Q. Jeff asks: I have plantar fasciitis in both feet due to my tight tendons. My right heel is pretty sore from walking around barefoot during both Yoga and Tai Chi class. I wonder if I can wear any kind of soft shoe during either class?

A. Heel spur / plantar fasciitis (also sometimes spelled “fascitis”) is a condition where the bottom of the heel is extremely painful. A heel spur is a bony overgrowth and is usually a result of an inflamed plantar ligament on the bottom of the foot attaching to the heel. Constant pulling of this ligament irritates the heel and a bone spur overgrows as a protective mechanism. There is usually pain with the first step in the morning, some relief after activity, but pain returns after long periods of weight bearing activity. The plantar fascia is a tough structure, but can only stretch about 102% of its length before tearing. Its relative inflexibility incurs the absorption of tremendous force in the fascia every time the foot hits the ground

This type of condition is not well understood medically. It seems to be associated with obesity, poor shoe design, alignment of the heel, gout, pronation, and arthritis. According to Dr. Gabe Mirkin, “Doctors have no medications that help heal the plantar fascia. Surgery to cut the plantar, called fasciotomy, is usually ineffective and may even prevent healing.”

Plantar fasciitis also seems to be present in a number of individuals with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition of painful, stiff muscles and connective tissue whose medical etiology may involve auto-immune, central nervous system, and psychological or perceptual components. There is no medical cure for this condition, and patients are usually dissatisfied with their treatment options.

From an Eastern (both Taoist and yogic) perspective, the deeper causes may relate to a bioenergetic imbalance. There can be an underlying karmic imbalance within and between the first 4 chakras. This imbalance is further shaped and expressed through genetic and environmental factors. There is also the feedback loop of hypersensitivity to discomfort creating anxiety and emotional resistance, which in turn increases the perception of threat and pain and perhaps an involuntary subconscious tightening of the musculature which can further inhibit the flexibility of the affected area.

The systems of T’ai Chi and Tantric Qigong that I teach are ideal for intervention in this process.

Consistent T’ai Chi & Qigong practice will:
- Improve biomechanical alignment and efficiency.
- Increase healing life force.
- Transmute underlying emotional issues.
- Improve flexibility and blood flow through gentle, conscious, weight bearing stretching.
- Increase empowerment, decrease anxiety and emotional resistance.

Here are some suggestions to improve Plantar Fasciitis (fascitis):
- Take a warm hip-bath before class to relax foot, leg, and hip muscles.
- Keep these muscles warm when traveling to class.
- Slowly, gently, & Consciously “step into” the stiffness and pain.
- Relax your body and mind.
- Breathe deeply.

In regards to a shoe, though I prefer that you go barefoot to maximize pedal flexibility and groundedness, it would be OK to wear something with a soft sole and arch support. In addition to the cushioning support, some beneficial warming of the sole may occur. A T’ai Chi ( or Kung Fu) shoe with a rubber sole and a thin orthotic insert would be ideal. You can purchase these shoes via the Internet or try them on at a martial arts studio. My students can get a discount at the Flying Dragon. They have Chinese sizes, so unless you know what your size is you might have to try them on. Also some reflexology and foot massage might be helpful.

With committed, daily T’ai Chi and Qigong practice (more than once a day would be better,) you will soon experience some improvement. Though there can be some discomfort and resistance at first, the student who perseveres will notice definite progress. Copyright 2005, Keith E. Hall. all rights reserved.

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Qigong & Fibromyalgia: From the Arthritis Care and Research study

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T’ai Chi & Qigong Instruction available in the Baltimore Washington, DC area.

Books, Art & Music

These are resources for quality books, art, and music that we recommend for your consideration. Preference is given to artists and artisans that have one or more of these qualities: Spiritual connection, Taoist, Tantra, Eastern (Hindu, Tantric, general Oriental) sensibilities. This section will be updated and grow regularly, so check back!

I consider Sexual Secrets to be the finest, most comprehensive book on Tantra ever written. Sexual Secrets is the definitive guide to sex and mysticism, revealing the wisdom of the sages of India, Nepal, Tibet, China, and Japan whose teachings on sexuality unveil how physical love can be the pathway to spiritual liberation. Containing more than 600 illustrations–the most comprehensive collection of images expressing the erotic sentiment–and with more than one million copies sold in more than 19 languages, Sexual Secrets unlocks for everyone the experience of ecstasy once sealed in the ancient texts and art of the East. Click below and take a look!

Jitterbug Perfume - A tale of Immortality, Perfume and Tantra. An outrageously funny and touching recipe for Eternal Life through dance, hot soaks, Tantric Sex, and of course, beets!

The Dharma Bums, published a year after On the Road made Jack Kerouac a celebrity and a spokesperson for the Beat Generation. Sparked by his contagious zest for life, the novel relates the adventures of a group of Beatnik seeker - friends in a wild exploration of Buddhism, life on the road, and the search for Truth. By far his best novel and a must read for Zen Dharma Bums and spiritual seekers everywhere. Also in Hardcover.

Work in the 21st Century

Chakra Sounds: Trance like toning to vibrate and strengthen each of the 7 main Chakras. The pitch increases as we ascend through the Chakras. Music by Karunesh. I often use this CD in Tantric Qigong and Chakra workshops. Very soothing and activating.

ShamanicDream: Trance-like with good, solid bass drums. I have used this a lot in the past 15 years, especially for Tantric Qigong. The bass is very good for opening and stimulating the chakras and nerve endings in the feet. Very grounding. Highly recommended!

Music to Disappear in II is one of the finest music collections for Tantra, yoga, and movement. The transcultural trance-dances of Music to Disappear in II exemplify Raphael’s creative spirit. Click and have a listen.

Tantric Sexuality: Excellent CD for Tantric lovemaking. A slow trance-like groove, moderate & steady bass, and subtle breath sounds will extend & transform your lovemaking. Particularly good for pelvic exercises and learning mulabandha. I have used this in many Tantric Qigong and Tantra workshops. Click below to listen.

El Hadra: Long Trance form, zither, tabla, keyboards and synth. Good for Tantra, Trance Dance, massage and movement. I have used this is many Tantra, Qigong, and T’ai Chi classes.

Angel Love: Two long, pure ambiences that float you on billows of slow, sweet synth and violin, heightened in places by tender piano, faraway voice & chimes. Pastel and cloud-like, like a slow-motion sunrise, Heart opening. I have used this extensively for heart chakra work.

ChakraDancer: 8 tracks to stimulate the chakras by a series of rhythms using crystal bowls and samplers. Good for chakra massage / meditation, giving you 7+ minutes per chakra.

And the Stars Go With You: Deep Space Music with a special languid minimalism. The timbres and textures are surreal and warm, inviting you to go on a ride to the stars. A space music essential. Good for meditation, relaxing, and of course astral space travel.

Click here to view some beautiful spiritual posters & prints

Click here for more resources and products updated weekly.

The Art of the Nude: Fine Photography for the those with discernment!

Fibromyalgia, T’ai Chi and Qigong Q: Sarah writes: I would just like to introduce myself to the group as a new comer. My name is Sarah and I am a 29 year old Fibromyalgia sufferer. Three years ago after an extremely difficult time in my life I developed Fibromyalgia to a point where I also lost a lot of my muscles and was practically wheel chair bound. However, I joined my local pain clinic where together with medication I was introduced to alternative therapy. I was always a believer in aromatherapy and had been practicing this on myself for some time with some quite effective results. My pain clinic then introduced me to Tai Chi Chuan and acupuncture.

I have been practicing Tai Chi for 8 months now and WOW what a difference to my life it has made. I am now fitter than I was before my illness and although I still have a few worse days and some amount of pain my life has become completely fulfilled and manageable…I meditate daily and am a calmer, surer, more steady and patient person than I ever was before. I have 3 children and they are amazed at the difference in me now and the amount of patience that I now have. So to all you suffers out there, there is hope, believe me.

A: Thank you so much, Sarah, for sharing your story. Qigong (Chi Kung, Chi Gong, Chi Gung) and T’ai Chi (taiji), which is a form of Qigong, have proven remarkably effective at controlling various forms of stress, pain, autoimmune disorders, among many others. These practices create vitality, empowerment, groundedness, serenity and freedom.

Forms of Qigong and T’ai chi Chuan are often recommended for persons with cardiac conditions, allergies, asthma, addiction, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other symptoms of stress and aging. These practices are also a good complement or introduction to Taoist Tantra and Kundalini work.

T’ai Chi is one of the Master forms of Qigong in that within its practice is contained most of the higher aspects of Qigong. This makes T’ai Chi tremendously efficient, albeit quite subtle and complex. Of course benefits are readily apparent to those who invest commitment in mastering it’s complexity.

I have taught these forms for over 30 years and over that time period a couple of dynamics have become apparent that I would like to comment on, i.e. Intent and Practice.

Intention The character of one’s Intent will shape and direct the life force and consciousness that is created. This is a very personal issue, though I believe it is up to the teacher to attempt to set a general tone in this regard. In my classes I endeavor to focus on rejuvenation, open hearted empowerment, and evolution in the spiritual sense. I also seek to present the esoterica of the Taoist, Yoga, Tantric, and Bioenergetic traditions in a manner that is non-sectarian, non-dogmatic, and readily available to the western mind set.

Spiritual Practice The quality and quantity of time put into your practice is crucial to receiving any benefit, let alone mastery of these forms. T’ai Chi, Tantra, and Yoga are Master Systems for health, longevity and Enlightenment. As such, they are complex and demanding, especially as they evolved in a cultural and historical framework radically different than our current Western experience.

One thing I have noticed over the years is that as our pace of daily life continues to increase, people seem less empowered to create significant blocks of time to pursue their own healing and awakening. We seem to know, or notice, less about ourselves, our world, and the ramifications of our actions. The faster we go, the less we know. This is the paradox of the “information age.” There is faster and easier access to data, and seemingly less and less Wisdom in its application. Click the remote, surf the next website, scan the next radio station, walk or drive nattering on and on with our cell phones… Our constant mental and physical movement betrays a deep restlessness, and perhaps a shark-like fear that stillness is death.

Spiritual Tradition Many Teachers are most comfortable within the structure of their traditional schools and lineages. Most of the time this is perfectly acceptable and efficacious in that one attracts students mainly from the spiritual tradition or religion indigenous to that culture. More problematic is the process of transferring practice and wisdom cross-culturally.

The dilemma is that although a tradition may have precepts and practices invaluable to the modern western world, its cultural trappings ensure the assimilation of its wisdom will be difficult, if it’s wisdom is recognized at all. My teachers have mainly been Masters who came to the U.S. to bring the insight and technology of their respectful schools to Westerners. These Masters were motivated by the dire need to bring wisdom to the most technologically advanced and spiritually confused populace in history. They knew that it may be that our personal and planetary survival would require an acceleration of awakening, and that cultural and religious predilections would make this much more difficult. Knowing the limitations of our material civilization, they decided that long-established cultural and religious methods were inappropriate and inefficient. We needed to get it, and get it fast!

If it takes more than 10 minutes, I’m outta here! Would you wait more than 10 minutes in line at the 7-11 or McDonalds? When was the last time you watched a music video that eschewed strobe-like edits for a clear steady view of the artist? Or waited patiently, without fidgeting, at a traffic light, DMV, or in a waiting room?

Often it seems our patience and attention span is decreasing so profoundly, it will soon be measured in nanoseconds! I love the practices of Qigong, Tantra, T’ai Chi, Zen. Yet, I am painfully aware that our mind-set requires a non-traditional and efficient methodology adapted for westerners. That is not to say that one cannot accrue benefit through a traditional technique, many have. I am merely observing that to attain the deepest benefit of these conventional approaches requires a lot of time and commitment, hours each day, and our material culture is not very patient or supportive in this. We feel we have “no time.” Really what is going on is that we spend all of our waking time in outwardly directed agendas. Nonetheless, this is how it is for most of us.

So, to “bring the mountain to Mohamed” so to speak, I have created a course of study that requires only 10 minutes each day. Mental, physical, and emotional health is quickly improved through highly effective Taoist, Bioenergetic, and Yogic techniques. Easy, efficient and powerful, it gets the job done in minutes. © 2002 Keith E. Hall. all rights reserved.

See also: Qigong and Fibromyalgia

Plantar Fasciitis, Fibromyalgia, Tai Chi & Qigong

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Qigong & Fibromyalgia: From the Arthritis Care and Research study

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T’ai Chi & Qigong Instruction available in the Baltimore Washington, DC area.

Taoist & Yogic Practices.

Tantric Qigong
Tantric qigong (chi kung)  can be so ideal in the winter. Even though the earth is cold and hibernating, one can draw on the Earth’s deep Yin while willfully stimulating the Heavenly Yang.  Tantric Qigong includes gentle movement, conscious breathing, and stretching. It takes only 10 minutes and can be practiced either indoors, or outside in the natural light for additional benefit. In the winter, Tantric qigong helps you to fire up your Heavenly Chi while drawing on the deep stability and steadfastness of the Earth’s Yin.

Here are some tips for practicing  Tantric Qigong in wintertime:

–Increase the number of repetitions of the 8 Treasures.
–Focus on directing the chi inward. Pay particular attention to Chakras 2, 3a, 3c, 4 and 6.
–Do “Raise and Lower Hands Alternately” to stimulate and balance the immune system while drawing in and balancing the Heavenly and Earthly Qi.

Tantric Qigong: Raise Hands alternately

Here are some additional exercises from the Advanced Tantric Qigong curriculum that may be helpful. Some of these 8 Treasures Tantric qigong forms balance yin and yang, some permeate the body with energy, some balance the pineal gland. If you’ve taken the courses, you know which does what.

–Golden Serpent (Tantric Qigong Level 2)
–Heavenly Chakra Qi Gong (Tantric Qigong Level 3)
–Transmuting Breath (Tantric Qigong Level 4, part 1)
–Transmuting Breath 2 (Tantric Qigong Level 4, part 2)
–Heart Breath 3 (Tantric Qigong Level 5, part 3)
–Tumo meditation (Tantric Qigong Level 5, part 4)

See also: Winter Meditation for Collecting Life Force

Qigong and Immunity

Qigong, Immunity, and Influenza

© 2006 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved. Part 3: Some simple suggestions

Presencing™

See how the change of the seasons affects your Qi and Life Force:Tantric Taoist Sexology & The Seasons.

Learn Tantric Qigong™:

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Instruction & Coaching

Qigong and Fibromyalgia

Q: A.M. writes: I am a Fibromyalgia sufferer for 7 years now and I have been practicing qigong (not as regularly as I would like, but…) for the last 3 years. However I find that the most useful technique for coping with my fibromyalgia is meditation. It targets the pain directly and allowed me to stop taking marijuana for the ever-present nerve pain. Just knowing that I had some control over the situation was a tremendous weight off of my chest and it helped to end the vicious emotional cycle caused by feeling powerless. Now I have developed somewhat of a routine where I periodically use marijuana in conjunction with my qigong (because I find it twice or three times as powerful that way). I have all but cured myself but for some minor lingering pain. Right now I practice sporadically and my progress is relative slow but steady. Anyway, I am curious to hear any of your thoughts on the subject.

A: Yes, the combination of qigong and meditation can be quite effective, as the results in the original research project indicate. (see: Qigong & Fibromyalgia: From the Arthritis Care and Research study)
I believe that fibromyalgia is characterized by a sort of energetic “congestion” that afflicts the muscles and nerves, and the noticeable symptoms are pain, fatigue, and stiffness. It seems to me that there are two categories of possible intervention here: treating the pain, and treating the underlying energetic congestion.

Blocking Pain
Interventions include the use of pharmaceutical analgesics, hypnosis, and meditation and visualization. The use of drugs in treating this condition is best discussed in a medical forum, however I will comment of the use of hypnosis and meditation.

The utilization of techniques such as hypnosis and meditation, particularly meditation that includes visualization, has been effective for numerous conditions, including pain reduction. While these modes of non-pharmacological analgesia provide a valuable alternative, especially where narcotics might be medically indicated, I would also like to observe that they do not necessarily treat underlying causation. Blocking pain is not always restorative, and can sometimes mask an ongoing disease process. It is difficult to make generalizations, since there are many forms and applications of these modalities. I would say however, that if one’s meditation is oriented solely towards pain relief, it is likely to be more palliative than curative.

Relieving Underlying Energetic Congestion
Qigong, as well as T’ai Chi Chuan, is a form of “Taoism in Action,” concerned with flow and balance. Just as the yin yang symbol intimates, there is a dynamic equilibrium between polarities, and from this derives all personal, social, and natural manifestations. Any disparity between these energies will automatically initiate a correction. The more severe the imbalance, the more rigorous and dramatic the adjustment. Since our American culture does not fully support deep, impartial inquiries into cause and effect, we often blindly intervene without any intuitive sense of the consequences. This leads to a certain ignorance in not only health issues, but personal, social, environmental, and political endeavors.

When I use the term “energetic congestion,” I do so in the sense of imbalance and inhibition of flow. This disruption of our natural state of grace results in all forms of dis-ease, physical and emotional; individual and social; in nature and in humankind. In addition to qigong, modalities that facilitate an efficient return to balance include T’ai Chi, acupuncture, Bioenergetics, and certain forms of Tantra and Kundalini Yoga.

Marijuana, though it has increasing medical applications, may not be the best treatment choice. Marijuana has little analgesic effect in a strict sense. It’s effectiveness may be due to its gentle sedative and muscle relaxant qualities. This certainly could decrease the aggravation of neuromuscular pain. One of the drawbacks to this approach is that marijuana tends to have a rebound effect as a relaxant. Just like pharmaceutical muscle relaxants, it has a propensity to have the opposite effect a period of time after it is metabolized, that is, it tends to tighten the muscles afterward. Progressive relaxation ( Journey to the primal Sea, At the Beach) is a technique with no rebound or side effects, and thus may be more efficacious in the longer term, at least as a muscle relaxant.

There are many forms of qigong. The system of qigong and energy yoga that I teach has a physical and emotional balancing effect that can be achieved in as little as ten minutes of practice each day, though longer practice may result in deeper benefits. This style of energy mastery is a balance of internal and external approaches. There is a meditative aspect and a more physical outer element. Gently stretching the muscles in coordination with the mind and breath, and without irritation or fatigue, allows one’s vital energy to move unimpeded in a balanced manner. This combination of gentle movement, attentiveness, and judicious activation of one’s life-force can alleviate energy blockages, and effect improvement on physical, mental, and emotional levels.

Note: Though the classes and seminars that I present are effective for a broad spectrum of persons, those with a specific acute or chronic physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual condition may need personal evaluation and enhancement of the standard training program. This is best effected, at least initially, through personalized consultation. (c) 2004 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

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Qigong For Drug Addiction

Let’s face it, the United States is a drug culture. 14 million Americans use substances such as marijuana, PCP, and cocaine. 104 million Americans drink alcohol, and 65.5 million use tobacco.* Almost everyone will be afforded the opportunity to use pharmaceutical drugs, many of which also have addictive or habituative characteristics.

The usual therapeutic modalities for treating addiction are the “gradual-reduction” and “symptom-specific” methodologies.** In both of these therapies, pharmaceuticals are used to treat the patient. These pharmaceutical drugs themselves have side effects, one of which can be addiction! It would appear that this pharmaceutical approach does not adequately help patients cope with the physical, mental and emotional issues of addiction.

An experimental study, published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, used qigong, meditation, relaxation and breathing exercises to restore balance and cleanse the body of unwanted toxins in drug addicts. The researchers concluded that qigong is an effective alternative to pharmaceuticals in supporting addicts recovering from addiction. Patients practicing qigong had statistically significant improvement as measured by withdrawal symptoms, anxiety levels, and sleep disturbances. Recovery occurred noticeably faster in the qigong group as compared to those in the control or medication groups, by a rate of 200% or more.

Anxiety, Sleep, and Qigong.
The Qigong group showed significant improvement by the fifth day of treatment, anxiety scores dropping nearly 80% to 8.2 by the tenth day, mean anxiety scores had dropped almost 98% to just 0.7. In comparison to the medication group taking “detoxification” medication (lofexidine HCl), the qigong patients had 87% fewer symptoms.

Sleep disturbances were appreciably lower in the qigong patients. Within six days, 67% of the qigong patients were sleeping normally. Only 7.6% of subjects in the control group slept normally. In other words, patients practicing Qi gong were sleeping normally at a rate almost 9 times that of the control group.

Table I: Anxiety scores by group, pre- and post-treatment.

Day in treatment……………Control group………..Medication group………..Qigong group
Day 0 (pretreatment)……………35.0……………………….33.5…………………….37.4
Day 5…………………………………..21.3……………………….13.6……………………..8.2
Day 10…………………………………..7.3…………………………5.3……………………..0.7

Withdrawal symptoms***
During the program, withdrawal symptoms decreased more quickly in the qigong group. At the end of a week, every qigong patient had ceased having withdrawal symptoms. In the control and medication groups groups, however, symptoms were still being reported after the end of the program. The researchers reported that “This study shows that qigong practice may accelerate the detoxification process, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and shorten recovery time.” The authors concluded qigong may possibly have “significance and wide application” in treating addiction.****

Recovery from addiction presents severe neurological, mental, and emotional challenges to an individual. My experience with Tantric Qigong is that it tends to have a balancing effect on both the psyche and soma. For instance, if one’s nervous system is hyperactive, Tantric qigong will have a calming effect. If one is hypoactive, even lethargic or depressed, qigong will act to enliven and rejuvenate. In the system that I teach, I have observed that both the invigorating and soothing aspects of this practice are naturally mediated by the requirements of the practitioner. That is to say, whether an individual requires the vital energy to be either stimulating or soothing, Tantric Qigong appears to be able to intervene in the manner appropriate for that individual at that time. As this balance is manifested on physical, mental and emotional levels simultaneously, it would seem that qigong is a particularly efficacious approach to the relief of somatic and psychic stresses associated with addiction recovery, and is well suited to a health care system that is itself in a state of stress. (c) 2004, Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

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* 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. Published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

**Devitt,,M., “Qigong for Drug Addiction.” Acupuncture Today. May, 2002, 3 (5).

*** e.g., nausea, hallucinations, etc.

**** Li M, Chen K, & Mo ZX, “Detoxification with qigong therapy for heroin addicts.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. Jan./Feb. 2002; 8(1): 50-59.

Sea of Chi, Sex, and Enlightenment

There is more than one acupuncture point to which the appellation “Sea of Chi” is affixed. For instance there is “Qi Hai Shu” or “Sea-of-Qi Shu” (Urinary Bladder 24) which is located at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra. This point strengthens the kidneys, chi and yang, and is said to “enrich” yin. It can tonify the blood, restore collapsed yin or yang, expel kidney stones, and gathers chi for the lower Cinnabar Field. This point is sort of the “back door” to the chakras of the lower Tan Tien (Cinnabar Field) and one of its effects can be to strengthen certain types of sexual energy.

So one can see how Sea-of-Qi Shu has some importance for our vital, sexual, and generative functions. It can be seen also to have a Tantric aspect in that it unifies Yin and Yang, Essence and Spirit.

Most often, the term “Sea of Chi,” as used in acupuncture refers to Qihai, which is on the midline and below the navel. It is used to treat abdominal pain, nocturnal emission, impotence or erectile dysfunction, uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, dysmenorreha, postpartum hemorrhage, constipation, among others. From this list, one can see how this point has a direct effect on the quality of both male and female sexual energies.

In a sense, this entire mid to lower area of the abdomen can be called a Sea of Chi, with much the same poetic accuracy that the clairvoyant yoga Masters describe this area as Manipura, or the “City of Jewels.” The entire area is a large storage battery for our light, the very essence of our life force. How we express this life force is another matter, and varies from person to person depending on their karmic patterning.

While acupuncture and moxibustion are excellent for certain conditions, particularly physical and emotional ones, certain aspects of the higher spiritual qualities are more efficiently developed with supplemental practices such as T’ai Chi, Tantric Qigong, Tumo, Conscious Breathwork, etc. Karma is somatically stored in the tissues of this and other areas of the body, and the meridians and points cannot completely release or transform this sort of energy. Apparently the karmic charge is both too dense and simultaneously widespread somatically for the meridians to be able to have a direct, significant, and consistent “karma burning” effect. If that were really possible, then all one would need for enlightenment would be to stick some needles in there. I wish it were that easy. In that case, I can think of a more than a few people who could benefit immediately and tremendously from being needled.

If one’s Intention is to create evolutionary Awakening and Spiritual Freedom, we must harness all the Will, life force, and persistence that the third chakra can produce. One way of doing this is to generate large quantities of Chi through breath exercises, and couple this life force with a process of liberating somatic holding patterns (our karmic habits and resistance to spiritual growth) through precise conscious movement. This allows life force, consciousness, and intention to be unified, and the form of our karmic baggage to be released and transmuted.

This is one of the specific and most important intentions of both our Tantric Qigong system as taught in the “10 Minutes to a Healthier You!” course, and the breath and mental / muscular control and surrender methodology of the “Relax! Journey to the Primal Sea” CD program. These techniques work not only with the meridians and superficial points but also with the deeper, more extensive internal chakras. For instance, the location of the lower Cinnabar Field is not only associated with the QiHai and Guan Yuan points, found two or three inches below the navel, but also an energetic field three to four inches inward (deeper if you are sufficiently zaftig.) Both the superficial and the deeper, more internal fields must be a least partially cleared and balanced for physical, metal, and spiritual health to be restored and Awakening to occur.

Breath Coaching can be ideal for someone who is ready to surrender his or her spiritually maladaptive patterns. During this process, the coach and trainee work with both the seat of personal power, and the seat of Spiritual Surrender i.e., the Tan Tien, Solar Plexus, and Heart Chakras. One does not lose even one quantum of personal power, but the software applications governing its use and intention may change. This transforms self centeredness, victim / victimizer consciousness, and stubborn attachments to ego patterns into an empowering surrender to the Flow of Tao. What is perceived as surrender by some is in actuality allowing yourself to be carried into the power of Universal Flow while generating empathy, gratitude, and compassion as a natural consequence. I think you can see how this would be important for both spiritual progress and healthy, dynamic interpersonal and sexual relationships.
(See, The 3rd Chakra and the Spiritual Purpose of Power, parts 1-6)

Certainly though, an acupuncture and / or moxa treatment can be calming, centering, and revitalizing and tangibly important, since a modicum of physical health and centering is a prerequisite for higher spiritual attainment. In our increasingly frenetic and dis-eased world, this should not be underestimated in its value, especially if it is as an adjunct to an efficacious spiritual and somatic practice. © 2008 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

The Three Jewels of Taoism

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Presencing™: Learn to Be Present

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Ejaculation Control and The Seasons

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die;
A time to plant, a time to reap;
A time to kill, a time to heal;
A time to laugh, a time to weep…
A time to build up, a time to break down;
A time to dance, a time to mourn…
A time you may embrace;
A time to refrain from embracing.”
–Ecclesiastes 3:1-5, adapted by Pete Seger

“Everything in the universe is made of Yin and Yang.
Yang will settle through Yin, and Yin will expand through Yang.
Yin and Yang integrate and move together.
So a man will become aroused and expand his Jade Stalk for a woman,
and woman will become excited and open her Jade Gate for a man.”
– Lady Xuan

Though lacking the instrumentation of modern science, the Taoists did have access to the ultimate Instrument on which all other technologies are built: human consciousness. The likes of Chang Tsu, Lao Tzu, and Confucius brought their considerable powers of attention to bear on the minutia of natural and social phenomena, internal and external Chi (qi). Both the disciplines of Science and the ancient Taoist practices delineated in classics such as the I Ching and the Tao Te Ching evolved through the close and persistent observance of nature and its changes. Certainly, the changing of the seasons is something almost everyone notices, and these cycles play a large role in Taoist doctrine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ejaculation guidelines, and Tantric Taoist Sexology.

In addition to the age and health considerations discussed previously, the nature loving Taoists observed differences in overall sexual vitality according to the seasons. This makes sense as you can see energetic fluctuations in nature and within oneself with the seasons. Winter tends to be cold, dense, contracted, with life in quiescence; and Summer’s essence is hot, expansive, and profusely alive with plant and animal life. One’s Chi tends to “hibernate” to a degree in winter, while conversely having the ability to express itself much more lushly in summer.

Yin - Yang & Chinese Elements

Technically, according to Taoism, the Yang or male force should be most strong during the summer. This is called “Yang within Yang” and its element is Fire. It is true that summer seems to be the Domain of Yang at its most mature, however Spring (Yang within Yin) is often when we notice it’s force most strongly. The element of Spring is said to be Wood. Think of the bursting forth of new growth, plants sprouting, thrusting themselves rampantly and eagerly through the warming soil. You get the idea. Good golly Miss Molly, great balls of Chi!

Fall (Yin within Yang, Metal) seems to have a sort of dynamic, yet contented, balance of Yin and Yang leading to the contracted, internal, and often self-reflective “Yin within Yin” of Winter, whose element is Water.

“Early to bed and early to rise,
makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
–Advice for the month of October, Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1735

Our general health is influenced by the time of the year, and our activity should change accordingly to be in harmony with it. For instance, Chinese Medicine prescribes going to bed early and sleeping late in the winter. Not doing so is deleterious to the kidney and sexual energy (chi, jing or ching) . During the Yang of Summer, we can afford to go to bed late and get up early – yup, it’s summer vacation and party time! The seasons of Spring and Autumn are advantageous for going to bed early and awakening early. If you pay a little attention, you will see, and more importantly feel, how appropriate these habits are.

Based on this, one can see how a man’s sexual energy is most vigorous, at times even bordering on profligate, in the Spring and Summer. This may be the time to risk the hedonic pleasures of extra ejaculation. During the Winter is when he is best advised to be most careful, disciplined, and energetically conservative. Disciplines such as T’ai Chi and Tantric Qigong tend to both augment one’s vital energy and, at the same time, increase one’s sensitivity and ability to be in harmony with the flow of both internal and external Chi. Although this is true sexually for women as well as men as we will discuss later, I have to say that adhering to this principal is most crucial in preserving a man’s health and yang life force in general. This is most likely due to the fact that men will tend to “donate” their yang energy most liberally during sex, whereas a woman tends to be more receptive. These generalizations are less universal in men and women who are trained to generate, retain, circulate, and balance their yin and yang polarities through Taoist and Tantric practices.

Yin Yang Supreme Ultimate Male and Female

“During the cold of winter, a man should preserve his semen and avoid ejaculation altogether.
The Tao of Heaven is to accumulate Yang in winter…
One ejaculation in cold winter is a hundred times more harmful than an ejaculation in the spring.”
–Liu Ching

Seasonal Guidelines to Ejaculation Frequency

Season…… Frequency

Spring……. 1x every 3 days

Summer… 1x every 15 days

Autumn…..1x every 15 days

Winter……. 1x every 30 days
© 2008 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

Part 6: Ejaculation, Cancer, and Modern Medical Research

Ejaculation Control and Mental, Spiritual, and Physical Health Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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Taoism

When we include T’ai Chi, the various form of Qi Gong (Qigong. Chi Kung, Chi Gong Chi Gung), and Taoist Sexology, this tradition encompasses all of the important Tantric techniques while adding Taoist grounding technology. Taoist Grounding gives us access to the tremendous strength and stability of the planet. It allows us to become a spiritual warrior, affording us the empowerment to deal with our own internal demons and external stresses. We can have our cake and eat it too: becoming able to reach the heights of spiritual bliss while walking in the world.

Taoism does differ greatly with some teachers of Tantra in its approach to processing Karma. While some Tantra techniques encourage cathartic emotional release, Taoism recognizes that this approach has little long-term benefit for most people, and can actually be harmful. The Taoist call it “circling the Midplane” Aggressive energy stimulation for catharsis is predicated on:

1. Activating primal energy (Qi, Chi, Kundalini) and directing it towards emotional patterns,

2. Fully releasing this energy physically, emotionally, and mentally, and

3. Being able to hold “Witness Consciousness” to observe yourself re-experiencing a given pattern and how it has affected and controlled your life.

This is a tall order and unlikely for the practitioner to be truly successful at. Although the catharsis can feel effective, even blissful immediately afterward, the patterns tend to re-assert themselves over the long haul. If you have one unit of ability to release and witness, and you activate 3 units of emotional trauma, you have effectively reinforced the karmic pattern by a factor of 2. Recognizing that often “less is more” Taoism tends toward working on grounding and strengthening empowerment while allowing karmic patterns to rise into consciousness more gently and naturally. The BodyMind can then more easily witness and integrate this experiential knowledge without the potential perils of a more aggressive energetic assault.(c) 2006 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

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T’ai Chi Chuan

T’ai Chi Chuan is one of the traditional Chinese martial arts or Kung Fu (Gongfu). It is also one of the preeminent spiritual disciplines for the modern age. It can be practiced as an exercise for health, as an art for self-defense, and as a meditation or a Taoist Yoga in motion for sensitivity and awareness.

"Stretch Left Hand Up" The Red Rocks of Sedona are a good place to experience grounding.

As an exercise, Tai Chi Chuan may be practiced by people of all ages, indoors or out. When practicing, use little muscular strength and move the limbs and body softly. T’ai Chi will adjust the breath down to the Tan Tien (dantien) and circulate the Chi (Qi, Ki) to all parts of the body.

The movements of T’ai Chi Chuan are very natural and not forced. No stress or strain is placed on any part of the body. The entire body is exercised evenly and moderately. Thus, it tones up nerves, brain and muscles; while invigorating the circulation, oxygenation and filtration of the blood.

Daily practice is essential, preferably once in the morning and once in the evening. After long and conscientious practice, one’s general health, physical and mental, is invariably improved. T’ai Chi Chuan is particularly suitable for persons suffering from chronic ailments such as arthritis, spinal troubles, high blood pressure, over-eating, etc.

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Fibromyalgia, T’ai Chi and Qigong