The mind, body and spirit co-existing in harmony is at the root of traditional Oriental philosophy on health and fitness.

"The over-riding idea is balance and harmony,'' said Bermudian-born martial arts expert and Oriental medical student Reginald "Jinseng'' Cann.

Mr. Cann returned home last week to host a series of special summer intensive workshops on martial arts and Oriental healing.

"I'm trying to educate the public about the alternative ways of empowering themselves in natural ways,'' he said. "It is important to empower people to have some responsibility for their health and well being.

"It gives me joy to see people who had health problems feel better.'' Mr. Cann, currently completing his Oriental medical internship at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in California, said his craft was increasingly becoming accepted by the medical community.

"In the US, Oriental medicine is becoming more mainstream,'' he explained.

"Both are now working together, side-by-side.'' Mr. Cann, who also possesses a computer and laboratory science degree, said the two medical styles differed in the way they approached healing the body.

"We depend more on breathing and observatory skills than Western medicine,'' he explained. "We see the body as a whole. But Western medicine is starting to accept the fact that the body is a whole and that the physical, spiritual and things like stress all factor into the equation.'' But he was quick to point out that Oriental healing was not a replacement for Western medicine.

"It's important to know that this is not a substitute for Western medicine,'' he said. "The two can work together side-by-side.'' Although martial arts, like karate, has been popular for years, Eastern medicine, therapy and internal martial arts are steadily becoming more accepted in the more literally-minded West.

But Mr. Cann said that many of the people getting involved with Oriental health and fitness did not understand their true essence.

"The popularity and familiarity is increasing but many people do not understand the internal aspects of, for example, Tai-Chi,'' he said. "They just learn the movements not the essence, the breathing or the energy pathways of Tai-Chi. Therefore they do not get the full benefits and develop what we call empty Tai-Chi.'' Mr. Cann said individuals should take what they learn and apply it to their everyday life.

"With internal martial arts practices you should get to know your own body, for example where your internal organs are and how they work.

"You should learn how to use your own body that, for example, how you sit in a chair has an effect on your health. Over time, strain is created on the body by not sitting properly in a chair. If you are hunched over you are restricting the lungs.'' And Mr. Cann said that attitude also plays an important part in a person's well-being.

"Being child-like is very important,'' he said. "The spirit of a child is free and as adults we tend to become very restricted and serious. I'm not saying to be childish but child-like and playful.'' Mr. Cann, who has been involved in martial arts and healing for about 20 years, said he developed an interest in the East at a young age.

"When I was young I liked Oriental music and art, I found it very peaceful, but I didn't know why I had an affinity for it.'' he said. "Anyone who knew me as a youngster would not be surprised at the direction my life has taken.'' The Somerset native became involved in martial arts at an early age, leading him on a journey to discover the world of internal martial arts and healing.

"I have always been interested in Eastern philosophy,'' he added. "It was a natural progression to move from martial arts to martial healing.

"In a lot of martial arts schools the master can show you how to defend and fight but cannot show you how to fix yourself. They should do both.

"That's one of the things I'm trying to advocate in these workshops, that it is a good idea to start considering some internal martial arts,'' he added.

"If people only stay with martial arts, as they get older, the wear and tear will take a toll on the body.

"Internal martial arts nourishes from within.'' Mr. Cann's special summer intensive workshops include a special Tai-Ji class -- Push Hands -- this evening and Thursday, August 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. and a Power Training Qi Gong workshop on August 25 from 6 to 9.15 p.m.

He said the special Tibetan Vitality exercises class, on August 27 from 6 to 8.30 p.m., produced such an effect on the body that the participant "becomes younger''.

And in the special Chi Self-Massage class, Mr. Cann said he will teach participants various healing sounds, how to do acupressure on themselves and how to massage their stomach in such a way as to help them digest food.

Private lesson are also available and those interested in Oriental therapy, like acupressure, can book a session with Mr. Cann until September 6.

Mr. Cann has studied his craft all over the Orient with some of the preeminent individuals in the field.

"I have studied in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand,'' he recalled. "I have been fortunate to study with some of the foremost masters.'' And he has shared his vast knowledge of the subject with not only Bermudians but those in the East, teaching at the Xian College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China.

Once his studies in California are completed, Mr. Cann said he plans to return to Bermuda and focus on his business called Cann's Oriental Healing Arts.

"In August 1999 I will graduate,'' he said. "I will then sit the state medical exams and then I hope to return to Bermuda full time.'' Currently, Mr. Cann returns to the Island three times a year to keep an eye on his business -- Cann's Oriental Healing Arts.

All of the workshops, except the Oriental therapy class which will be held at the International Centre in Hamilton, will take place at Jackson School of Dance.

The workshops range in price between $35 to $45, with discounts for who pay before their class. Oriental therapy costs $75 for regular clients and $85 for new clients.

For more information on the workshops 295-8643.