning curve. The Metarobic approach allows instant practice of tai chi for health, while laying a foundation of interest for life-long learning of traditional formats.
- Why do you think a Metarobic approach is important?
Before Dr. Cooper wrote his book Aerobics, documenting his research, relatively few people ran, biked, or swam for health. An aerobic understanding was necessary for the tremendous growth of these exercises. Currently, only a small portion of our society practices tai chi and qigong. It is my hope that Metarobics will result in a boom in these exercises, the way aerobics did with running and related exercises. Deaths from heart disease dropped 25% since the publication of Aerobics 50 years ago. A Metarobic understanding could have a similar impact on an even wider range of health conditions, by creating wider interest in mindful exercise.
- Are there other areas which tai chi benefits other than Metarobic effects?
I am currently working on a book which details many benefits as a mindfulness-based practice. As a form of moving meditation, tai chi can enhance mental health, reduce stress, and can be used to deal with addiction, trauma, and many other areas, for creating optimal psychological health. As for physical benefits, the Metarobic response for health and chronic conditions is but one factor. Tai chi is also fantastic for balance, and for developing back, leg, and knee strength, as well as for reducing or eliminating problems in these areas, particularly related to structural alignment.
- Where can people go for more information on applying and using Metarobic theory to enhance their teaching or practice of tai chi for health?
Aside from my book “Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi,” people are encouraged to visit the resources available on the Metarobic Institute website (), as well as “Liking” the for regular posts and information. Dr. Gryffin is available for presentations, talks, and workshops on his work. This includes maximizing health benefits for health and chronic conditions, learning tai chi and qigong as a Metarobic and mindful practice, and how to adapt traditional formats to enhance health benefits based on current research. He can be contacted at [email protected]
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