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The practices need the context to work. The context is the Chinese metaphysics. You will be surprised how much you will discover if you get your nose into it. Keep in mind that most of the Taoist masters are also highly educated people, and that they further their education in parallel with their cultivation. The ability to retain grows gradually, as you learn what to do with the power that remains inside you. If you give it a specific purpose, it will stay with you. If not, it will leave you, via other escape routes. A pine tree needs more than 20 years to grow up. I suspect it's the same with this system. The positive side is, once you get the gears running, they run for eternity.

If something is not working, read the instructions again. Also, I found that studying the description of the practice repeatedly, after longer periods of practice, it's also very helpful. Integrate the practice with the rest of the system, if you want it to work. Also, you might want to read the Mantak Chia article, from the article section.

The only source I had told me that if you increase glutation levels, the bone mass will increase also. I know how to build up strong bones, and 'fill' them up with marrow. But I'm not sure enlarging them is possible also... Thoughts?

That's a really HUGE field. I just stuck my nose into it recently, and came up with a problem... couldn't find any coherent refference regarding the intake of TCM mixtures with regard to internal and external cycles. In fact, I'm not even sure that the information has passed from oral to written form. IMO, 'debunking' is a term loaded with an agenda.

For health, no, not necessary, yet it seems bones are related to spirit practice. Let me give some example: most shaman practices involve also bone practice. One criteria for healers used to be bone mass. Mongols choose their wives using this criteria (am I right Taomeow?) It seems to be related with te ability to Fa Jin, Fa Qi, and Fa Shen. I was reffering to increasing the bones in size, and GIH's response seems the most logical. As logical as it is, I'm still not sure how it's possible to be done. I do practice tree standing, (also own a copy of The Body Electric). Regarding the suplemental part, I was reffering to glutathione, yes. There are a couple of 'modern day' masters that I know of, highly interested in glutathione. Ya Mu is one of them.. Here are some info's on it, by wiki: Function Glutathione exists in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) states. In healthy cells and tissue, more than 90% of the total glutathione pool is in the reduced form (GSH) and less than 10% exists in the disulfide form (GSSG). An increased GSSG-to-GSH ratio is considered indicative of oxidative stress. Glutathione has multiple functions: * It is the major endogenous antioxidant produced by the cells, participating directly in the neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen compounds, as well as maintaining exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their reduced (active) forms.> * Regulation of the nitric oxide cycle[16], which is critical for life but can be problematic if unregulated[17] * Through direct conjugation, it detoxifies many xenobiotics (foreign compounds) and carcinogens, both organic and inorganic. This includes heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic. * It is essential for the immune system to exert its full potential, e.g. (1) modulating antigen presentation to lymphocytes, thereby influencing cytokine production and type of response (cellular or humoral) that develops, (2) enhancing proliferation of lymphocytes thereby increasing magnitude of response, (3) enhancing killing activity of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, and (4) regulating apoptosis, thereby maintaining control of the immune response. * It plays a fundamental role in numerous metabolic and biochemical reactions such as DNA synthesis and repair, protein synthesis, prostaglandin synthesis, amino acid transport and enzyme activation. Thus, every system in the body can be affected by the state of the glutathione system, especially the immune system, the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system and the lungs.[4]

SEEMS LIKE ALL ENLIGHTENMENT BOILS DOWN TO IS... ?

Vinegar is a mild acid, or Fiery/Yang if we use the daoist paradigm. Although mild, it shouldn't be used for extended periods of time. You should make an experiment: drop a chicken bone inside a glass full of vinegar, and keep it there for a week or so. Then take the bone out - it will bend like rubber. Vinegar takes Calcium and Minerals out of the body. Although, in small dosage, and reccomanded by a TCM specialist,sometimes it helps in certain conditions.

I agree with that, in general terms, although maybe I would have put it nicer - but that's just me. And I think Eastern masters expect us to behave like Westerners. Doing otherwise will only look like a clumsy imitation... of course laugh-able. Stand your ground, and challenge. Value will stand on it's own.

Happens to all of us! If it leads you to the result you have intended, you are either a genius, or a moron. Since generally we are neither, this is an expected result...

If it's online on the internet, why not offer a chanse for practitioners world-wide? It can be done quite easy, with Paypal and Skype! Just an idea.

1. the energetic double of the organ is still there 2. spleen goes in pair with the pancreas and stomach - you still have those, right?

time_to_change, you're on the wrong forum. no one here knows how to burn things but you already know that, don't you taoism isn't about burning things and astral projecting wrong forum, man L1

Hi there, No, it's not about weight loss. It's a thread that I plan to make something serious out of - I don't open a thread unless it's something serious that I want US to talk about and debate. I will apreciate any input, especially from long time practicioners and teachers. It's adressed to people that have experienced shiftings in their weight, whether they were skinny and now are fat, or they were fat and now are skinny, or the eventually found a way to INCREASE OR DECREASE THE BODY FAT as they please, with common methods. Let's give it a shot, and see what comes up! Thanks! Since polls seem unavailable for some strange reason, I'll do it the old fashion way. Q's: 1. ? Have you found your cultivation going smoother when - fat - overweight - normal weight - skinny 2. ? When did you feel the most able to acumulate Qi - fat - overweight - normal weight - skinny 3. ? Which were the practices you enjoyed most when you were - fat - overweight - normal weight - skinny That's a starting poing, let's see how far we can go with this. L1

What will you do when everyone will give you a different answer? If you ask me, I will say yes. And then I will say no. And I'll have good reasons for both my answers. You need to use your instinct.

If you spill your seed you need to wait for it to replenish. Many traditions suggest that men should wait at least 3 days before they engaging in Qigong or Neigong. I don't know what you do, but taiji may help you alot. Retention - you need to find out if your retention (if you use the 3 finger method) is working properly. If it does, the liquid returns to the testicles. If not, it goes into the bladder. Pee into a jar, after you have sex with physical retention. If the liquid remains clear at the bottom after an hour, you're good. If not, re-read the instructions. Over and over. Cortisol is not the same if produced inside or in-taken. On topic, I think the body burns alot of reserves when your practice builds something inside of you. Having just enough fat may help you not feel drained afterwards. Someone told me that if you feel refreshed after practice, something is not working right... It should be pretty consuming. Thoughts?

Interesting, many of you were cutting down weight... what about gaining weight, anyone doing that on purpose, or as a result of cultivation?

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You are welcome. I'd like to make some kind of a website posting these information there, the way Trunk did with his www.alchemicaltaoism.com He is criticising there some things that I think are not very well understood. There is more info to be posted, mind-boggling, I'm just waiting for a challenge. The human body is the first and most important priority. I can not over emphasize enough how important it is. If you want your alchemy to work, you need a strong body. It's a cosmic marvel...

I'll take dried meat, when I'm exhausted. Not necessarely with breakfast. Protein is my friend

Interesting thread! Who are the women you know about, capable of teaching Qigong? Neigong?

The humans and the Earth will do just dandy, at least for the next couple of thousand years or so. No worries here. Worse case scenario: two planets are passing by one another, and say their hello's: - i haven't seen you for quite some time, you are looking gorgeous!.. - thank you, how are you doing? - could have been better... i suffer from an acute human-itis - don't worry, it's the season, will pass quickly! - ok, cherrios! see you the next loop around!

Sherry Or, Brandy.

@onelove Thanks! Sounds good, as I said, the syllabus looks very appealing... @Craig Thanks! It's because you are an honest guy that I've asked you these questions, and offered my uninformed opinion. I hope you understand I've got nothing on him. Maybe this empathy thing is the only reason. I don't know how to properly explain what I understand in "a strong connection with the Yin World". Thanks for the civilty! L1

Don't get me wrong, I like the man's syllabus - checked his website. Especially the concept of a 28 Lunar Mansions Qigong practice is most intriguing. Dunno. I hope I'm just wrong. I feel a strong connection with the Yin World in him. PS: Regarding the teeth question, there was a chart with the teeth and correspondent meridians, somewhere on this forum. Definately teeth touching each other, imo.

I don't like the vibes I get from this guy. Craig, are u sure?