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.

A Woman’s Response Re: Ejaculation Control, part 4: Peng Zu

This is a continuation of the discussion in Ejaculation & Mental, Spiritual, & Physical Health Part 4: Peng Zu

Q. Julie: Your article was saying how we become healthier and more balanced WITH a partner and without we are also targets for demons…what (can) a person without a partner…do to protect themselves and to also be more in balance and healthier. I can’t just pick some random guy to balance myself with…lol… so what can I do? Thanks for the information.

A. I believe the quotation from Peng Zu (Peng Tsu, Peng Zu) that your are referring to is:

“To be solitary and long for intercourse shortens a man’s life and allows a hundred ailments.
Ghosts and Demons will take advantage of such a man to copulate with him”

First, you have to be aware that the proto-Taoist traditions of some 4-6,000 years ago contained both practical spiritual wisdom and also some superstition. Over the millennia, it has become more apparent which is which.

What Peng Zu refers to are nocturnal emissions. Obviously, he is talking about men, so I don’t think this going to be much of a problem for you unless, of course, your boyfriend has them every night! A woman’s “demons” are usually more emotional than ejaculatory in nature. Unless you are a woman with a high degree of female ejaculation skill. And prone to narcolepsy.

It is possible that some highly eroticised women endowed with some degree of Tantric skill might have such vivid sexual dreams that a genital orgasm could occur, but this is much more likely to be a more diffuse sexual charge than strictly genitocentric. Men however, produce semen continuously, and as will be discussed further in this series of articles, it is not entirely healthy to never ejaculate. If too long a time elapses between ejaculation, the body may tend to take control with the cooperation of the subconscious, hence the nocturnal emissions that gave the ancient Taoists such concern.

Forbidden Planet, Karmic Monsters from your Id

Doc Ostrow: …”the Krell forgot one thing.”
Commander Adams: “Yes, what?”
Doc Ostrow: “Monsters, John. Monsters from the Id.”
–Forbidden Planet

Awakening with the obvious evidence of some nocturnal sexual process could be confusing to a simple Taoist living at the dawn of recorded history. Add to that the great length that Taoists go to avoid loss of semen through ejaculation control, and one can see how a superstition of demonic erotic possession aka “Monsters from the Id” could, well, “arise”.

In the Catholic Christian lineage, this loss of control over sexual fantasies and the resultant nocturnal emissions experienced by celibate monks is externalized as a succubus; a demon in the form of a seductive woman who visits a monk in a dream state. These demons were thought to arouse the sexual energy ( Jing, Shakti) of the celibate, then feed off the life force, much like a vampire. According to the Malleus Maleficarum, published in 1487 by the Inquisitors Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger, a succubus would collect semen from men they had sex with and impregnate women with it for evil metaphysical purposes.

I, however, prefer my succubi to be incarnate in flesh rather than being ephemeral dream demons.
Just a personal preference.

The quote from Shang-ku-san-tai,

“Man and woman mutually complete each other, just like Heaven and Earth gave birth to each other. Tao nourishes the vital force (chi) in order that man may not lose his harmony.”

The Tantric Dakini Goddess Mae West

relates to the great energizing and balancing of life force that can occur through High Tantric Sex, and especially with lovers who are willing to sexually and emotionally surrender to each other on a significantly deep level. So, on the one hand, “some random guy” might not serve this process, however you might also consider reading some of what the great Dakini and early feminist Mae West had to say on this subject. Here was a woman truly empowered by her sexuality at a time when this was not supported at all by our “polite” society at the turn of the century (her play entitled “Sex” resulted in a morals charge and imprisonment in 1927.)

Sex is one of the nine reasons for reincarnation - the other eight are unimportant.
–Henry Miller

Energetic balance ( polarity) can occur with or without a partner, you don’t need to wait for the perfect partner to get started. In fact, you are much more likely to attract a higher quality partner if you are willing to begin to use Tantric and Taoist forms to clarify your energy and burn your karma. Often Like attracts Like, so, to paraphrase Gandhi: “Be the lover you want to attract in the world…”

I am also reminded of the time that Teri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives fame appeared on the Jay Leno show with a Tantric Revelation: She was talking about catalog shopping and mentions that she bought 5 (that’s right, five!) Kegel Exercisers.

Jay Leno: So, um, can you lift more than you used to…or….?

Teri Hatcher: I now have a very strong kitty cat.

Jay Leno: (!!!!!!)

Teri Hatcher: All the other ‘desperate housewives’ are married and stuff, but, like, when I get a boyfriend, he’s gonna hit the jackpot!

You gotta admire Ms. Hatcher’s commitment to personal growth. Like Mae West, she seems gratified by taking charge of her own sexuality.

Of course, in ancient pre-battery operated times, The Taoists and Tantriks developed a high sexual and spiritual technology. The Tantric Qigong (sm) exercises “Wag the Tail” and “Raise on the Toes” open the pelvis and stimulate the kidney meridian.

Wag the Tail (c) 1997 Keith E. Hall

raise on the Toes

Tantric Qigong (sm) , T’ai Chi, and some forms of Yoga are the best all around exercises for increasing, balancing, and applying one’s life force for karma burning and other spiritual purposes, with or without a partner.
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The yogic asanas known as The Goddess pose and The Butterfly pose also burn pelvic karma and resistance to your own Goddess Power while indirectly stimulating the kidney energy.

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Here is an exercise from our 10 Minutes to a Healthier You! (sm) and our Tantric Transformation (sm) courses that you can do on your own:

The Energy Pump

1. Contract and pump the anal sphincter and the muscles of the vaginal wall, pulling upwards. If possible, make this a relatively fast contraction and release (2-3 contractions per second.)

2. After you get the hang of this, begin a pattern of deep breathing through the mouth where you are exhaling while you contract the muscles, and inhaling as you relax the muscles.

3. Imagine that the fast, deep breathing and contractions are like a bellows fanning the fire of your life force. This can also be done with pelvic rocking or thrusting.

Doing a few minutes or more of this each day will increase your life force (Chi, Qi, Ki), sexual power (Shakti, Jing), and ability to receive pleasure while also toning the PC muscle (pubococcygeal muscle) and vaginal muscles.

There is a variation of this that is known to increase one’s sexual magnetism to an almost hypnotic level. I have seen men sweat and begin to lose control of their power to focus in the presence of a woman adept at this. Some pheromones don’t hurt either….

In summary:
–You don’t need to worry about demons or nocturnal emissions.
–There are exercises you can do on your own to increase your life force and sexual magnetism.
– You are The Goddess. © 2008 Keith E. Hall. all rights reserved.

Instruction & Coaching

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.

Taoism, Kundalini Yoga, and Tantra

Q. Athalsteinn writes: How do you resolve the conflicting practices and problem of circulating Prana in Kundalini Yoga while also being a practitioner of Taoist arts where Chi is circulated through the microcosmic orbit instead of stored in the head chakras?

A. Thank you for your excellent question. Yoga and Taoist practices share many similar techniques and paradigms while also having both subtle and dramatic differences. Each is a master system for human evolution abundant with complex subtleties that have developed over millennia. To try to concisely compare these practices is difficult because of the immense diversity and history of both the Hindu and Taoist theology, sociology, and methodology.

There have been many academics, e.g. Joseph Campbell, who have written a tonnage on the subject, though ultimately an analysis of that which is beyond the rational is fraught with difficulty, if not doomed to failure. However, I will endeavor to succinctly contrast these two cosmologies below.

By “Energy Yoga” I mean those yogic systems that deal with the mastery of life force, consciousness, and subtle energies, e.g. Kundalini Yoga, Tantra Yoga, etc. The “Taoism” I refer to is not just the philosophical precepts (I Ching, Tao Te Ching, etc.) but the concrete and pragmatic applications, e.g. Qigong, Nei Kung, T’ai Chi, Tantric Chi Kung, etc.

Comparison of Intention and Technique of Energy Yoga and Taoist practices

Intention
Energy Yoga: Return to Godhead.

...Kundalini & Tantra Intention & Technique: Ascension

Energy Yoga seeks Mystical union with God and this agenda informs yoga technology and practice. All religions have this desire in some form, more or less. Health and longevity are seen as necessary for a long enough life to accrue the needed mastery of technique and wisdom to apply it in an ethical and karmically beneficial manner.

Taoism: Creation of harmony, empowerment, longevity / immortality
Taoism is more concerned with achieving inner and outer harmony, personal power, optimization of health, and achieving longevity or immortality; though there are esoteric sects that have a Buddhist or other religious and / or spiritual nature. Study of Qigong, T’ai Chi, the I Ching, and Tao Te Ching are spiritual pathways to attaining health, harmony, and spiritual power.

Attainment of great mystical power (siddhis) is a phenomenon shared by both Yoga and Taoism, and those practitioners without true Masters are inevitably lured by this detour on the path of pure intent.

Spiritual Technique
Energy Yoga: Ascension
Energy Yoga’s desire to achieve Divine Unity is expressed in orthodox schools through techniques that increase consciousness and raise life force through the body in various ways. In it’s most zealous forms, ascetic yogis seek to “park” the body so that the consciousness of the aspirant may leave its confines to seek unity with God. More unorthodox schools (left hand path), e.g., Tantra Yoga, may raise, lower, and circulate energies ( ci, Qi, Ki, Prana, Kundalini) for numerous rationales, one of which is the axiom that “The Kingdom of Heaven is within.” i.e., The Divine meets the human within the temple of the body. (See the discussion of Red and White Tantra)

Taoism: Circulation

Taoist Tantric Intention & Technique: Circulation....

What is considered a “left hand” path in Yoga is more orthodox in Taoist practice. Much practice is invested in a multitude of techniques for generating and circulating life force (Chi, Qi, Ki), personal power, healing the body, creating personal and social balance (harmony). Mystical experiences that are not centered in the body are less interesting to many Taoists.

The Middle Path
Surveys show that 80% of Americans feel that religion plays an important part in their lives. Yet we remain a highly materialistic, competitive, violent culture. Certainly our approach to institutional religion is highly dogmatic and sometimes extraordinarily judgmental. America is not alone in this. Throughout history, cultures have been shaped, and wars instigated, by religious zealots. Is this spiritual hubris a cause or consequence of personal and social arrogance and rigteousness, or is it both?

Tantric Taoist Tree: Heaven & Earth, Yin & Yang.

Of course, both Chinese culture and that of the Indian subcontinent have aspects of this also. Due to caste doctrine, Brahmins could only practice Tantra in secret. The great wisdom of the Tao was often utilized for pugilism (there are actually T’ai Chi and Qi Gong competitions!) It is just that it is more difficult to see and extract oneself from the psychosocial-religious ideology that one was born into and imprinted by.

Ideally, a middle approach includes a balance of earthly and spiritual intents restorative to mind, body, and spirit. A congruence of strength and compassion, expression and tolerance, freedom and temperance, ascension and embodiment, physical pleasure and transcendental bliss. Tantric Qigong is such a method. Its Taoist and Yogic elements promote health, harmony, empowerment, composure, personal freedom and, if one desires, a foundation for spiritual evolution, ethos and enlightenment.

10 Minutes to A Healthier You!(sm) is a highly efficient system of Tantric Qigong adjusted to the lifestyle and mindset of contemporary Westerners. © 2002 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

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Meditation CDs & Tantric Aromatherapy Attractant

More Tantra Articles

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

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™

Learn Tantric Qigong™:

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Burnt out? Life’s fast pace can wear you down, detracting from quality of life & intimacy. Learn about the all-natural dietary supplements that make the difference - simply, naturally. Visit Everest Nutrition today.

The 3rd Chakra and the Spiritual Purpose of Power

Americans love power. It is our god. Well, ok, money and power. The American Dream is based on a certain level of self-sufficiency and freedom. Empowerment and the liberation of the spirit have been characteristics of many of the original and often iconoclastic immigrants to North America, some of whom emigrated because of spiritual and political oppression. The founding fathers understood that within a context of a certain degree of social cooperation, the American spirit required a high degree of personal freedom. In yogic terms, we desire a high degree of third chakra activation.

Not that Americans are the only people who desire personal freedom, most of the world does. It is just that in modern times, the United States was unique from its inception in endeavoring to codify and insure a degree of personal and political freedom. This transpired at a time when most of the world was ruled by monarchies and warrior elites.

Perhaps you recall the adage, “Power breeds corruption.” We can easily see this in dictatorships and in other organizations where a high level of institutional power is concentrated in the hands of only a few, e.g., solely owned corporations, military organizations, insulated bureaucracies, etc. It is once again becoming obvious to many that the way we have organized our form of representative democracy is highly prone to corruption. This is nothing new, but at a time in history where it is becoming critical that we achieve personal and social enlightenment, it might be advantageous to look at ways to evolve our style of governing and doing business.

The Ego and the Third Chakra
The ego as a defensive protection against a hostile world draws on the energies of the first three chakras in its formation. In the unenlightened individual, the ego serves as a “Maginot Line” of virtually impenetrable defense against external threat. In this function it uses the powerful energies of pain, fear, anger and manipulation to achieve its goal. On an animal level this is so important for survival that it is hard wired into the brain stem and spine as the “fight or flight” reaction.

Our ego type is set within the first few years of life. Our early life traumas meet the various styles of coping mechanisms that we are exposed to at this time. We absorb the karmic energies of both our initial painful experiences and the style of the protective mechanisms of those around us. Inevitably we over correct, over protect, and thus self-limiting dysfunction is born. Both our perceptions of and actions in the world are based on this core imprinting. Very little that is truly new is ever permitted to penetrate our consciousness very deeply. The reason being that the new and unknown, though exciting, can be seen by the subconscious, by the limbic system, as a threat to our personal status quo. Our very perceptions are altered by our experience, karmic imprints, and defensive reactions.

An example by way of another axiom: there are always three sides to any story: my side, your side, and the truth. We consciously and subconsciously edit every experience right down to our basic perceptions, especially if there is a potential for conflict inherent in the situation. On some deep level, every conflict is perceived as a potential threat to survival. We edit our reality by sheer will and our habits of mental / perceptual filtering. In this sense we create and recreate our reality moment by moment. © 2008 Keith E. Hall. All rights reserved.

Part 2: Characteristics of the animal and the enlightened third chakra

The 3rd Chakra and the Spiritual Purpose of Power Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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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.