What is Qigong?

Qigong (Chi Kung) is a system of Taoist exercise and meditation developed at least 4000 years ago in China. Some attribute the Yellow Emperor and / or his teacher, Qi Bo, with the discovery of the principles underlying qigong practice. The word “qigong” perhaps can be best translated as “energy mastery.” It is a method of balancing mind, body, emotions, and spirit through a series of external and internal movements with mental concentration. These movements, along with certain stances and biomechanical body alignment, are coordinated with the breathing and the mind.

There are many forms of qigong and associated practices such as jing dong, dong gong, zuo gong, wushu gong, nei kung, etc. T’ai Chi, often translated as “supreme ultimate” or “supreme ultimate energy,” can be regarded as a particularly evolved form of moving qigong. For our purposes here, we will consider any of these various forms of Taoist energy exercises and meditations as a form of qigong.

One can consider qigong to be a kind of Taoist form of moving yoga, though qigong postures tend to be less strenuous than many yoga asanas. With some adaptation, qigong can be performed by virtually anyone, regardless of physical condition, as long as the practitioner is able to concentrate mentally.

Sometimes qigong is divided into subcategories depending on its application. So there are medical qigongs, martial qigongs, health qigongs, and spiritual qigongs. Qigong can also be classified by the direction and intention of the energy generated. External qigong generates life force internally and broadcasts this energy externally. So, martial qigong could be considered a form of external qigong, as could medical qigong. In medical qigong, the qigong master generates the chi and directs it toward a patient who needs healing. This is akin to a sort of “laying on of hands” in the western traditions of spiritual healing.

Qigong on the Mountain

Internal qigong generates energy and circulates it within the practitioner. One application of this form is internal self-healing, where one circulates energy to remove physical blockages or imbalances. This form, along with medical qigong, is somewhat related to the disciplines of Oriental Medicine such as acupuncture and herbology, which seek to balance a patient’s life force. Another application of internal qigong is for spiritual development. Here, spiritual power is generated and circulated internally through energy channels and the chakras for the purpose of clearing karmic effect, attaining self-knowledge, expanding or dissolving ego boundaries, and direct spiritual experience.

In terms of karmic intention, martial qigong could be considered to be the lowest form of qigong, as its intention is to control or harm others. Medical and health related qigong would have a higher intention, as they work to relieve suffering and generate health. Spiritual qigong has the highest intention, as it concerns itself with self-realization, expanded or mystical awareness, and enlightenment, which this planet needs so desperately at this time.

Qigong can be characterized as a gentle form of non-impact aerobic exercise and stretching suitable for warming up for more strenuous exercise. An example of this would be Tiger Woods, who reputedly has practiced qigong. Qigong can be used as a stand-alone form of gentle physical maintenance as well. It is also a highly effective form of stress management when used to calm the emotions and center oneself. Qigong as a spiritual discipline is a moving meditation particularly well adapted for restless western minds and active, stressed, and time-challenged lifestyles. © 2006 Keith E. Hall and Inner-tranquility.com. All rights reserved.

Rev. Hall has taught Tai Chi, Qigong, Tantra, & body / mind modalities for 30 years & is a senior student of Prof. Yung-ko Chou, with permission to teach. He has studied at East West Schools across the world & with Dhyanyogi Madhusudandas, S. Saraswati & others. He practices Bioenergetics, Bagua, Tumo, Vipassana, Zen, Spiritual Bodywork, various Yogas, & other East West disciplines. He has published articles on Tantra & Taoist arts in numerous journals & is the Founder of Jade Garden Tantra and www.inner-tranquility.com

Instruction & Coaching

Tai Chi Yang Style Short or Long Form?

Q: Glory Asks: I have started taking a Yang short form Tai Chi class because that was what the recommended teacher in town was teaching and I wanted to start learning Tai Chi. I have only gone twice so far. I like it. The same teacher is starting a Yang long form class in the near future. He thought it would be really confusing to take both at once. I think this is probably true. Could you please tell me which would be better to do, the short form or the long form ~ and maybe why if you have the time.

Last but not least, I wanted to tell you something else about Journey to the Primal Sea. I really liked it how you started out “Relax your xxx – that track – I thought it was very effective how you had just your words first and then after a bit the music started, rather than starting with music. The music was this little treat that kind of snuck in after you started relaxing. I enjoyed that effect.

A: Thank you for your kind words. As to your question, I would have to say that there is quite a bit of controversy among Taiji “experts” as to whether the short form or the long form is better.

Yang Style Short Form

Chen Man Ch'ing

The short form is an abbreviated form taking about 10 minutes to perform that has become quite popular in our attention deficit oriented culture. It is said to contain 37 unique postures or forms, though this depends on how you count them. The form is a relatively recent (1946) version of the Yang style invented by Cheng Man-ch’ing AKA Zheng Manqing who was born in Zhejiang Province. Cheng was often referred to as the “Master of Five Excellences” because of his skills in Chinese medicine, tai chi chuan, calligraphy, painting and poetry. In 1964, Cheng moved to the U.S., where he taught at the New York T’ai Chi Association.

I studied briefly one summer in the 70’s at the New York School and enjoyed the form, but their teaching method did not resonate with me. They seemed very fussy with new students, making you stand for extended periods of time in static positions while they did “corrections.” These corrections were often things like moving your hand a half an inch. While one could readily access the anality of this method, flow was virtually absent from this practice. And if there ain’t much flow, ya got clogged Tao! I would feel fatigued and vaguely annoyed after an evening at this school.

One of the teachings I did appreciate from Cheng Man-Ch’ing was his famous statement to his students that one should “Invest in Loss.” There are layers of potential meaning to this assertion. The general Taoist principle is that Yin overcomes Yang, that there is power through yielding, and strength through softness. In both Taijiquan and the philosophy of the I Ching (Yi Jing), this simple statement has a multitude of subtleties. In its martial aspect, this is often taken to refer to the ability of the practitioner to become yin. To be receptive and to withdraw. This is the Taoist (Daoist) philosophy of ‘Wu Wei’, non action overcoming action.” The literal meaning of Wu Wei is “without action” or “non-doing.”

Tao of Pooh

The Sage is occupied with the unspoken

and acts without effort.

Teaching without verbosity,

producing without possessing,

creating without regard to result,

claiming nothing,

the Sage has nothing to lose.

– Lao Tzu (Laosi, Lao Tse, Laotze, Lao Zi, Laocius) Tao Te Ching, Chapter 2

Wu Wei (woo way) is a state of perfect equilibrium and alignment with the Tao and results in an irresistible “soft and invisible” power. In a more humorous vein, Benjamin Hoff’s The Tao of Pooh implies “Wei” means monkey/claw, therefore “Wu Wei” means “No Monkeying

Wu Wei or No Way!

Around”. Wu Wei is also the central principle of the Church of the Subgenius and is referred to as “Slack” (See chapter 5 of the Book of the Subgenius.)

Chen Man-Ching’s statement about loss also often reminds me that there are no mistakes - only learning opportunities. We may “fail” many times while learning to succeed.

Dancemaster Chungliang Al Huang
At the other end of the T’ai Chi spectrum from the New York School, is Al Huang. When I studied with Master Huang, there was very little emphasis on the details of the form. Chungliang seemed to be interested in giving his new students an experience of the flow of Tai Ji, so he didn’t do corrections, which can obviously interrupt the flow. Some martial artists say that Huang is more of a dancer and artist than a T’ai Chi/Qigong

teacher, but he does have a gift in giving rank beginners an authentic experience of this Taoist art.

Huang's flow of Tao

“I use my body as a link to the sky.

I funnel the sky chi into my body.

I then dig down and connect to the earth chi

like the grass and the trees.

Even though we are small and finite,

we can tune in and connect to this eternal expansive chi.”

–Chungliang Al Huang

Yang Style Long Form

The form that I teach is the Yang School Long Form, one of the most recognizable forms worldwide, which I studied with Yung-ko Chou in the mid 70’s. This is the “Full Monty,” no shortcuts, all of the postures and principles. There are 84 forms or postures organized into three main sections. There are thirty-some independent forms (depending on how you count them) so there is repetition of forms to bring the number up to 84. I think the repetition is important so that one has more than one “crack” at the performance of the postures during each “Playing the T’ai Chi” practice session. It tends to open the body and “burn in” the benefit of each posture a bit more.

Keith Hall-Play arm like fan

Professor Chou’s style of teaching was a combination of holding the static positions so students could copy his model, and continuous movement for an experience of flow. Later he would do corrections, which are important, but he did not “beat up” new students with excessive fussiness over the details. This “middle path” approach gives students both a feeling of the precision of T’ai Chi Chuan, while also preserving the experience of being in flow. My personal style of teaching, though slightly different, mimics Professor Chou’s in this regard. I believe that students should have an experience of the flowing nature of this Daoist practice while also learning the details so they can have a standardized, repeatable form to practice with on their own. © 2009 Keith Hall. All right reserved.

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Instruction & Coaching

Read more about T’ai Chi here

Rev. Hall’s Bio

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

Instruction & Coaching email for info on instruction

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

Taoist / Tantric Sexual Practices

First of all, let me state that there is virtually no Western medical research into this topic, other than several studies which link improved health and well being in general to non-tantric sex on a regular basis, with a partner. There are some physicians who still do not believe that there is such a thing as female ejaculation!

Tantra and Taoism have recognized the reality of the female ejaculation for many centuries. It is a result of a very high-energy g-spot orgasm and is a tremendous generation and release of energy. This is both a great blissful joy, and perhaps a bit of a potential problem.

Taoist practices assert that 1 drop of semen is equivalent to 100 drops of blood in terms of vital life force. It is likely that something similar is true for the female ejaculate. While the analogue in men is the blood, I have heard some Sifus state that for women it may be related more to certain secretions in the brain. There is a somewhat coarse colloquialism that describes this energetic and hormonal or neurotransmitter loss!

On the other hand, these Eastern traditions assert that non-ejaculatory sex strengthens the chakric energy system and the endocrine glands associated with them. There are probably two main pathways for this. One is directly through the Tumo channel, and the other through spinal channels. The spinal route is more indirect, stimulating the hypothalamus, which then stimulates the endocrine glands, and can be quite powerful. There are several Kundalini practices which facilitate this, two of the most powerful are the Transmuting breath (with golden nectar) and the Cobra Breath. These are oral traditions and must be received by initiation.

There are systems in Tantra for devitalizing or withdrawing the energy from the ejaculate. There are other Tantric practices which can recycle the energy of the ejaculate such as soixante-neuf (Congress of the Crow), forms of Vajroli, and the famous Tantric Milkshake. Some of these require a partner, others do not.

Of the techniques that you are familiar with, I feel that T’ai Chi (yang long form, 2x a day) and the sexual application of the microcosmic orbit may be most helpful. The Taoist bone washing may help also. Further Tantric training would ideal, along with more weight bearing and resistance type exercises. Copyright 2006, Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved

Some Western medical references:
Sex…has been known to relieve the symptoms of specific medical conditions, such as menstrual problems, osteoporosis and arthritis.
–Dr. Barbara Keesling

Post-menopausal females who are sexually active have a lower risk of osteoporosis because they produce more estrogen.
– Patricia Birch, a psycho-sexual and relationship therapist for the NHS

Sex also improves the production of estrogens - good for skin and hair and for the prevention of osteoporosis.
– Oswalt Kolle, The Great Taboo: Sexuality and Aging

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Diet and Exercise

Diet. Not all dietary sources of calcium are equally absorbable, For instance, leafy green vegetables are a good source, but some contain oxalate, which binds calcium, making unavailable for absorption. Some examples include: spinach, chard, beet greens, also chocolate. Phytic acid will also bind calcium and is found in unleavened bread and oats. Milk is controversial, some nutritionists claim it can contribute to osteoporosis. At minimum, it is a poor source of absorbable calcium. The phosphorus in meat and colas will leech calcium from the bones.

The herbs amalaki, comfrey, and horsetail are often used. Probably the best supplement is a peptide linked calcium orotate with vitamin D. You should probably do some research, or see a naturopath about your diet as all this can get complicated.

Exercise Resistance and weight bearing exercise stress the bones somewhat, stimulating them to take up calcium. Resistance exercise would include weights, nautilus, and the like. Weight bearing forms would include Tantric Qigong, T’ai Chi and walking. Vigorous hatha yoga may help, though Tantric Qigong and T’ai Chi are probably more efficient as the entire skeletal system bears weight at all times. T’ai Chi can be done with wrist weights. © 2006 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

Part 3: Taoist / Tantric Sexual Practices

Presencing™

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Female Ejaculation, Osteoporosis, Tantric Taoist Sex

Kamakshi D asks: I have just been diagnosed with a high percentage of bone loss. A friend of mine with an Indian/Ayurvedic background has told me that daily self-pleasuring…is a cause of bone loss in women. I can understand the loss of some aspects of health in men, due to excessive loss of semen, but I have never heard of any detrimental health effects for women. Through self-pleasuring, I have several orgasms a day. I do experience female ejaculation, but that is NOT on a daily basis. I used to practice the microcosmic orbit meditation with arousal in order to retain and circulate the energy in my body, but have not done that for many years.

Do you know of anything in the Taoist or other teaching that would indicate that daily masturbation and orgasm in women is the source of a loss of vital energy and a problem relating to bone loss? Is ejaculation in women a cause of bone loss? Would practices like Internal Bone Breathing or Bone Marrow Washing be useful for something like this? I’m assuming that going back to my Tai Chi practice would be very helpful to stop any more bone loss. Do you know if any of these practices are helpful to REBUILD bone mass. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Rev. Hall: Interesting, and one of the more esoteric questions I have received about bone loss! First of all, if you have been diagnosed, then there is already some progression in this condition, whether or not it has been labeled as osteoporosis. © 2006 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

Part 2: Diet and Exercise

The Power of Surrender

Being an externally oriented, aggressive culture, we often forget that Yin is equal in power to Yang, and a balance of both is required for health, longevity, and joy in life. It is best to cultivate not only your life force and power, but also your ability to relax and let go. Without surrender we just enroll our vitality in recreating our old patterns more powerfully, stubbornly insisting in consuming our life force in the repetition of old habits, thought patterns, dysfunctional emotions and behaviors.

Some Practical Suggestions. For those whose of us who wish to balance our yin and yang aspects, power and surrender, action and receptivity, the ego and the awakened Self, I would suggest:

1. 1 hour of T’ai Chi, Qigong, Yoga per day. If your resistance and stress levels are high, you need these practices to ground you and balance your energies, especially if you are also practicing Tantra and / or Kundalini techniques. While Tantric Qigong(sm) takes only 10 minutes, those who are in a state of both high energy and high resistance need more, an hour per day minimum.

2. Bodywork. This is a helpful adjunct to further cultivate surrender. Somatic Release, Rolfing, deep tissue styles are preferred. For some, a vigorous Thai massage can also work.

3. Progressive Relaxation. Teach yourself to relax, breathe, and let go with this helpful tape.

4. Breath Coaching. Focus on the continuity of consciousness and the energizing, yet relaxing power of the breath. Essential skills for Tantra and true meditation.

5. Presencing(sm). Similar to breath coaching. Observing the continuity of consciousness and breath, with the mindfulness of recognizing karmic patterns and cultivating the ability to let them go.

Develop Beginner’s Mind. Let go of your expertise, your hubris. Let go on a physical, emotional, and mental level. Let go of your insistence on recreating your karmic habits. Let go and fall into the arms of your lover, your bliss, your Divinity. Copyright 2006, Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved

See also: Orgasmic Kundalini Rush

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The Irresistible Joy and the Immovable Fear
There are some people who, though they have a very high resistance to their life force, also have a kind of stubborn determination to increase their energy levels. This always results in some type of drama - emotional, interpersonal, mental, or physical. I have seen a great many expressions of this principle over the years, so I am very familiar with it.

The key is Yin Yang balance. It is great if you want to overcome your resistance, but this cannot be safely accomplished just by amplifying your energy, any more than it would be efficient to jam your feet on your car’s accelerator and brakes at the same time. There’s going to be a lot of squealing, smoke, weaving down the road, and eventually a big repair bill. Brute force alone will not gain you admission to the Kingdom. © 2006, Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved

Part 4: Surrender & Suggestions

Instruction & Coaching

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