silent noise Posted March 21, 2012 Hi folks, I do not know if this thread is still alive, last post was dec. As this is my first post in the forum, I will drop a short note only. I came in touch with ZZ last may, went to a two-day-course with some chinese guy. Big surprise there. Finally, after practicing qigong and tai chi on and off for decades, a dim light went on. The I chuan folks do a lot of ZZ and there is some material out there, even free downloads (pdf) I lately watched the DVDs by Bruce Frantzis (Energy Arts)- awsome stuff, I can highly recommend the series, more than ten hours of teaching san ti with lots of martial arts and TCM information. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
idquest Posted March 21, 2012 I lately watched the DVDs by Bruce Frantzis (Energy Arts)- awsome stuff, I can highly recommend the series, more than ten hours of teaching san ti with lots of martial arts and TCM information. I wanted to buy this DVD set but decided against it. From what I understand there were 4 DVD's on Yi-Chuan and 6 or 7 DVD's on Hsin-Yi. I wasn't intrested in Hsin-Yi so I thought it would be too expensive to pay 11 DVD's price for only 4 DVD's. Does he teach San Ti only or some other postures as well? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silent noise Posted March 21, 2012 I wanted to buy this DVD set but decided against it. From what I understand there were 4 DVD's on Yi-Chuan and 6 or 7 DVD's on Hsin-Yi. I wasn't intrested in Hsin-Yi so I thought it would be too expensive to pay 11 DVD's price for only 4 DVD's. Does he teach San Ti only or some other postures as well? All I can say is that the Hsing Yi stuff he teaches goes a lot deeper than the four discs of I-Chuan. Just imagine: 7 hours of teaching for a basic movement and stopping and holding postures. He really covers a lot of basic stuff, principles of the internal arts, applications for combat and also the medical and spiritual aspects of standing practice. This matierial has been an absolute game changer for me. The best way I can put it after experiences with live trainings with various taiji an qigong teachers is that I gradually realize how to fill the empty forms with awareness and energy. Of course it depends on where you start from. I messed up my body for many years, doing very heavy labour in constructing, farm work and such. Ended up with pain all over, muscle cramps, numb toes, almost every joint locked and very limited flexibility. Last year I had all teeth pulled out from my upper jaw, lots of hidden inflamations out of teeth treated with root canal work. Had a cronic sinus infection for more than 8 years. Jaw blocked, neck stiff, shoulders locked Doing all kinds of qigong made me aware of my condition and I decided not to end up as a living wreck. Realizing the chronic pain as something not natural and utterly avoidable was a start. Standing medidation can be too hard sometimes, one has to get rid of a hypertense state first. Breathing, sitting, lying, walking, anything that relaxes is doing the job. It is called dis-ease for a reason! After practising ZZ for less than a year I feel a lot better, it is a key that opens many doors, it seems. Anyway, I regard the DVD Set as a real treasure and I will watch the material many more times. Regarding dental problems that can really mess up your living experience just put root canal in the search or read up at Weston Price and his work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spiraltao Posted March 21, 2012 (edited) Thanks for sharing your progress, Silent Noise! I am currently in a pickle for a "sinus closure" in regards to payment for the procedure. Interested in any input on just killing the nerve and keeping the tooth? (I have considered this) Edited March 21, 2012 by jaysahnztao Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silent noise Posted March 21, 2012 Thanks for sharing your progress, Silent Noise! I am currently in a pickle for a "sinus closure" in regards to payment for the procedure. Interested in any input on just killing the nerve and keeping the tooth? (I have considered this) You might read this for a start: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/why-would-i-want-dead-tooth-my-mouth-life 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joeblast Posted March 22, 2012 that's just so pleasing yeah, I had one root canal'd, I have to be more meticulous cleaning it as opposed to my other teeth. but after reading that and reviewing processes....yeesh, just rip the damn thing out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ridingtheox Posted May 24, 2016 interesting thread too bad it seems inactive ... ZZ has been an important part of my practice for at least 30 years with one rather extended gap '96 - 09/10. I do 5 min. everyday 5 min of each of 5 postures 2x weekly, and occasionally a 30+ min of one of the postures.super energizing mostly peace 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miffymog Posted May 24, 2016 (edited) Happy to add to this thread to keep it alive. At the moment I do two 15 minute stands a day, with warm ups and warm downs . In order to keep a consistent practice I don't tend to change the duration, but having read what you've said, I may well do a longer one every-now-and-then. Curiously enough, I've recently found myself standing at a shallower angle (ie more upright). I feel its because I'm developing muscles down the sides of my legs which I did not really use before. Although I'm not too sure of this and whether this would lead to my naturally using a shallower angle or not I'm quite happy with this development. I've got a dodgy knee cap which can flare up if I go too low. Also, putting more weight down through the bones makes it easier on the muscles, which means I find I can mentally relax more. I'm heading towards a 'Silent Illumination' type meditation, so the less I worry about the muscle strain the better. Edited May 24, 2016 by Miffymog 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites