Ya Mu

Is it much safer to get in your car than to practice indoors qigong? ...oops, guess not!

Good points. I absolutely do not advocate practicing outside in a lightning storm. I was struck by lightning and lived through it but I worked on people who lived through it but were messed up pretty bad. I can say for sure that in the system I practice and teach, it is absolutely OK to practice during (not outside in) storms. One problem that could be for some people is that a storm is clearing and sick qi/negative energetics rides like a surfer on the winds as a front goes through. If someone is practicing a form of qigong that doesn't do much, then that person could be subject to absorbing a bit of this. Reaching a 3 month level inside an authentic/real qigong system should be adequate to provide one with the knowledge and ability to shield from this simple negative energetics I am referring to. We are exposed to electromagnetic fields every day, with induced hall-effect type current flows, rf fields, etc. Would be much better to get the heck out of the city where the electromagnetic fields are so chaotic and intense than to worry about practicing during storms. And, some of us LIKE the natural energetics.

Yep! I love to practice during storms. Here is how the myth about not practicing during storms came about - I know the exact history: Wan Huang Lo, a qigong practitioner, ate some gou rou at dinner and then practiced his qigong during a thunderstorm. He got sick. Even though Mr Lo told his wife "it was something he ate", she told all the villagers that practicing qigong during thunderstorms made you ill, as she didn't want to admit that she served bad dog. An old wive's tale.

Hi, Probably January 2016. Perhaps next year I can do 4 of them. Really concentrating on my clinical qigong certification students at the moment.

Blogpost with video and explanation: Stillness-Movement Qigong & Qi Projection Don't miss ournext workshop in Terre Haute, Indiana May 22,23 and optional clinical applications May 24.

Ya, it be natural progression for us. Quite interesting and a much expanded universe to do things in. Dreamtime experieinces are just as valid as "awake" experieinces.

Good job of describing. Thank you! Hope to see you soon. GOT IV (3 moves) is being taught as of last workshop.

Yes, really all models go out the window but can sometimes be useful for helping us wrap our head around something - but better to RAP our heads with non-linearity so as to get the mind out of the way. Storage is a simple way of looking at it and is really incorrect as a totality because even though we do "store" to a certain extent, that is almost a side-effect. Raising the energy body vibration is key and dan tian acts as "place of energy transmutation". With the practice, SEEers see dan tian getting brighter and brighter, and denser and denser. Eventually, the energy rises up through the body and opens up each energy center in a natural, "when it is time" manner and at the same time our energy body vibration rises to a level of Light; this happens when the energy centers all activate, open & balance and the energy pops out the top of our head linking us to pure Light. But even this is nothing but meaningless words, as one does not need to dwell, study, or know any of this - the practice itself takes care of it and the process itself is really non-linear even though I just attempted to describe a linear process. Words suk - DOing and BEing are better. I saw you now at the workshop a couple of weeks ago in the future.

Awesome! Yes, Making a difference is what it is all about. Great work! In situations such as this try to get them to agree on 3 sessions, either every day for 3 days or every-other day for 3 sessions. As GreenTiger says below, go ahead and get the movement system of Gift of Tao and start practicing. Then come to a workshop. I then can make corrections to the moves as you do them versus you attempting to learn them in the workshop. It is not one or the other - those who attend the workshop should always get the DVD's to learn the moves. Great advice!

Yes, "stopping the world", 'infinity", "no time", "ultimate Stillness". This is what our system is based on. By operating from a totally different space, we become able to tap in to the basic creative energetics. You would be welcome in the August Terre Haute workshop and indeed I sense that it would be "like coming home" for you. If you are going to attend do register soon as there are a limited number of positions available.

I agree. In your example, whether or not it made a difference in the overall scheme of things, it sure as heck made a difference in you. Being true to oneself is one of the greatest accomplishments. My hat if off to you, sir. If we lie to ourselves about one thing, just how many illusions can we build upon that lie? I'll answer that - endless.

Yes, I think you hit the nail on the head. Trees and people's interaction with them is a broad subject, indeed. However, Stillness-Movement Tree Qigong is its own thing, a specialized area of study with longevity roots that bears little resemblance to things that people say about trees occurring on the mental realm. Tree study or even doing qigong around trees is not what we refer to as tree qigong. There are actually very few real tree qigong systems out of China, and they do differ. Other than that, what we read is mostly stuff from the mental world. One way our system differs is that we totally make the grand attempt to remove the mind from the equation so what remains is Spirit interaction and no mental. In the case of our Tree Qigong, all interaction occurs on a vibratory level unrelated to mental that has to be obtained prior to the true interaction of what we call Stillness-Movement Tree Qigong.

and...Of course you guys are not speaking about Stillness-Movement Tree Qigong as it is a totally different thing to what you are discussing. It has to do with the specific vibrational frequency from which one interacts with Tree. We don't give Tree human characteristics but they do have Tree characteristics.

Reading several threads it became apparent that many posters are not familiar with the therapeutics/healing arts from China. Rather than reply in those threads and interrupt the topic, I created this thread and hope this helps to increase the knowledge. source of article: http://qigongamerica.blogspot.com/ I would encourage other practitioners to add to this thread if they wish. A Basic Primer on Chinese Medical Therapeutics... "It appears there are many who have never been exposed to the Chinese Healing Arts. This article was written to give these folks a basic overview of forms of therapeutics utilized in the Chinese Healing Arts. I am attempting to keep this simple with basic instead of complex wording. Although there are many approaches to therapeutics inside both Traditional & Classic Chinese Medicine, I think it safe to say the concept of Qi is an underlying aspect of most of these forms. In this topic, we can define Qi as the life flow of energetics. A bit of history: What is now called Traditional Chinese Medicine differs greatly from what many call Classical Chinese Medicine. Unfortunately, the communists, in efforts to "standardize", have "dumbed down" what is now taught in the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) schools, dictating a specific wording and methodology. Beyond this, we have the CCM (Classical Chinese Medicine) which include many almost-lost forms and advanced concepts. For example, the current style of acupuncture taught in TCM differs greatly from advanced needling concepts taught in CCM, Another example is advanced therapeutics forms like "Chinese Taoist Medicine" which would fall under CCM and be virtually unknown in TCM. Although this article is not meant to be comprehensive, there are several categories which we could break down into a few basic categories: 1) Acupuncture Actually, there is no real word for "acupuncture" as the word is an invented westernized term. But we are referring to needling. Most people in the west have heard of and many have utilized this therapeutic form. But we should realize that the practitioners of TCM are generally practicing a completely different approach than those who practice CCM. Also we should include moxa therapy here, which is performed by burning an herbal/base which adds intense heat to "acupuncture points" which are energy vortices that tap into the energy distribution system of the body. The main concept of acupuncture is to balance this energy distribution system. An internet search will list many studies done on acupuncture. 2) Chinese Herbal Medicine There are over 5,000 items in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Although often referred to as "Chinese Herbal Medicine" These consist of herbs, minerals, and animal by-products or parts. Needless to say this can get very complicated and it is not suggested for people to experiment with this therapeutic form as the combinations utilized are quite powerful and if not monitored by a knowledgeable practitioner could potentially do more harm than good. An internet search will list much information on Chinese Herbal Medicine. 3) Tui Na & Acupressure Tui Na is the advanced massage form of TCM & CCM. Many hospitals in China have Tui Na departments. It is utilized therapeutically to treat a wide variety of conditions and is extremely effective. It is not as widely known in the west as acupuncture but in China it is ranked right up there at the top of therapeutic forms. Also the term "Anmo" is utilized to refer to Chinese Massage techniques. Acupressure is generally referring to finger pressure (mostly thumb) to the acupoints and has the same goal as acupuncture. 4) Medical Qigong The term "medical qigong" covers the many energetic forms of therapeutics utilized in the Qigong Hospitals of China. Also, many of the hospitals have a Medical Qigong department. It is a highly-specialized and extremely effective therapeutic form with an almost unprecedented therapeutic efficacy. Its use has been proven through several decades of Chinese hospitals and clinics as well as through its vast history of development. It refers to what is called Wai Qi Liao Fa which means "healing with external energy". Most of the forms utilize off-body energy projection although some incorporate on-body techniques. There are also advanced and specialized forms of Medical Qigong. An example of one which has been introduced to the West is Chinese Taoist Medicine, which is a neuro-energetic bodywork form based on medical qigong application of/to the complete neurological system of the body. Forms like this are not as well known as the general medical qigong, but even medical qigong itself is not as widely known in the west as forms like acupuncture. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the self-practice of energetics called Qigong. Although not an applied therapeutic form, this self-practice has proven itself in benefits to millions of people across the world. Since medical qigong is not as widely known I will list some research suggestions: http://qigonginstitute.org/html/database.php This is a compilation of research abstracts, a project of Dr Ken Sancier, and includes abstracts from studies performed all over the world which includes the many studies done in China. Dr Sancier was well known for his research at Stanford Research Institute. http://qigonginstitute.org/html/scientificbasis.php#Medical Research This page has many good articles on qigong and energy medicine. There are several schools of medical/clinical qigong in the USA. In China, after the fallout of falun gong challenging the communist government, the governmental policies have resulted in the closing of many of the dedicated qigong hospitals and suppression of information concerning medical qigong. What was once mainstream in the 80's and 90's and demonstrating tremendous growth is now a shadow of itself in China. To sum this posting, I would suggest to each person reading that they open their minds to the concept of "world medicine" and not dismiss these amazing therapeutic forms from China. Unfortunately many people are still under the mistaken impression that allopathic western medicine is the only "proven" form of medicine. This simply is not so. Although scientific investigation and study is valuable, history of use has over and over again proven to be our ally in investigating the validity of medicinal therapeutics. Just look at the many western allopathic compounds that were proven by scientific study to be safe and have efficacy which were later proven, through history of use, to be harmful with no efficacy. These Chinese medicine forms have a vast history of use in proving their safety and efficacy and are now being investigated through the western scientific model."

Yep, Listening and Wu Wei; the process I call "Dancing in the Wu Wei". For it is not a simple following, but a true Dance of intertwining energetics. Doing this is the essence of all the internal teachings and a mind blowing trip of synergistic harmony. The Will of the Light, God's Will, the Breath of the Great Mystery, the Harmony of Creation, the Ebb and Flow of Tao between Heaven and Earth - a "sin" to not follow as the "sin" is not being one's true-self. Don't believe anything - just do, attempting at all times to be in harmony with the mysterious ebb and flow. paddling along with Creation instead of paddling upstream. What an interesting ride!

Yes, I remember a specific student , who didn't really believe the walking qigong was ....real.....with the description of her first experience. She had gone with a group up to Canada hiking in the mountains. Said that after she started out she remembered what I had told her to do and thought to herself "This isn't going to do anything but I am going to give it a try..." Said that just minutes after started the whole world shifted - the colors became much brighter, the sounds more distinct, everything seemed harmonized, and..she finished the day energized whereas the others in the group were all worn out. Bear in mind there are several different walking qigong forms. And, there certainly is a difference in doing walking qigong versus regular walking, mindfulness, breath control, posture control, and any number of other approaches. Folks appear to forget that QI GONG is the study of energy that requires time & effort. Walking "qigong" that is not a study of energy is not qigong but other. Other is fine, walking is good for the heart and soul.

Certainly is different than the neigong I practice. We gain energy - not lose energy during sleep as there is a specific sleeping neigong within our system. And, it is not against the flow of creation nor normal flow of energy. Complete neigong systems should have a sleeping form; are you sure that there is not one within what you practice? Maybe your teacher just hasn't gotten to it yet.

There are no links to a syllabus as qigong can't really be learned except though the practice itself. I do these distance classes whenever I can fit them in, it may be once or twice a year, the last one was in January. We have a forum where lessons are posted. These are lessons based/gained through the actual practice. Prerequisites: http://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Energy-Healing-Medical-Shamans-ebook/dp/B004GNFXMW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1430143047&sr=8-3&keywords=a+light+warrior%27s+guide Gift of the Tao I DVD Gift of the Tao II DVD The book is priced on amazon.com. All DVDs as well as course pricing are on http://store.qigongamerica.com Basically, you read the book and decide if you want to continue. Then you get the DVDs and practice. Then we hold the distance class where energy projection is utilized for the student's gain as we do Stillness-Movement neigong. Then you answer the questions/lessons on the forum. But...BEST to get DVD's, practice, and attend a live workshop.

"Do you do any moving practices?" I think this is a good question. OP: If you are interested, I can send you a Gift of the Tao I Movement DVD. Practice for 30 days, 20-30 minutes a day. If you don't feel much better at the end of the 30 days just use the DVD as a beer coaster (good beer only). If, however you do feel better then please consider paying for the DVD. Let me know via PM if you are interested.

Thanks for posting this - I was thinking of doing so but hadn't gotten a "round tuitt". Rara: Don't be so overly concerned. In our Taoist meditative system if we itch we scratch, if we need to stretch out our legs we stretch out our legs, if we need to cough we cough. Holding things back just makes one think more about them. I also wouldn't worry about which of the above states you are in. With practice one goes deeper. I haven't measured in quite a number of years but I used to be able to go to theta - delta state while standing up doing neigong and think I still can - but certainly don't concern myself with it. The important thing is to just do the practice.

Breathing into something is not what I would call natural breath. Natural breath is not thinking about breath. I am speaking of letting go of the mental and put simple awareness in Dan Tian, relax, and think of nothing. Awareness is NOT thought, but its own thing that can go beyond the finite aspect of time & space. Forget about breathing into anything. Mental awareness will always reduce qi flow to measurable states due to brain waves are measurable therefore finite - the qi flow is tied to the mental awareness of the breath. Dampen the brain waves to approaching zero and allow awareness to expand. Taoism is based on the infinite - not the finite.

Amen. Also, I would forget the mental breath control and just breathe naturally. Put gentle awareness on Dan Tian and just be.

In my view Medical Qigong IS the gold standard for pain reduction/elimination. Nothing else even comes close. I also think that long term history of use overshadows any study for clarity of efficacy. To me, the above referenced healer's decades of medical qigong results far outweigh the studies.