RobB

Hi, My teacher recommends a simple 'sealing' at the beginning and end of practice. This is just standing in a simple wuiji-like posture with either feet shoulder width apart or closer together, crown raised, spine suspended -all the usual things. Place both palms, laogong over laogong, over the lower dantien. Breathe naturally and focus the mind on the LDT. Stand like this. He recommends ideally doing this for as long as you have practiced i.e., if you walk the circle for an hour then you stand like this for an hour afterwards. Cheers Rob

Hi CP, You could try posting your query here: www.rumsoakedfist.org - lots of knowledgeable people there. I've also just seen this by Frank Allen which might be of interest. Cheers Rob

Hi All, Anyone know anything about this lot and their method? http://psych-k.com/ Cheers Rob

Hi Seth, I've not trained with anyone from the Yizong group but I've heard nothing but good things about them. Luo de Xue is, by all accounts, an excellent teacher. Cheers Rob

Have you tried asking the same question here? http://rumsoakedfist.org/viewforum.php?f=4 Cheers Rob

Hi Jetsun, Can't believe I never revisited this thread! Did you ever get in touch with Alex? I think he takes his spirituality as seriously as his fighting. It's a good blend. Hope to see you at training. I'm also trying to find people for lunchtime rou shou in the town centre if that sounds interesting. Cheers Rob Ps: Hi Ed!

Hi, Snippet from a friends blog: http://www.acupractitioner21.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html Cheers Rob

Hi All, I have read Lindsey Wei's book and suggest that everyone who is interested in the real world practice of Taoism as it is, now, in China, should get a copy. It is a very (brutally, in places) honest account of her experiences in China and in the States. It is an open-hearted expression of her journey and how it has affected and challenged her emotionally, intellectually and physically. It is a personal book, and she shares the difficulties and insights experienced along the way while trying to integrate the human experience and the call to the spiritual life. I found the expression of Taoism described to be both as stark as stone and as warm as sunlight. Although much of what Lindsey writes about is not directly relevant to the shape of my own life there is much to ponder and I'm very glad to have this book on my shelf for repeat dipping! As Edward mentioned, this book is very much available and can be ordered from the publisher here: http://skydragoninstitute.webs.com/books.htm Cheers Rob

Hi, I am only a beginner with Bagua. However, like all of these things it is quite complicated and there is no real substitute for a teacher (and classmates to work with). I see that you are in the UK. If you can be more specific then some of the pople here might be able to recommend a local teacher. Cheers Rob

Hi, The needles don't puncture the skin completely. They can stay in place from one session to the next(my wife sees the acupuncturist once a week). I think one of the benefits is that the needles provide a presence 24hrs a day which effects the flows of the relevant channels. Specifically I think that the placement of one needle - on the most kyo (empty) point being treated has a 'gathering' action. This one is not to be massaged - very important. The other two needles left in place during the week are on the corresponding jysho (full, jammed) points - these are to be massaged (dispersed) three times a day. My wife is being treated for a potential long term issue (rheumatoid arthritis - although that diagnosis is up for question). This acupuncturist has a reputation for being very good with long term issues which may be related to hormonal imbalances. Cheers Rob

You might want to have a look at Acupressure for Common Ailments by Chris Jarmey. He was head of the European School of Shiatsu. It might be a good place to start for basic first aid etc. Cheers Rob

Hi K, My wife is being treated by an acupuncturist who uses intradermal needles (http://www.acupuncturedirect.co.uk/shop/press_needles/3_29_0_0/default.aspx). These are placed and then taped to the skin and massaged daily (on not, depending on the role of that particular needle). I think I've read of seeds or beads being taped to specific points for similar purposes. Not sure if this helps with what you are trying to achieve. It is a way of providing stimulation to more than one point simeltaneously. Whether the nature of that stimulation is appropriate is, I suppose, another question. Cheers Rob

Hi Gerard, Firstly, thanks for your many interesting posts. Secondly - I just wanted to point out that there are people who would disagree with the statement you made above. BKF clearly has a wealth of experience but he's not the only one out there. There are certainly westerners who have travelled further and studied as, if not more, deeply than he has. I would include names such as Paul Whitrod and Serge Augier on that list and they're just the ones I've heard of. But Bruces marketing-fu does certainly rule the roost! Cheers Rob

Nothing useful to add here - just wanted to say that I love the image of 'bursting at the seems' Cheers Rob

Suffering from rotten cold ATM so brewed up a few cupfuls of water with chopped ginger root. Used some and stuck the rest in the fridge. Easy to put a cupful into a pan and brew it up with some powdered reishi. Very nice! Cheers Rob Edit: realised post doesn't actually mention tea - sorry!

<golf clap>

Dear All, I'm trying to find out some information concerning the author John Blofeld (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Blofeld). I've recently discovered that there is a link between John and my workplace and I'm trying to fill out the pretty sketchy information I can find about him on the web. I'm primarily interested in getting a feel for his significance and impact as an author. His books seem very well known but he doesn't seem to have received (or sought) much academic credit for them. Can anyone suggest any sources who might be able to help? I'm in the process of contacting his various publishers and wondered about contacting some of the exisiting buddhist magazines but am not really sure which ones would have an interest in this sort of thing. Many thanks in advance for any help you can offer. Cheers Rob

Hi All, Thanks for the responses. Dan Reid is on my list of people to contact. All the best, Rob

Hi, To add balance to this very balanced set of opinions I'll say this: Run, do not walk, away from the Taoist Tai Chi Society. If you want taoism or tai chi keep looking. You won't find either there. Cheers Rob (been there, done that)

Is there a list where we can record the best TTB thread titles ever? Because if there is, this should be at the top. Cheers Rob

Yes. Well, up to a point I've just recently got into a situation where I'm doing a bit more 2 person practice. I can certainly vouch for the sense of aliveness which comes from drilling in this way. It's one of the reasons that I have been looking for a more martial approach. I can spend as much time as I like doing chi gung and tai chi form and convince myself that I'm all relaxed and serene etc. How much of that I can hold onto when someone is trying to smack me (even good naturedly) is more of a measure of where I'm really at. Cheers Rob

I've come across the lower body elements of this stance in Bagua. Its fundamental in some of the jibengong I've practiced and is used in 2 of the 4 basic postures of our single palm change. The feeling is a inward spiralling and winding from the hips down to the feet. An aim is to create a really strong connection to the ground. When I started practicing it it felt very constricting around the pelvis but the more time I've spent on it it's really opening up the hips and enabling a relaxed connected lower body. Cheers Rob

Damn, should have been in Upcoming Events thread - sorry about that! Can a Mod move as appropriate? Cheers Rob