Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization
少林希腊文化組织

In the continuous effort to promote the traditional Chinese culture [chin .: zhōngguó chuántǒng wénhuà 中国传统文化] and spread the Shaolin tradition [chin .: shàolín wénhuà 少林文化], the Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization in cooperation with Shaolin Cultural Center of Thessaloniki "True Way" held a workshop on "Chiropractic and Shaolin Internal Arts." The event was held at the club of Thessaloniki Shaolin Centre on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 with keynote speaker the chiropractor Dr. Christakopoulos Evangelos and coordinator master Vasilopoulos Ioannis.

The purpose of the workshop was to make correlation between the practice of osteopathy and Shaolin Internal Arts, such as Shaolin Qi Gong [chin .: qìgōng 气功] and Shaolin Rou Quan [chin .: Shàolín Róuquán Nèigōng 少林柔拳内功] the precursor of the widespread Taiji Quan [chin .: tàijí quán 太极拳].

Dr. Evangelos Christakopoulos, who is well known in Thessaloniki and has many years of experience, was welcomed by the master of the Center Vasilopoulos Ioannis and his students.

The workshop began with narrative audio-visual material on the principles of chiropractic, the function of the spine and the responsibility not only to support the human body but also the function of vital organs. It was explained how the modern lifestyle and the wrong posture have an effect on overall health and create the conditions for musculoskeletal discomfort, but could be addressed if the trainee attends chiropractic help and exercises Shaolin Arts.

Then Master of "True Way" made a brief reference to Traditional Chinese Medicine, giving figures for the corresponding method of osteopathy in China which is Tui Na [chin .: tūi ná, 推拿] and which is part of TCM indicating the 1000's of combinations of its therapeutic techniques [chin .: shǒu fǎ 手法].

He referred to the "four treasures of the Shaolin study" [chin .: Shàolín wénfángsìbǎo 少林文房四宝] with particular emphasis in Medicine [chin .: Yī 医]. He noticed the fact that eminent monks of Shaolin were doctors / therapists. He mentioned Monk Huiding [chin .: huìdìng 惠定] of the Yuan Dynasty [chin .: yuáncháo 元朝, 1271-1368], who was honored as the "Great Shaolin Physician " [chin .: shàolín shényī 少林神医] and wrote the "Essence of Shaolin Osteopathy" [chin .: shàolín gǔ kē zhǐ yào 少林骨科旨要] and "Drugs Manual of Medical Shaolin "[chin .: shàolín yījiā wánsàn yào pǔ 少林医家丸散药谱].

The Greek Master, at the closing of his speech, also mentioned the charismatic healers monks [chin .: yīsēng 医僧] such as Si Zhan Ju [chin .: Shì Zhànjǔ 释湛举 | 1776 ~ 1865 K.E.] who are responsible for the development of the ancient art of Rou Quan.

Then Dr. Christakopoulos had the opportunity to explain kinesiology exercises of Qi Gong and techniques of the first routine of Rou Quan, confirming that the internal arts of Shaolin, offer treatment and change the posture, mobilizing homeostatic mechanisms.

The very successful conference lasted several hours and ended with a barrage of questions to the expert, who did not hesitate to do some testing in and offer the familiar comforting crackle to those who did not hesitate to ask.

Then followed a light lunch and a discussion on the arts of Shaolin and the holistic approach to the arts, the use of healing herbs and the importance of nutrition and specific vegetarianism. Mr. Christakopoulos thanked the Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization and said he is pleased to repeat a similar initiative.