Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Natural method in the supine position (tszyzhangun vogun)


                         



The "natural method" (tszyzhangun) is a synthesis of the Buddhist method of "fixed contemplation" and the Taoist "open cavities (holes)." This paper describes an exercise to sleep lying down. Exercise is shown in the case of fatigue, as well as the elderly, people with poor health, the sick, including lying, and the disabled.

1. The principles of "natural method"

The method is based on the Taoist doctrine that "man should land, the land must be heaven, heaven follows the Tao, Tao follows nature." He suggests that the human body is part of nature. Therefore, the basic principles of "natural method" are as follows: find a basis of everything in nature, follow nature, in any case do not go against nature, to delve into the nature, to know the nature, use and transform nature in accordance with the natural course of things, to turn on the nature of the benefit of man.

2. "Regulation of body and mind"

"Natural method" allows the exercises in both standard and in arbitrary positions. Standard pose (lying on his right side). Lie on your right side, with your right hand, place a pillow between the head and thus the point shaoshan the upper phalanx of the thumb lightly touches the point ifen behind the ear. Fingers, place on his cheek. While avoiding pressure on the point ermen, tingun tinhuey and placed in front of the auricle. Bring the left hand to the right shoulder so that the point laogun in the palm of his left hand rested on the point tsyuepen located in clavicular depression. In this position, the body slightly bend down. Bend your legs a bit, and left more than right. It is safest to a position of the feet, where the end of the big toe left foot is about the middle of the right shin. If exercise is performed on the left side, the position of the hands and feet varies accordingly.
"Natural method" is based on the principle of "following nature" and does not require a well-defined positions, but there is a requirement - to achieve relaxation.
Perform each exercise can choose any position sleeping in the prone position. In an ancient poem about it metaphorically says, "Yep, buffalo in the mountains of Wei. Untethered nature walk to please. Spring breeze, the fragrance of herbs, greens poplars. Asleep on the hill, you have found freedom. "
Taoist method of "open cavities (holes)" is an effective way to treat disease and strengthen the body. That is why the standard pose of the "natural method" is taken from there. This position is favorable for the excitation of the qi and the circulation throughout the body. It allows for "open cavities (holes)", located on the biologically active points of the meridians, and thus bring the beneficial effects of qi to the most secret parts of the body.
Easy touch points and shaoshan ifen weakens irritating external sounds, helping to achieve a state of rest. Let us examine this phenomenon from the viewpoint of energy channels. Shaoshan point is on hand (tayin) lung meridian. Its function is to purify and irrigation lungs. Ifen point at the intersection of Hand (Shaoyang) meridian "three burners" and a foot (Shaoyang) gall bladder meridian. Ifen point function - "cleaned" meridians. Easy tuching these two points normalizes breathing and circulation of chi through the energy channels. Laogun point is on hand (tszyuzin) meridian of the heart, and the point tsyuepen - on Foot (Yangming) meridian of the stomach. Its functional purpose - to normalize breathing. Imposition of terms on the point laogun tsyuepen prevents cold qi through the last, and most importantly, "purifies the heart and removes the heat." Tsyuepen, in addition, is the point of connecting the manual (Shaoyang) Meridian "three burners" to the internal organs. "Three heater" - three sources of 'primordial qi "in the body, such as seat of sunshine - control of internal organs, spread chi through the energy channels on all sides, inside and out. "Three heater" connect internal with the external, left to right, top to bottom, and thus, irrigate chi whole body. "Three heater" sets a balance between internal and external, nourish and feed the left tend to be assigned the top and bottom led. "There is nothing more important," - said in his treatise "Chzhuntszan ching." Therefore, the point laogun imposed on tsyuepen point, has an additional effect on the internal organs, which serves to strengthen the "inner chi."
Practice shows that many people after the posture for the exercise by the "open cavities (holes)," there is a feeling of heat in the body.
Prone position is a basic posture of "natural method." Exercises while standing, sitting, and in the movement is based on the skills acquired in the supine position. The author had to advise people using "natural method" during the individual movements of Taijiquan. This is a good experience.

3. How to master the "natural method"

The basic principles of successful mastery of the "natural method" are: freedom, looseness, a feeling of comfort and tranquility, "lighting an inner light," "Death leaves, comes life." To be free means that the only criterion for selection poses a sense of comfort and convenience. When reached a state of rest, it is possible to recognize its existence, its nature. You can then proceed to monitor the physical and mental state. Does Shichzhen  said: "Looking at yourself, you can discover and illuminate the tunnel leading to the own nature." This phrase is the essence of Qigong practice. Taoist concept of "cover themselves reflected light" means self-control, self-regulation and match the type of biofeedback used in modern medicine.
It means the observation, first, body position, and secondly, the work of breathing and consciousness. Mastering this skill is key to determining the willingness to dive in the "resting state" and to the excitation of qi. Extraneous thoughts in no way incompatible with the "state of rest"
necessary for employment. Only completely eliminating vain thoughts, you can reach a state where "mind and body merge into full unity gain increased capacity." In this case, you can move while maintaining a state of rest, to achieve continuous reproduction inner chi generated by the interaction of yin and yang, and launch an internal work, while maintaining the external peace.

The exercise.

Posturing, "illuminate the eye of itself" and correct body position. Focus on a small area, located between the eyebrows and the tips of the inner corners of your eyes. The central point of this section is located between points and intan shangen on the nose. Taoists called this point syuanguan or "upper Tan Tien." In people who have reached a state of rest, this place is sometimes observed a faint glow.Scientific experiments confirmed that the upper dantian is one of the areas through which enters the "external Qi". The focus on this area is called the "concentration on the upper cavity (hole)." Focusing on the upper Tan Tien, imagine that your head is in the lower abdomen. This is the simplest and most correct way "of concentration" in the lower Tan Tien, favoring the excitation of qi.
This is because the idea is aimed at a place located. between two "shen". Does Shichzhen said: "The essence of the operation of twelve energy channels is driving on them chi emerging between shen." Some believe that the concept of "between sheng" means the point minmen located between the left and right kidneys (shen). In fact minmen is one of the "voids" (holes) through which the "internal Qi", moving along the meridian to think, and not the place where the initiation and stimulation of qi. "Internal Qi" begins in the lower abdomen and to circulate immediately, but after being fully formed. Therefore, the author believes that the concept of "between sheng" means the central area within the lower part of the abdomen, located between the "internal and external shen", where "external sheng" means testicles, and "internal" proper kidney (shen). Chi that arises here is the very original qi, which is based on the circulation of the work of twelve meridians. Professor Lee Chzhunyuy wrote: "The concept of" Shen "is broad and narrow meaning. Chinese medicine, it is commonly interpreted broadly. That is, all the organs of internal secretion glands, and all are termed "shen". Eight wonderful channels - also "shen". In the phrase "born between Shen Qi" "Shen" has a broad meaning. Focusing on the upper Tan Tien and the lower abdomen normalizes mental state. It can be expected that some people are not burdened by extraneous thoughts, already resulting plunge in the resting state. The bulk dealing unlikely immediately to calm thinking. In this case, the state of peace is achieved through such methods as the expense to myself, mental repetition of the words "Nanu Amitofo."

4. "Regulation of breath."

The "natural method" requires a deep and smooth abdominal (belly) breathing. However, one should guard against attempts to arbitrarily adjust the natural character and rate of breathing or detain him.
First, this type of breathing is unusual. The problem is that through a long training to bring it to the level of conditioned reflex. Then abdominal breathing becomes habitual and natural, have become the main type, which can be invoked at will. Thoracic breathing to play a subsidiary role.


* Shichzhen Lee (1518-1593) - an outstanding pharmacist Ming dynasty. Considered unrealistic prolongation of life by "foreign pill." Advocated the use of methods to achieve longevity "internal training" melting "inside the pill." 

                         
  
      
 




Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Qigong and education "De"(* De - Chinese philosophy category, indicating a general pristine virtue, morality.)

                                 


Since qigong classes are multi-faceted production process including willpower, hardening of the nature and formation of modern ethic, they are useful not only for the elderly and the sick, but even more young men and women. Qigong is able to encourage the younger generation and society in general to new achievements for the prosperity of mankind. However, speaking of Qigong, we can not neglect the concept of "de". Before learning qigong exercise individually, and moral qualities of the applicant for training were the most important criterion in the selection, and in further preparation was carried out continuous education of virtue. Qigong - is not wushu. Nevertheless, many styles of wushu is based on elements from the "hard qigong". Some specific skills with combat use, are also often taken from the practice of Qigong. Therefore, issues of education in the study of de qigong paid so much attention. If we consider qigong as a therapeutic method, he, on the one hand, it is a means of strengthening one's own body and mind, and on the other hand, can be used to treat other diseases. The most common methods of Qigong therapy include influence on biologically active points, massage, acupuncture, interference by "external qi". All of them require a lot of dedication from Qigong therapist, which is possible only when there is a high medical ethics.
In addition, because the study of qigong requires removal of extraneous thoughts and self-denial, the people limited, always dissatisfied with everything will not be easy to master the skill. Finally, the goal of Qigong is not compatible with deception and the desire for fame and personal gain.
In China since ancient times, has received considerable attention to education de by qigong practitioners. Confucians, "military school" and Taoists called qigong classes' comprehension of the Tao ", believing that" the attainment of Tao "inseparable and improve de. Tao and Te are closely related to each other. Therefore the ancients said this: "Perfection without de mining skill - a waste of time, practice skills - without improving de inevitably lead to a meeting with the evil spirit." Moralist, even in adverse conditions the negative impact of external conditions can get rid of extraneous thoughts, keep a stiff upper lip to maintain a balance between thought and chi experience peace of mind during Qigong practice. What is de? This concept has a narrow and broad. In a broad sense, it means a bi-unity of the original cosmic substance and its properties. In other words, "Te is the thinnest primary natural substance in the aggregate, with its properties and laws. It is included in all things in the universe, including the human body.Interacting with the Tao Te determines the birth, growth and death of a person. The entire development of human life against the backdrop of the ever-present Tao Te influenced. Therefore, human life and de in the broadest sense is closely related to one another. Te in the narrow sense of the word means the rules of human behavior in society and interpersonal communication. It does not have the force of law, but feel their influence and acts in the power of human habits. Te rules impose certain restrictions on human behavior, but they are not comparable with the limits of the law. De gravitates to the spiritual realm of human life and therefore penetrates deep into his inner world ("Qigong tansuy"). When it comes to education in de Qigong practice, it takes into account both the value of the concept. First, the meaning of moral behavior in everyday life, such as: getting rid of the subjectivity and self-interest, education nobility. And secondly, it is understood the need to follow the natural order of things, the perception of life as a natural phenomenon, which guarantees its normal course. With regard to the main conditions and methods of education de, here there are some aspects that will be discussed.
1. The development of willpower and hardening nature are an important tool for maintaining the "mind and spirit" at rest. In daily life, studies and work necessary to restrain their feelings. Talking to people to be friendly, based on restraint and peace, generosity and willingness to do good. The ancients said: "Anger, like fire, burned forest, destroying the skill and virtue. It is not necessary to set foot on the path of understanding (Qigong), as no patience does not compensate the damage caused feelings of anger. " The desire to learn how to manage their feelings, too, is part of the education process de.
2. Latitude nature and optimism. In any conditions should maintain a sense of joy, which promotes normal blood circulation and circulation of qi. In the "Su Wen" says: "Joy - a good frame of mind and purpose designed for universal benefit." If the troubles of everyday life do not give you peace of mind enough to smile, and in the heart breaks out joy and sorrow all fade like smoke. Taoists, Confucians and Buddhists in ancient times followed this rule. There is even a saying: "Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist! The three years of arguing they do not sin. Whatever touched upon the question of truth is one more sound - laughter. " It should be borne in mind that during Qigong practice focus is primarily on the internal organs, so the "laughter", mentioned above, should be understood not as unrestrained laughter, but as a sense of joy, is the deep heart. Sometimes people say, "Smile corners of his mouth." This means that the smile should always be "hidden" on the face. The foregoing applies to those who are in the early stages of learning Qigong. Learning to achieve feelings of comfort, ease and peace of mind, you can begin to comprehend the higher levels of skill. At a certain stage of training the body is filled with chi, and in the heart itself arises joy, not subject to any sorrows and hardships. Buddhists call this state of nirvana. Joy and optimism can not be called an artificial way, they naturally arise.
2. Foster a culture, get rid of bad manners and inclinations. Good manners and disposition are important both for the individual and for others, because they correspond to the nature of life. In ancient times, a quality called "high virtue." It was believed that it contributes to the improvement of skills. Bad manners and the same tendencies, whether they bring only harm to others or to the person, are in contradiction with the essence of life in nature is fundamentally contrary to the aims of Qigong. Great danger for those who practice Qigong, are arrogance, arrogance, self-will, hatred, envy, feelings of inferiority, lack of discipline, excessive jealousy, treachery, hypocrisy, duplicity, deceit, meanness and greed. Just getting rid of bad manners and inclinations, clearing his own soul, driving out all the bad and giving up the personal concerns, we can expect rapid progress and the achievement of excellence in craftsmanship. No man minded, selfish, evil and cruel, cunning and secretive because of mental inferiority has never managed to achieve any significant success, and if they succeed, then their triumph was short-lived. In the end, everything ended in failure both for themselves and for others.