Trunk

regarding practices that would be considered microcosmic orbit, especially re: jing refinement .. Well, the above method~s, - for me - within the last few months … Have brought me more healing, more towards balance than … some other mco approaches, lol, that emphasize ‘up’ first (and include the *ideas* of balance and mco, but often works out w/ opposite results). And it’s easy. And I’m def still progressing w/ it. Essential tool belt item, imho. Other results?: 1. My singing voice has improved. I’ve been listening to Al Green a lot, and I’m surprised at my improvement. Really good articulation and sustain. 2. My belly is flatter; such that people ‘ve been commenting. My diet? I’ve been ravenous and I eat anything I want, as much as I want. I’ve been pigging out for … weeks, if not months. Exercise? No changes. Almost none, recently, honestly. It’s just this method, very little practice time, actually -> strong ongoing results. - and people ‘ve been commenting on my flatter stomach. 3. Internal arts. Assisting in various ways, won’t belabor by detailing. Ok, that’s my blab on the subject. ciao, Trunk

I've been doing some review of du & ren in Deadman's Manual of Acupuncture. If you're really into this stuff, consider buying that - or some other hard core - book on acupuncture. Of the caliber that they use in schools. I find it to be a valuable reference. Anyway, the trajectories of ren (and du) are significantly different than is presented in pop-Taoism. A couple of other references.

@Euhen, Welcome! - Trunk

@PathOfbeansGod, Welcome! You might find the links in my signature to be helpful. - Trunk

It occurs to me that these two practices (below) contain an especially effective duo (in the context of well rounded etc) for addressing the typical (male) jing cultivation difficulties.

@yang107, Welcome! - Trunk

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@surrogate corpse Welcome! Trunk

Thank you. You've prompted my interest back into self-acupressure. I go with "groovy freestyle" self-acupressure, where I massaged gently along a channel (which are in the grooves between muscles) and spend extra time where ever I find pain to resolve, or good stuff. The liver channel especially made a big hit this way, as it's so helpful in resolving stagnation in the lower jiao and very convenient to massage, especially along the lower leg. Pulling out some old pictures.

btw, talking about the navel (that’s not a lead-in that I often use, lol) anyway, My orientation is that “embryonic breathing” is a key concept. (various practices might go in that direction). The beginning, the physically foundational nourishment all came in through that pumping. There are times when lung-breathing minimizes and the belly activates in a deeply integral way. If we want to access and cultivate our most physical foundations, imho, “embryonic breathing” is an idea to have around.

@liminal_luke, I’ve been going straight down ren, and so‘ve included the navel itself as an (exceptionally special) acupoint. I’ve seen a variety of people do things with their bellies, and I’m always impressed. Those sorts of methods (often) just look *healthy*. Historically, this has not been an easy area for me … many of us have had our smash-up-derbies of one kind or another, and I’ve had mine … I didn’t expect this practice to work so well. It’s not like I’ve never‘ve tried methods, modalities. - When I started this method, I had more than one spot that was painful, dumb, inarticulate etc. This has moved through stages *really* readily. - Currently: This practice continues to progress rapidly, has become stronger, more fluent, enjoyable. The feeling of strength has a quality of soothing flexibility. blabbing, Trunk

Very cool.