My chi kung story and questions

[BradMac]

Hello everyone.

This post is going to be very long so I would be grateful for someone to read it.

I am going to describe my situation in depth for more precise answers and understanding, so thank you to anyone who reads it My name is Brad and I live in the bay area, Ca. I was first introduced to meditation by my father who told me to buy a book. I practiced half heartedly for a while and gave it up. I then began interest in asian arts. Without any knowledge of chi kung, I bought a tape called falun gong and practiced it on and off for around 6 months. Well, i didn't practice it correctly and practiced it under the influence at times as well. I must have done everything wrong in the chi kung book, before learning more about it. At first I had no real troubles with the chi kung and even felt good. But mixing it with drugs was terrible, and practicing things recklessly was wrong too. I didn't know (and still hardly know) anything about true kung fu and chi kung, and learned stuff from kung fu movies. I would bang my arms on metal poles and cement poles thinking I was doing "good training". Well, in addition to all this, my older brother (father figure, since parents were divorced) was a gang member and repeatedly lost his mind and was suicidal quite a few times. As well I was shipped to the mountains by my mom during the summer of my junior year after a fight with some gang members. It was heart shattering, on top of all the drama gone through with my brother, to not finish senior year with all my friends and teamates (football and baseball). It was during the mountains that I started Falun Gong. Well, the drugs, drama, and chi kung created a terrible situation for me. I was not level headed at all. I read Master Wong's books on shaolin kung fu and Questions and answers and felt very fearful. Such words as "Serious Internal Damage" jumped out of the page like a wild tiger. I had never known one could seriously hurt themselves through wrong chi kung practice. The next year and a half were sooooo bad. Mental problems were faced as well as serious physical problems such as hyperventalating. Insomnia, anxiety, sucidal thoughts, depression, lack of confidence, maybe even mild schizophrenia along with constant fear made life quite miserable. Well I quit all drugs, gangs, bad living, chi kung (mostly though i tried a few here and there) and started doing stretches from Ohashi's book of oriental diagnosis to help regulate the meridians. I found the stretches helped even if they were just a placebo (which I don't think they were). I started getting much better due to lifestyle chang and started learning about all kinds of healing modalities (out of need for healing... lol..). I found a shaman in california who performed a shamanic healing for me and found myself getting better and better and better. I also read some books on the power of positive thinking and especially books by Dr. Serge King on the use of the mind for good health. I now (2 and a half years after starting falun gong) Feel like a million bucks compared to what i was like a year ago, but still can get much better I know. I am working and going to school and actually have learned a whole lot from this whole experience and am not completely regretful for what I had done to myself. I am hoping to find a good acupuncturist/t.c.m. doctor to go to for further health treatments. My life is much more wholesome and positive than it was before I even started abusing drugs some 3-4 years ago! And for this I am grateful. So, luckily, I have come out on top, but I still have alot of fear, and many questions, regarding chi kung that, if answered, I feel would benefit many people. So Thanks for reading this far and here are the questions!

1. What are the safest/lowest risk methods of chi kung/internal exercises. Which can be learned from books. In regards to this question I will bring up Dr. Stephen T. Changs book "The Complete System of Self Healing - Internal Exercises" I mention this book because his other book, "The Complete Book of Acupuncture" is a standard text book for many T.C.M. schools. In his internal exercises book he gives many exercises, including advanced ones. I am curious if the lower/intermediate exercises are safe to practice while learned from a book. Such exercises as rubbing your arms and legs along meridian paths, clicking the teeth, swishing saliva and swallowing, heating and massaging the kidneys with your hands, tightening the abdomen while exhaling to loose excess weight, circular rubbing the abdomen and other such lower level exercises.

2. Is acupressure a form of Chi Kung, and what, if any, dangers or risks are involved in practicing acupressure? Can certain acupressure teqniques be learned from a book?

3. Does everyone's energetic/chi makeup follow set principles and patterns (such as how everyone's body's have set principles and patterns within the bone structure, organ makeup, nervous system etc.) What books or references are recommend that explain this energetic makeup. Basically are the principles in Chi Kung universal amongst all humans (for the most part), or are they a set of patterns to be developed and someone didn't know anything of them would they not have dan tians, and meridians?

4. What is the difference between chakras and dan tians? Which system is correct, the hindu or the chinese (nadi's and chakras vs. meridians and dan tians), or are they very similar? I feel these questions, if answered, could unify a universal human energetic make up that may one day be adopted by western medicine to help all humans around the world heal much easier, though I know this is a very lofty thought/hope.

5. What are the internal "happenings" that cause internal damage from qigong (we talking blockages of chi, popped blood vessels, ulcers?? etc.)? How does one correct this?

6. How does chi kung and acupuncture relate to ones own beliefs? If someone does not believe in chi kung or acupuncture, will it still have an effect on them? I have some personal experience related to this. I have noticed that the only time i fear chi kung damage has been done to me is when I THINK ABOUT IT! whenever I don't think about chi kung damage, it is as if I do not have any! but when i start thinking about it, then I feel some fear come along, maybe a bit floaty, and maybe even create some damage. It is only a theory, and I am not speaking of ultimadoms (spelling??) but i certainly have noticed the difference between thinking of chi kung damage and thinking keeping my mind on something totally nuetral like pizza or sports. Also, In Dr. Kings books (i am not quoting, but only recounting what i remember) I remember him saying all organic disorders are the physical manifestation of long term tension. And he states that all tension can be corrected by changing the beliefs/thinking patterns that created the tension. Now this is where it gets interesting. In Dr. Stephen T. Changs book of internal healing he mentions that the daoists didn't worry much about psycological problems saying that correcting the Chi flow will correct the psycological problem!! So according to both of them, tension = disturbed chi flow and to remove tension/disturbed chi flow = GREAT HEALTH! I know i don't know much about this, but this makes some sense to me. So, recap, How do beliefs/thinking relate to the power of chi kung/acupuncture working?

7. Can certain forms of qigong Cure (instead of reate) mental illness such as schiztophrenia, depression, and anxiety? If so, which ones help, and could mental hospitals use chi kung to save lives of those suffering on drugs and meds? I actually learned that certain shamanic healing methods can cure schiztophrenia, without meds or drugs.

8. I've heard that stretching can help balance meridians and chi. I read this in Ohashi's book of oriental diagnosis. Is this true, and is this why many western athletes and fitness practitioners ensure good health, sound mind, and long life even though they do not practice internal exercises such as qigong?

9. In B.K. Frantzis book "Opening the Energy Gates" or something like that, he says all the exercises in his book are the safest methods with the lowest risk. He gives a form of Zhang Zhuan or standing meditation as his first exercise, in a set that builds on previous chi kung exercises. He says to practice these in a sequence; in their correct order. Well a few exercises later he gives a torso twisting exercise that is found in SO many regular physical fitness/martial arts regimins. I was surprised because, according to his book, this exercise isn't supposed to be practiced until learining a Zhang Zhuan and others first. I was further surprised when I remembered Sifu Wong's book on shaolin kung fu, stating zhang zhuan was a very powerful exercise (and i believe he said it could cause internal damage) and here is master B.K. Frantzis giving it in a book as the first practice! EVEN MORE SURPRISING is when i read Dr. Stephen T. Changs book on internal self healing speaking on focusing the mind on the dan tians, saying that, and here i will quote, (about focusing the mind on one of the dan tians) "once you are able to feel heat, discontinue and forget the exercise. You have succeeded in accomplishing this difficult exercise, and you may apply your concentrative abilities to other areas of your life." - jog along further down the page- "But once you feel that heat, you should forget about the exercise. Continuing to do the exercise to experience the sensations can cause serious damages." Wow. Reading Sifu's Book on Shaolin Kung Fu, on zhang zhuan, he says to stand in horse stance and FOCUS THE MIND ON THE LOWER DAN TIAN (maybe not in those words). These are three very reputable chi kung masters with, what seems to me, three conflicting ideas. Who am I supposed to believe? Or am I looking at the situation wrong? Any clarification or advice would be greatly appreciated.

10. What are some examples of things people do naturally that balance, center, ground, and or strengthen chi flow? (swimming, walking on the beach, eating fresh fruits, hiking in nature, prayer etc.) To what extent can these types of things do in place of chi kung? What effect do they have on the energetic makeup? I don't believe jesus formally mentioned chi kung teqniques, yet reached a very high level of spirituality due to good morals and actions, or at least i think. This may be an example, good morals and actions, of things to do to help chi flow.

Well, I have given up on kung fu and chi kung -for now, until i learn more about it- because i feel its too dangerous and do not want to suffer from "serious damages" or "disintegrate into evil". I have chosen good ol' western boxing, diet, exercise, and positive thinking for now and hopefully acupuncture and herbs in the future. I would love some clarification on this subject but I, personally, am fine if I get none. I am more concerned with the american public getting answers to these questions, especially chi kung and martial arts practicioners. I just hope that someday there will be some qualified chi kung masters in the united states that form a clinic or something for those with chi kung "deviations", as for guys like us who know only what we read on the video tape, we have no chi kung masters to go to. And this is very disheartening. I also hope that someone will come up and put an end to all these chi kung/tai chi tapes and books that can so easily be bought and practiced without ever knowing how dangerous they can be. Maybe an episode on larry king live or 60 minutes talking of the responsibilities people need to take before buying one of these books or tapes. I had a book by mantak chia a while ago and gave it to my tae kwon do buddy in exchange for a pocket bible. This was before I knew of the powers of chi kung. The next time i saw him was in the psych ward at sequia hospital and i learned he had a history of mental illness. I am afraid the teqniques in the book elevated his previous problem. I have not heard from him since that time (couple days interval). I'm beginning to think that maybe lots of this stuff should have been kept secret, like they sometimes do in the movies. I know that there is much more good that comes from chi kung, but at the same time I wonder if it is worth it, considering the risks involved.

If anyone wants to help, I would be grateful to team up with some chi kung teachers to help spread the word of safety and understanding regarding chi kung amongst westerners. I have done advertising before and I actually have good communication skills now that I am healthy. I also know quite a lot of people in the bay area and would be willing to WORK to get something going. If anyone is interested let me know.

[Andrew]

That's a heck of a first post Brad. Just for reference, it would be much easier to handle your questions if each one were in a new thread (or at least broken up into a number of threads where the relevant questions are grouped).

But as you have spent so much time and thought to present yourself and your questions, I will try to offer some answers.

1. What are the safest/lowest risk methods of chi kung/internal exercises.

I would seriously suggest "Lifting the Sky" as described in Sifu Wong's books. It is extremely safe and has probably the largest tolerance for incorrect form of any of the exercises I know. Obviously I cannot speak for other systems, but I can vouch for the quality of this very "simple" exercise both from my personal experience and from the experience of my students and others here.

Of course if you want the absolute safest/lowest risk method, you should learn from a true Master. So my first answer relates to the necessity for book learning (at least initially).

2. Is acupressure a form of Chi Kung, and what, if any, dangers or risks are involved in practicing acupressure? Can certain acupressure teqniques be learned from a book?

Chi Kung means "energy work". Acupressure is a way of manipulating energy flow by means of applying gentle pressure at certain points on the body. In this respect, you could say that acupressure is a form of Chi Kung. On the other hand, Chi Kung is mostly considered a system of exercises for enhancing energy flow. From this point of view, acupressure is not a form of Chi Kung. Sorry if this seems confusing.

As far as book learning of acupressure is concerned, I would say (from limited experience), it is similar to Chi Kung. If you are satisfied with a low level and follow the instructions given to the best of your ability without adding, removing or modifying anything, then book learning could be ok.

3. Does everyone's energetic/chi makeup follow set principles and patterns ...... What books or references are recommend that explain this energetic makeup.

If I understand your question correctly, then yes. And I would recommend Sifu's book "The Complete Book of Chinese Medicine" as an excellent reference. Some others here with more specific training in Chinese Medical systems may be able to suggest some others.

4. What is the difference between chakras and dan tians? Which system is correct, the hindu or the chinese, or are they very similar?

You will find question and answer 8 of this series from Sifu interesting.

5. What are the internal "happenings" that cause internal damage from qigong (we talking blockages of chi, popped blood vessels, ulcers?? etc.)? How does one correct this?

I'm not sure I really understand your question here.

6. How does chi kung and acupuncture relate to ones own beliefs? If someone does not believe in chi kung or acupuncture, will it still have an effect on them?

This was actually part of a recent discussion here. The mind is extremely powerful and will always play a part in any process. If you do not believe in (or at least have an HONESTLY open mind towards) any technique, your results will likely be reduced accordingly. This may be even more so in systems like Chi Kung, Yoga, etc. where the state of mind is key.

7. Can certain forms of qigong Cure (instead of reate) mental illness such as schiztophrenia, depression, and anxiety? If so, which ones help, and could mental hospitals use chi kung to save lives of those suffering on drugs and meds?

Yes, any high level system can do so. You will find many here who have successfully cured themselves using Shaolin Cosmos Chi Kung taught by Shaolin Wahnam.

8. I've heard that stretching can help balance meridians and chi. .... Is this true, and is this why many western athletes and fitness practitioners ensure good health, sound mind, and long life even though they do not practice internal exercises such as qigong?

Stretching in certain ways can indeed help balance meridians. Tui Na - the Chinese Art of Massage - uses such techniques to great effect as a form of treatment. I would, though, say that the majority of western athletes are not healthy as we would understand it. And many top athletes do not live long, healthy lives.

9..........

Long question. Short answer. Follow the instructions to the best of your ability. It is best not to try and follow book learning from differing systems at once as they may contradict each other. This is not uncommon and they are many reasons for the differences. Of course, if you learn personally from a Master or competent instructor, these types of questions will likely not arise.

10. What are some examples of things people do naturally that balance, center, ground, and or strengthen chi flow?

Sleep. Smile. Enjoy life without excess. This is by no means equivalent to nor a replacement for high level Chi Kung practice. There are some people who have special natural abilities and practice a form of Chi Kung without actually formally doing so. Children, for example, are natural Chi Kung talents.

Time for some work now.

Andrew

[MoMoJuice]

Welcome!

Hello BradMac, Welcome to the forum

First let me say that your post is very elegant, well thought out and organized, I enjoyed reading it and actually it seemed short Without even meeting you a few years ago, I could tell you from your post that you did improve tremendously. Thank you for having the courage and wisdom to post here and share your experiences with us. I’m sure you’ll be getting many good replies from the people on the WahNam forum.

I was first introduced to meditation by my father who told me to buy a book. I practiced half heartedly for a while and gave it up. I then began interest in asian arts. Without any knowledge of chi kung, I bought a tape called falun gong and practiced it on and off for around 6 months. Well, i didn't practice it correctly and practiced it under the influence at times as well. I must have done everything wrong in the chi kung book, before learning more about it.

It’s a mistake for people who have no prior experience to start learning Chi Kung and/or Meditation from a book or a video. The person would usually end up wasting his time, having minimal or no benefit at all, and in some cases even causing internal injury and other problems. Some types of Chi Kung are safe to learn from a book, the most important part is to folow the instructions as best as you can, but the benefits would still be much better when learning from a Master. In general, Chi Kung and Meditation, especially high level types, are best learned first from a Master or at least a competent instructor. The difference between learning from a true Master or a book, has to be experienced to be believed. Hopefully you will have that chance someday

I read Master Wong's books on shaolin kung fu and Questions and answers and felt very fearful. Such words as "Serious Internal Damage" jumped out of the page like a wild tiger. I had never known one could seriously hurt themselves through wrong chi kung practice.

Sifu’s warnings are not meant to scare people away, people who practice wrongly could develop Internal Damage. Though it is usually gradual and sometimes is not noticed by the practitioner. Serious Internal Damage could develop from people who persist in their incorrect practice, even though they may have started feeling that something is wrong.

Chi Kung is actually very safe to practice, after having been “initiated” and learning from a good teacher. This way the person will minimize mistakes, and even if mistakes did happen, the energy flow from the practice would clear the problems that might have developed. Having learned from a good teacher, then you would be able to learn and practice most other kinds of Chi Kung on your own, whether from a book or a video. But I should say that there is a difference between high level and low level Chi Kung, and some kinds of high level Chi Kung are always best learned from a Master. Also learning other types of Chi Kung may not be necessary if you already practice high level Chi Kung. It all depends on your aims, objectives and other factors.

I now (2 and a half years after starting falun gong) Feel like a million bucks compared to what i was like a year ago, but still can get much better I know. I am working and going to school and actually have learned a whole lot from this whole experience and am not completely regretful for what I had done to myself. I am hoping to find a good acupuncturist/t.c.m. doctor to go to for further health treatments. My life is much more wholesome and positive than it was before I even started abusing drugs some 3-4 years ago!

That is really amazing, I'm very happy for you. I agree that you will probably improve much more in the future. You are already on the right path

I will leave the answers to your questions to the more experienced brothers, sisters, and kind visitors on the forum. Good luck Brad, I wish you the best.

Thank you Siheng Andrew for the excellent answers.

MoMo.

[Andrew]

Just a quick note that I have moved this thread from the "Testimonials" section as that is aimed at testimonials from Shaolin Wahnam students. This thread, whilst being extremely interesting, is better placed here I think.

Andrew

[Michael Udel]

Ready to find a teacher

Dear Brad,

Hi, welcome to the forum and thanks for such an excellent post!

I read everything you said and asked and would like to give you a relatively short answer.

I'm very impressed that you've come so far on your own. You have successfully gotten yourself out of some difficult situations and learned a great deal from the experience, and also from the books you've read. All of the questions you asked are right on the money and are questions that people in this field have all sought and are seeking answers to. You can find specific answers to a lot of your questions, such as the one Sifu Andrew referenced, in Sifu Wong's books, online Q & A, and here on the forum. However, I think you should move onto the next stage of learning if you want something more deeply satisfying than just reading ink on paper, or pixels on the flat screen.

If you want knowledge about these topics you'll have to find a qualified teacher/master who can teach you a method/style to follow so that you may develop your own personal understanding of this knowledge from your own direct experience. Having a good teacher keeps you safe and efficient in your studies, as well as providing other benefits.

Everything you said in your post indicates to me that you are ready to learn about the Internal Arts, such as kungfu and chi kung. You said you're staying away from them for now, but if you want to pursue your goal of helping others stay safe, you probably need to learn quite a bit more about these potentially life-saving or health-damaging arts.

Your pursuit of a good teacher will give you first hand experience of how the average person can go wrong in the very beginning of their exposure to chi kung and kungfu. There are many good and bad teachers in the Bay Area, not to mention a lot of mediocre ones to complete the picture. I would be willing to bet money that your instincts are good enough for you to distinguish good teachers from bad and to keep you safe while you expand your knowledge.

Good luck,
Michael

[Antonius]

Hi Brad. I'm glad you found your way to the forum. I think this will be a more rewarding way to get answers. As promised, here are my answers (which may repeat some of what has already been said).

I am curious if the lower/intermediate exercises are safe to practice while learned from a book. Such exercises as rubbing your arms and legs along meridian paths, clicking the teeth, swishing saliva and swallowing, heating and massaging the kidneys with your hands,

Generally speaking, these are on the safe side of things.

tightening the abdomen while exhaling to loose excess weight...

This is not as safe. It would be fairly easy for a beginner to practice "tightening the abdomen" incorrectly.

2. Is acupressure a form of Chi Kung, and what, if any, dangers or risks are involved in practicing acupressure? Can certain acupressure teqniques be learned from a book?

No, acupressure is not a form of chi kung per se. It is more of a branch of Chinese medicine, along with herbology, acupuncture, chi kung, moxibustion, etc.

Acupressure is fairly safe because the major points tend to be self-regulating. At worst, you won't have any effect with the pressing. At best, you can get rid of a headache or some back pain.

3. Does everyone's energetic/chi makeup follow set principles and patterns (such as how everyone's body's have set principles and patterns within the bone structure, organ makeup, nervous system etc.)

Yes. This is called physiology. Chinese physiology is different than Western physiology, but the principles apply to everyone. Of course, there are always exceptions. For example, if someone is born with an abnormally short arm, then the meridians may shift up the arm into atypical locations.

Basically are the principles in Chi Kung universal amongst all humans (for the most part), or are they a set of patterns to be developed and someone didn't know anything of them would they not have dan tians, and meridians?

Everyone has meridians and dantians, just like everyone has veins and arteries. Two thousand years ago, if you mentioned the Nervous System to someone, they wouldn't have a clue what you meant. Does that mean they didn't have a Nervous System?

4. What is the difference between chakras and dan tians?

Chakras are the Indian version of the Chinese dantians.

Which system is correct, the hindu or the chinese (nadi's and chakras vs. meridians and dan tians), or are they very similar?

Both are correct.

I feel these questions, if answered, could unify a universal human energetic make up that may one day be adopted by western medicine to help all humans around the world heal much easier, though I know this is a very lofty thought/hope.

In the west, the Chinese model is closer to being accepted by Western medicine. It is only a matter of time before they do.

5. What are the internal "happenings" that cause internal damage from qigong (we talking blockages of chi, popped blood vessels, ulcers?? etc.)?

It depends on the paradigm you use to explane the phenomenon. In Chinese medical terms, it can be things like Energy Stagnation (Qi Yu) and Blood Stagnation (Xue Yu). In Western terms, we might talk about internal hemorrhaging or organ disfunction. The problem, from the Western paradigm, is that they don't have a working model of Qi, so it quickly becomes difficult to diagnose a distortion of a person's energy matrix.

How does one correct this?

Qigong. Acupuncture. Herbs. All of these can correct such problems.

If someone does not believe in chi kung or acupuncture, will it still have an effect on them?

Absolutely. And also animals. Acupuncture is now the medicine of choice for multi-million dollar thoroughbred horses because it is so effective. Anyone who thinks that it is merely placebo might want to talk to the horses about their experience.

but when i start thinking about it, then I feel some fear come along, maybe a bit floaty, and maybe even create some damage.

The mind is very important in chi kung. Your mind is not settled. If you learned directly from a master, or a good instructor, he/she would help you to quickly settle your mind.

7. Can certain forms of qigong Cure (instead of reate) mental illness such as schiztophrenia, depression, and anxiety?

Yes. And here, I am speaking from direct experience as someone who once suffered from Major Depression. I cured myself of Depression without ever taking a single anti-depressant. I did it with chi kung. And there are many others like me.

8. I've heard that stretching can help balance meridians and chi. I read this in Ohashi's book of oriental diagnosis.

Stretching in the Western sense will not do much for your Qi. But some Qigong looks like stretching. Yoga is a good example. When done correctly, Yoga is an energy exercise. When done as physical exercise, it is just nice stretching.

These are three very reputable chi kung masters with, what seems to me, three conflicting ideas. Who am I supposed to believe? Or am I looking at the situation wrong? Any clarification or advice would be greatly appreciated.

There will always be conflicting advice. Different masters have different perspectives. In my experience, Sifu Wong's perspective is 100% correct. I have met many people who have injured themselves by practicing zhan zhuang incorrectly.

I have also met Sifu Frantzis. Perhaps his method of teaching zhan zhuang is safe. I cannot say that I have ever met anyone who hurt themselves practicing out of his books. But I can say that I have met numerous people who hurt themselves practicing out of Sifu Lam Kam Chuen's book on zhan zhuang. And his books are excellent!

10. What are some examples of things people do naturally that balance, center, ground, and or strengthen chi flow? (swimming, walking on the beach, eating fresh fruits, hiking in nature, prayer etc.)

Breathing. Eating. Sleeping. Laughing.

I also hope that someone will come up and put an end to all these chi kung/tai chi tapes and books that can so easily be bought and practiced without ever knowing how dangerous they can be.

Actually, most people just practice chi kung as gentle exercise. Since they aren't really working on energy and mind, they don't develop major problems. In your case, I think the problems were exacerbated by the drugs.

If anyone wants to help, I would be grateful to team up with some chi kung teachers to help spread the word of safety and understanding regarding chi kung amongst westerners.

Your compassion is admirable. But it is a tricky subject. Since not all masters agree on what is safe and what is not, it is not easy to spread a word of safety.

Chi Kung is still very young in this country. The number of qualified instructors is gradually increasing. So is the number of quality books. I think it is only a matter of time before the general awareness of chi kung is raised to a higher level.

Best regards,

[BradMac]

Thank You all So much!

When I first started reading posts on this forum, I knew I found a wonderful group of people. I've been noticing recently the importance of good character and integrity in choosing friends and I am thankful to have found such great people!

Thank You Sifu Andrew Barnett! I greatly appreciate your answers, they have already helped my understanding.

Thank you momojuice for your thoughtful reply as well. I greatly appreciate your advice. It was very nice to read that chi kung is actually very safe to practice, and it seems I have a whole lot to learn. Thanks

Thank you Michael Udel for your advice, motivation and kind words. Studying holistic medicine in college, I wan't to be able to help bring good health within my family, and I agree, Learning chi kung and genuine kung fu would be a great advantage (if not necessary).


I have noticed that I may need to clarify some of my questions.

For question #1. Has anyone else read Dr. Stephen T. Changs book? I have had a history of constipation and he says it can be relieved by rubbing the stomach clockwise. He also states that tooth health can be increased by clicking the teeth. And he says one can loose excess weight by an exercise where one uses his abdomen to exale all air while tightening the ab muscles. I was really curious if these sorts of low level exercises were safe to practice, as I would like to show them to my brothers and dad for our health, but want to make sure it is safe. I can scan pages and email them to anyone who would like to look them over. Also I was wondering if certain warm ups, such as twisting the waist (sometimes called tai chi waist turner), circling the hips and knees, rotating shoulders and arms, and circling the neck, would cause any problems/damages if not practiced according to chi kung theory (correct posture, breathing, mind intent, abstaining from alchohal and sex before practice, etc.).

For question #5. I was wondering what is happening internally that causes chi kung damage. For example, when one visualizes certain things that shouldn't be visualized, or if one practices while stressed out, what do these things do to the chi that cause such damage? Does it block the meridians, or create excess chi in the dan tians, etc.?

For question #6. thanks Sifu Andrew once again, but I am curious if a person who has never heard of meridians and dan tians (lets say an Inuit in Alaska) would still have meridians and dan tians, even though never being exposed to them. Do we create the meridians and dan tians by focusing on them? To me, logically, they would be inherent in all humans, but i am curious if such sages who developed these systems (yogi and chi kung) created the systems to affect good health upon others, or if they just observed what was naturally there. IF they observed what is naturally there, then how has our human evolution, over the past 4-7,000 years, affected the energetic make up of us(if at all)?

And for question #10 I was curious as to what activities any person can do that will help their chi flow. I personally think that positive thinking (prayer included) and good morals and actions have helped my chi flow greatly, but am curiuos if teachers of chi kung would agree. To note, I had read a book on reflexology, and heard from my holistic medicine teacher that it is important to use our bare feet, to stretch and wiggle our toes and so forth. Well, i kinda made up a game that i play from time to time where i pick up small rounded stones with my feet and try to hit a rock, using my feet to throw the rock, sitting about 4-5 feet away. It is really relaxing (im sittin on my patio) and I am curious if this would help balance my meridians as well?

well once again thank you all very much and I can surely see how great Sifu Wong must be by choosing such good people to teach.

- Brad

[BradMac]

Sifu Anthony! ThanK you!

Wow, While I was busy typing away my next post, you had already posted. Sorry for the mixup, and thank you Very much. All of what you said sat just right within my belly (like pumpkin pie). Ahhh, it is so nice to have support on this subject as it has been a very touchy topic for me for the last two years. I am very grateful to you all. Thanks.

It feels a lot better when I think of chi kung and t.c.m. as physiology instead of mystical.

I hope that the west will adopt and blend our physiology with chinese and create a more unified health paradigm, which would also be more accurate and totally better.

On the tightening the abdomen, I will add something more. I have a book on wrestling and physical culture which was republished from a 1914 exercise manual. The auther was an old time catch wrestler called Farmer Burns. In his book, he mentions the importance of breathing right, which he calls deep diaphramatic breathing. He gives some breathing exercises which resemble chi kung, but the main one is of holding the breath while tightening the abdomen. He says this exercise massages the internal organs and he stresses the importance of internal health as well as external. His tightening exercise is similar to the one found in Dr. Stephen T. Changs book. It seems the old time wrestler knew the importance of internal health as well, but i am not sure of the safety of his methods, though he was reputed to have been a formidly fighter up into his 70's and could handle a dead mans drop on a hang rope (due to his neck strengthening exercises). I believe his methods are similar to the ones the great magician hudini used. If anyone wants to see this info, I can scan and email it as well.

[Alberto]

This thread has priceless information. Many thanks to Sifu Andrew and Sifu Anthony.

[Andrew]

I am pleased that the information is helpful Brad ..... and Alberto, thank you for your kind comment.

Andrew

[joko]

Hello, Alberto.

My greetings to you, too. Remember me?

Joko

[Alberto]

Hello Joko :


Of course i remember you. I have a very good elephant memory.

[BradMac]

How to find a good master?

Hi everyone, I have been looking on the internet for a good chi kung master and a good acupuncturist. Can someone give me some tips on what to look for and on how to talk to them (customs, respect, and what not). How can I tell if an acupuncturist is good? The one doc I saw was probably 65, chinese, and had many plaques/certificates on the wall. Would this mean he is a good doc? The chi kung master I saw was around 40 years old, and in the first class he had us perform many exercises, including aligning the three dan tians and twisting the waist and "throwing" the bad energy into nature on each twist. He also had us shake our energy down like a dog shakes when he gets out of the pool. He didn't talk much of posture, and didn't mention much about possible dangerous side effects. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

- Brad

[joko]

Hi Brad,

Hi everyone, I have been looking on the internet for a good chi kung master and a good acupuncturist. Can someone give me some tips on what to look for and on how to talk to them (customs, respect, and what not). How can I tell if an acupuncturist is good?

Why not explore deeper this very website you are already visiting? (Sifu Wong's)

You can find:

Quality of a good master;
Showing respect to the Master,

and many more.

Regards,
Joko

[BradMac]

cool thanks joko

Ya I didn't think of that. Thanks for opening my mind to that.

- Brad