Meditation In A Sauna...Increase Chi?

[cmpunk50]

If I did some meditation in a sauna, would the heat help increase the intensity or the amount of chi absorbed? The gym that I belong to has a sauna with the hot rocks in it. Would love to know if anyone has any experience on this, or opinions on the matter.

[thelerner]

I don't know about increasing chi, but its tremendously helpful for my flexibility, both in the sauna and later that day. The added flexibility helps me sit longer. I think its good for you, but wouldn't advise people 'fry' themselves trying to absorb more chi .

[Aetherous]

From what I understand, it will drain your qi. Just use it to warm up and get a little sweat going on, in moderation. If you notice a change in your state of consciousness at all, that means you've been in the heat too long (at least in regard to qigong). The best thing for your qi is normal or comfortable room temperature, normal humidity, real breeze coming through a window (not a strong wind) instead of air conditioning drafts, wearing clothing that covers most of your skin but allows air circulation inside (isn't tight)...and having a mind resting in its natural state without a bunch of distractions. Extremes tend to be draining.

[Cat Pillar]

I find that practicing in the heat can become a distraction. Sometimes it's really warm in the break area upstairs at work where I do Stillness-Movement while waiting for the bus, and it can make it more difficult to keep my focus.

 

Plus my clothes get all sweaty...doing a practice that generates heat in an already hot environment is like running on a hot August afternoon in Houston. Yuck.

[zanshin]

I adore heat, including running in humid 90 degree weather. I don't think it would be a good idea to push yourself to stay there a long time, stop if you feel uncomfortable, but it sounds like a pretty safe little experiment. If you want to try it then do so, maybe post and let us know how it worked out for you.

[Cat Pillar]

I'm originally from Minnesota, so I've never been a big fan of extreme heat. More power to ya if you like it, though.