CrunchyChocolate555

Sweet. Thanks again

Great, hope you find it helpful. You might also be interested in checking out the practice journal of Eric23 a fellow bum who worked with Unwinding the Belly over a long period of time and wrote lots of entries about his experience

WOW! How have I never heard about this??!!

I just ordered the book, and will try to find a qualified practitioner in my area. Seems like it might just work..

Abdominal massage could be great. Is there anyone who does chi nei tsang (a form of taoist abdominal massage) near where you live? Also check out the book Unwinding the Belly, a self-help chi nei tsang book that will teach you how to do the massage yourself. You might try finding a tender point on your belly and keeping your finger right on that spot making gentle, superficial counterclockwise circles until you start to feel some release. Then move slightly to the next tender spot and repeat. This self-treatment could take up to an hour or so a day and help a lot over time. Also, similar gentle circling around the rim of the navel (covered in Unwinding the Belly) might help a lot.

A similar idea you could also try. Make the same kind of gentle circles starting at the center right below the sternum and then working right below the lowest rib slowly towards the periphery. Then come back to the center and work towards the periphery on the other side. Be patient and work slowly releasing little by little. If emotions come up that means it's working.

I'll check it out. I've thought about seeing a specialist but I don't know which would be the right one for me.

I have also thought about looking into biofeedback training for real-time feedback. Does anyone have any experience with that?

See a doctor... allopathy is hands-down best for things like long-lasting blunt force trauma injuries.

Yes, I have, but not daily. The times I have done it, it didn't seem very effective, although it did stir up some emotions. I say it didn't seem effective because I wasn't able to find any trigger points or anything particularly out of the ordinary. Seems like the target area is hidden behind the ribs.

If I can provide some more information, here's what seems to happen:

When I exhale, my upper abdominals quickly and strongly collapse inwards, and stay strongly contracted on the next inhale. It seems like I have little control over what the muscles do in this area, and it becomes a struggle to let them go.

It's like it's extremely hard to just let everything relax in that area. It takes about 30 minutes to get into a ballpark range of where I can just let it to "let go" and begin working on my breath (inhaling with the sides, back, and upper lungs, etc.).

Have you tried to self-massage that area daily?

I have seen 2 different acupuncturists on a number of occasions, one of which is now my teacher.

I would have thought by now he would have tried using needles to help correct the issue, as he correctly diagnosed me with the problem without me telling him about it specifically (he told me I have a "ball" in my upper abdomen).

He is however treating me for liver qi stagnation using herbs, but that has not helped so far. I don't know how much the liver stagnation has to do with it.

To compound the problem, since I've had the issue for such a long time, all the ligaments and fascia in that area have shortened and atrophied, so stretching it out requires an enormous amount of tension and causes a lot of pain.

What I have found the most effect for stretching it so far is: sitting down, bending down my upper back, taking a deep inhale, feeling the ball descend, holding the breath, and sitting back upright, I can feel by neck pulling up on the ball, stretching it out and causing discomfort.

The idea is that it should remain in that descended position regardless of wether I am bent down or upright, but its like it physically can't go down that far.

It's driving me nuts, seriously. It's actually seriously pissing me off, and I bet that's what's causing the liver stagnation!

Hmmm well I suppose its hard to say conclusively or not if that incident as a child is related to your difficulties now, but the reason the solar plexus is call the solar plexus is because there is a large "plexus" of nerves there right in your diaphram area. Now its possible that one of those nerves might have been damaged when you got stompped on. Since nerve damage does not repair like other tissue damage, its possible that an injury here as a child could still be causing difficulties to you now.

 

My recommendation would be to see an acupuncturist as acupuncture has a postive effect on nerve damage, which is why its so sucessful in treating stroke victims. Being that this is likely a chronic case involving nerve damage, I'm pretty sure you will require several treatments, Hope that helps.

I noticed it gets better after eating because the added weight in the stomach helps push that area down..

I asked about this topic before, but I decided to start a new thread because it's still not improving no matter what I do.

I believe the problem started when I was about 8-9 years old, I was lying flat on my back and another kid was ran across me stomping me right in the solar plexus.

My vision went black for a second but I felt relatively OK, didn't think too much of it.

It's only now that I realize I think that accident was more serious than I thought.

I have ENORMOUS difficulties breathing despite all my best efforts in trying to correct it. In fact, I have spent at least 1 hour per day in the past 3 months consciously working on my breathing, trying various methods of correcting mechanics, posture, refocusing on which areas to tense and which areas to relax, overall relaxation, awareness, etc. drawing from the best sources I could find.

But it has barely helped at all.

The problem is basically that I feel a huge stuck "ball" in my solar plexus area, actually a bit lower, in the upper abdominal area, and right behind my left rib.

It feels like theres a grapefruit sized chunk of dried glue that is preventing anything from moving in that area. It restricts my breathing range of motion to about no more than 50% of what it could be, judging by my estimation, and so as you can imagine, this causes me a whole range of difficulties.

I have been able to successfully release this ball at least partially on a number of occasions, during very deep and relaxed meditation, but within about 1-2 hours after the sessions, it goes back to usual, and I feel even more frustrated. Imagine only being able to use half of your lung capacity, it's like being constricted by a boa!

Of course things like stress and caffeine (both of which I try to avoid as much as possible) make the problem worse, but it is still always there regardless.

I'm getting extremely frustrated about this whole issue and my frustration is only making it worse. I don't know what to do anymore!

I'm to the point where I am starting to think this could be a neurological issue where my brainstem is unable to coordinate all the different parts correctly, as when I focus on releasing tension in my brainstem and relaxing that area, my breathing gets significantly better- this idea is reinforced by Mantak Chia in one of his books... and it makes sense, but I don't know if it's the problem in my case, in fact I could be way off.

I also have a subloxated vertebrae behind the area where the spasm is located, which could be making it worse as well. I don't know.

I am thinking about seeing an Alexander technique teacher but I'm unsure if he would be able to help me. I guess I won't know 'til I try though.

I'm thinking about trying things outside of conventional breathing correction techniques, as that has almost never worked so far. Something outside the box. Any ideas?

Deep horsestance will fix any root chakra issue.

One final, final question for Sifu Terry

When do you plan on releasing Volume 6 in the series?

What I believe to be true, in the bottom of my heart, is that we are beings with infinite potential, and that despite any kind of genuine powers and pure, honest intentions the healers may have, I won't allow myself to get caught up in spiritual authority.

I rejoice in the opportunity to explore the implications of my thoughts and actions, and to learn from it.

I am responsible for my life, and everything that has happened to me. I did it. As such, I will not put any blame on anything outside of "myself". My body may be "contaminated", but my soul, my self, Brahman, is pure. If I may just have the courage and tenacity to follow it back to the source, it will never steer me wrong.

Get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1572243759/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366504786&sr=1-1&keywords=trigger+point

And this tool: http://www.amazon.com/Thera-Cane-JMAS5000-Massager/dp/B000PRMCJU/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366504811&sr=8-1&keywords=theracane

Follow the instructions in the book. If you can't completely get rid of the pain within 2 weeks, (it will still get rid of most of it), that means there is something deeper in your nervous system that is holding the pain, in which case I would recommend you find a competent qigong or tai chi instructor.

Another thing you might want to try (or use as a complement to the above) is Bruce Kumar Frantzis' "Tao of Letting go" water method. It is a meditative practice, but it goes to the root cause of blockages and ultimately ends up releasing pains and knots as well.

Massage always helps. You can even try finding one to help you work with the above to accelerate the process^^^

The upper back is comprised of the thoracic spine, which contains the heart and lungs. Have you seen an acupuncturist to verifiy whether you may have problems with these organs? Often, resolving these issues will relieve nervous tension in the associated rachis and vertebrae, effectively releasing the pain.

Also make sure you're breathing properly, and that you have proper posture!

And always, get to the root of the issue as much as you are able to do so. Good luck.

I would say, DON'T GIVE UP and keep up the good work!

Why? Because I didn't feel diddly for the first few years of doing qigong. Ziltch. Nada. Not even some tingling..

It's only in the past year after resuming qigong (I took a break for a few months) that suddenly, out of the blue, I started getting a very strong and tangible feeling of qi.

Also, it may just be that for now, the qi is not taking on the form of being a physical sensation, it may perhaps be perceived by you through other means if you pay close attention.

However, if I can speak from my experience with FPQG, the qi is incredibly strong and tangible, even despite the difficulties I am having with keeping good posture.

If anyone is familiar with trigger points (tight bands of muscle fibers aka, knots), I have gained the ability through practice to consistently able to direct the qi I get from FPQG into these knots and feel the muscle start twitching, and the knot releasing after a few minutes of the energy "massaging" it out.

I can attest to the fact that it is not placebo as the "knot" is then greatly diminished afterwards, and gone after a few sessions. It can even be measured as I have been able to relax my tight shoulders and let them naturally expand outwards a few centimeters (they used to be so tight and pulled in that this was not physically possible). I believe this is how in part, it can even heal long-lasting pain-inducing physical injuries (which from my research, are mostly caused by the trigger points that remain after the initial injury).

So now I am having the luxury of simply doing the exercises, and then during or afterwards, exploring my body for any blockages, keeping my awareness there, and letting the qi do the work. The effects are much stronger whilst actually doing the exercise (but that's why I wanted to make sure with Sifu Terry if it is OK to do it like this)

I have also been able to release several subloxated vertebrae in several sessions this way (that even chiros weren't able to help with despite their best efforts).

I am still working on a major subloxated vertebrae (T8-10) that is really hard because by very nature of having to stay upright during the postures, I can't get it to relax. But I can still direct the energy there for healing afterwards, or any time for that matter. I have had my greatest success in helping to heal my neck and shoulders in this way, and I have still have a lot more left to explore. It really is an incredibly enjoyable and fun process.

Hi CC,

Of course I cannot answer for Sifu Terry but as far as the chi releasing blockages I would say that is the essence of what Traditional Chinese Medicine is all about! That is what it is designed to do since TCM believes all illness is due to an imbalance in energies so it moves stuck energy and that restores health. That is just one example of what the chi does. But what I am impressed about is that you are so fortunate to be able to directly experience the chi at work. After 6 yrs of chi kung I still can only feel chi in my hands when I do the movements and nothing afterward when the session is done.

Speaking of which, I have just learned the first FP med on vol. 5 and I would really enjoy hearing the experiences of all you guys out there who have done vol. 5 meds. What have you experienced from these "amazingly simple" meds? What can I expect to experience from them?

CC you get to directly experience chi kung working for you whereas I have to consult my medical clairvoyant who just by thinking the name of the meditation or the breathing sequence numbers can literally see in his consciousness what each meditation is doing for me. I will share what he has said about these powerful meds after the rest of you guys familiar with vol. 5 share what you have eperienced then we will compare notes.

Steve

Thanks for the fantastic advice everyone. I'm taking little bits and pieces from all of you!

I must admit I am having some *phenomenal* success with just doing Flying Phoenix Qigong and Tai Chi.

I feel good. Nothing is lacking. There really isn't any problem.. and that's not just some mantra, I really mean it.

What if I have bad knees and reallly tight and problematic hip flexors, glutes, and spinal extensors? And I few subloxated vertebrae that prevent me from sitting up straight? It's an interesting theory that Kundalini could instantly fix that but I don't believe it.

That said, I aspire to one day be able to sit in full lotus! It looks like a lot of fun.

yeah Yogananda states that sitting in full lotus meditation burns bad karma.

 

It's simple and it works. It's very easy for the mind/ego to get confused but you can't fake the full lotus.

 

If you had a real kundalini experience you'd be able to sit in full lotus for 2 hrs with no pain, no movement, etc. Most can't do this.... sounds like you're dealing with jing energy issues.

 

So sitting in full lotus will ground the energy back into your body instead of just psychological stuff.

 

Full lotus will cycle the energy through your body.

 

The simplest is the most powerful.

You're right, thanks.

About the telepathy, that was tongue-in-cheek. I meant it would be easier for me if I didn't have to actually go through the physical motions of opening my mouth and producing sound, as that's what I have trouble with and stirs up emotions...

Express yourself before you begin fighting yourself, which leads to bigger issues down the road. Whatever it may be. Restraint is only good for those who truly need it. Developing telepathy to talk to others is a bit silly in my opinion. Not every one has such a gift or possibly even knows about it.

Well, I do have liver qi stagnation, so I suppose it's anger/frustration related, but I am NOT a violent person at all. Never have been.

Thanks for the visualisation tip, I will definitely try that my next hike up the mountain in a couple of days.

Have you tried expressing this some how in some kind of manor? If it is violent, I hope you express this in a non-destructive manor. But as long as your getting it out.

 

Try pushing this out. Take deep breathes into the chest. It may also be your upper dan tien opening up as it could be a emotional/psychological blockage from the past.

 

If I may suggest a visual practice while you are out in nature. Imagine grounding your self as your feet become big deep roots into the earth, imagine energy flowing back and forth between the lava and the roots, give this issue or ball of energy to the earth as she is the one who provides for all us and our survival. Hope this helps.

 

Entity or not, "we become what we think" and I honestly think you will be fine.

Oh yes, there many things that have left a mark on me, and this is 100% definitely a complex I have developed and honed for myself, but now I don't know how to get rid of it. I'm not sure about being an empath. I think it's more of a fear of what others think of me, rather than actually feeling other people's emotions.

Like when I say something, anything, I almost always end up analyzing what I just said and coming to the conclusion that I shouldn't have said that, or said it differently. Constantly afraid of having offended someone with what I said or implied something that I didn't intend. So as a result, I play it super safe and try to be as nice and as quiet as I can, but I know I'm holding it all back so it comes out weird every. single. time. Do that enough times and you don't really feel like speaking anymore, you know what I mean?

I also have a lot of trouble controlling the tone and intonation of my voice, which is related to the problem in my solar plexus, but also probably has something to do with my throat chakra. (my entire throat and neck area is chock FULL of trigger points (tight bundles of muscle fiber that have nearly solidified) and the muscles are all tight and hard as rocks.)

I'll bet if I could communicate telepathically with people this communication thing wouldn't be as much of an issue.

I really wish I could just speak my mind and not give a damn. I sort of can on the internet (but I mean hey, so can anyone!)

I see. I see a emotional/psychological complex you have possibly developed on your own.. "What you think, you become.."

 

Dealing with my own demons and expierences, may I ask you this..

 

Is there any thing in your past that has traumatized you or has literally left you feeling utterly dis-empowered? This can be as simple as having a love one die, parental divorce, rape, being outcasted, etc..

 

Also your OVER THINKING. Hence why I asked such things above. If there is something lurking in the back of your being, your going to either need to accept this, express whatever this is outright (and I hope this doesn't end up hurting some one else) or rethink why you are practicing qi-qong and what you are seeking to gain from it...

 

You are also showing signs of possibly being what is known as an empath.... I am not well when it comes to gift's of the heart, but this is something that could turn out to be a great blessing in your life if you can learn to accept and understand yourself.

 

Entities can easily be made through benevolent or malevolent means. The purpose of temples, synagogues, and lodges is to provide a certain space to work with a specific spirits and to concentrate said energy and attribute; sacred space. It seems your not dealing with a haunting or something that is outside of you that could have been created before you dwelled in said space. This is harder to get rid of, mind you. An example are the pyramids in mexico, such as the aztecs, as marvelous as they are, they still required blood sacrifices/energy to 'honor' their God. A major difference in spirit and energy.

Negative on all counts. I am extremely fortunate that I have almost no obligations and no outside stress in my life at the moment.

The only reason I entertained the idea of having an entity (prior to my consultation), is because all my physical symptoms "matched". I can't say I feel "possessed", but I wouldn't deny it if someone told me I did and I would in fact, say that makes a lot of sense.

Other than that, my dreams are pretty cool and normal, I don't have and never had even remotely any kind of paranormal experience either.

If I could just release that stuck ball of crap in my solar plexus I would be golden.

You are basically describing your physical symptoms. Has these entities appeared in your dreams? Do you have bad childhood memories? Are you currently dealing with certain "regular" life crisis? Schools, works, and other family issues. If yes, maybe you should work with those issues first before blaming some entities.

I need some practical advice.. thetaoiseasy, or anyone else..

Here are the 2 biggest difficulties I'm facing right now, everything else put aside;

1) Bad breathing and bad posture. My diaphragm is constantly "stuck" and I always feel like I'm suffocating. This is probably due to several factors, but the most prominent ones I have been able to identify are several pinched nerves in my spine and lots of trigger points in many many muscles in my body. Qigong, taichi and meditation have all been invaluable in helping to relieve this, so that is why I plan on continuing. Should I discontinue my practice anyway?

2) Relates to #1; when I am around people, literally anyone, especially when they first appear in my line of vision, my solar plexus starts BURNING, and my breathing becomes extremely shallow, and my whole body rigid. This isn't even anxiety. I'm not anxious or scared, it's just how my body seems to react. Furthermore, my mind starts racing as I try to act as "normal" as possible and not come across as a weirdo.

So that's why I try to avoid people as much as possible... even my close friends. Until I can at least get #1 fixed, you know?

It's frustrating because now when I'm around people and get acclimated to them, I still feel pretty bad, during and afterwards, because I wasn't able to express myself fully and properly. That stuck ball in my solar plexus prevents me from expressing any power and so it gets repressed and eats me up inside. Sometimes I actually feel like crying as soon as I open my mouth. It's totally ridiculous and it doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

So if I go for a nice hike up the mountain... tons of people passing by and I can't help but overthink things. Do I relax and act natural and come across as weird? Do I put on my best smile and say hello? I can't stop my body's reaction.. it just happens, and it doesn't seem to adapt, or have any progressive desensitization go on...

So what do I do? Should I just try to go out in nature more (and follow all your points along with that, cleaning and purifying mind and input, etc.), or should I just muster up the courage and try to be more social despite how crappy it makes me feel?

I have absolutely no problem being alone. I mean, I reallllly wouldn't mind having a girlfriend right now, but I simply don't feel it could possibly work out until I get all this very basic stuff fixed...

I mean, it literally feels like, you know when you put two magnets of the same pole face to face? that's the feeling I get in my body around others, and it almost never goes away until I'm alone.

When Im alone, I feel great, other than the trouble breathing part... I can read, I can practice, I can listen to music, I can dance, I can do whatever! I'm actually pretty happy.

It's weird because I LIKE people, and deep down, I totally like being around them. Hell, I used to be a social butterfly... so I don't know what happened these past few months that got me being like this... Like I said, it's been ever since the incident in December.

Yes, I also believe this to be the justification behind the cost. I also totally believe 100% that her intentions and motivation is absolutely pure. I never put that in doubt, and I hope no one got the impression that I implied otherwise!

i believe jenny lamb's motivation is 100% pure and good. she has clean energy, and I don't dare to criticize her personally. I disagree 100% with her interpretation of spiritual reality, however.

all this spiritual talk aside, think about the psychology. a teacher once told me that he's already rich...and he doesn't need money. yet he charges qigong students exorbitant amounts of money to test them. if the student is willing to give himself to the practice and make the huge investment, the student will succeed due to his own sincerity. the teacher then refunds a lot of the money and may even teach the student for free in the future, after the student has put in the necessary work.

and this makes sense. when the student says, "shit. i just spent 1/4th of my years salary. this has to work. i have to make it work." compare that mentality to a student who only spends 100 dollars. right at the outset, the student who invested in the money will take the initiative--by all means possible--to get better.

as the adage goes, sincerity breeds spiritual efficacy. when you believe, there is something. when you don't have faith, there is nothing. that type of attitude will take you somewhere. but where are you going? and what do you need to hold in your hands besides your simple, unadorned life?

But I never said anything to the contrary! I totally agree that entities are a "pseudo-external" manifestation of your internal state.

But what if I tell you that the entities are attracted to you because of your state of mind. As long as you are mentally vulnerable, you would still attract entities. Can you even describe what or who is this entities? Hey, is your money and your mind. I am not a fan of rituals, regardless of any spiritual methods.

Everybody's gotta make a living. I'm sure she has her reasons for charging this amount. I won't pass any judgment on it. It is what it is.

This seems very out of line saying you can't do anything for yourself and can only be saved by paying 12000???

I'm really shocked by this, i thought Jenny Lamb was a respected teacher.

Thanks. I happen to agree with everything you wrote.

entities are everywhere...they are a natural aspect of life. even jenny lamb has many entities of her own. yes i said it. but someone has to. and with that note, i admit I have entities, too. and so does everyone on taobums. i only say this to offer you another perspective.

1. eye purification: dump the porn completely -- you simply have to do this. there is way too much negative energy around that stuff. masturbate and have sex all you want, really. avoid negative and crude and violent tv shows. on the other hand, some good comedy and laughter is always good for the soul.
2. mouth purification: eat more green vegetables, fruit, rice and less meat. eat bland food. avoid all spices and stimulants like coffee and tea.
3. environmental purification: go out in the sun. sit under a big tree, with your two hands interlaced and resting on the navel. take in the universal cosmic energy. breath it in slowly. the energy exchange will be automatic. can evil spirits exist under the sun and in the midst of natural energies? they can't, because all notions of evil disappear in nature. a fly is no more evil than a butterfly. a fly is. a butterfly is. nature is. they need no description. the sun has been deified as a god for centurities, but it will rise and set without any worship.
4. mental purification: quit your obsession with qigong practices and ideas of "entities." the first sign of possession, in my book, is the inability to stop your practices and parroting teachings you read without true understanding and benefit. get a copy of the dao de jing and start reading. again, all ghosts and spirits are part of the natural reality and are gone when you rest in tao. they will still exist, but be no more bothersome than a mosquito in your ear. there is nothing to be scared about. be careful about the authors you read, for you have to straighten out your psychology. you should be more normal than the average person.
5. body purification: drink a lot of good water, preferably spring water. sleep early and wake up early. go for long walks in nature, instead of practicing esoteric meditation practices. these practices only reinforce your idea of being abnormal, because they are man-made and mere descriptions of nature. and abnormality becomes your reality.
6. ear purification: stay away from music with negative themes and gossip that stir strings of emotional fantasies.
7. soul purification: i'm going to say it again: virtue is dynamite in the spiritual world. good thoughts, good actions, good intentions. keep working on this direction. you may have missteps, but will never go wrong. there is no higher truth than this. no one can escape this path.

this advice seems to be straightforward and almost commonsensical. but you have to take responsibility for yourself, like you suggested. i bare no bones when i say this entity business is alive because a person's third eye is open without the good judgment to interpret the sensory information.

as a part of natural reality, everyone is a house of spirits both internal and external. you are not alone. even now spirits are entering and leaving my nervous system. sometimes they can be a bit rough and make me sneeze or pass gas, but is sneezing and farting not a part of natural reality? just remember that it's up to you to clean up your house, so more friendly spirits come to visit. but more importantly, so your own internal spiritual reality is one unit: you call on your higher spirits to control your lower ones, not the other away around. can anyone do this for you but yourself? you can pay 12,000 dollars and ask a "master" to assist, but the job still falls on your lap and psychology. you must be responsible for your own life. then your current dilemma will be your own spiritual achievement.

I was recommended to not do anything until I can see her, for it would be of no use.

Right now I'm feeling pretty good. I will just keep putting in the work, and try making progress (as I already have made quite a bit of progress in these past few months.. no reason that should stop now), even if the fruits of my labor are going straight into this entity's beak! Maybe that is the sacrifice I must make? Perhaps I am making a mistake, but in any case, I can't afford it, so I'm simply going to have to make the best of what I can do.

Did you ask her if there is anything you can personally do to help with your situations?

My 2 cents, Peace

I still TOTALLY feel like I can take care of this issue and more on my own by diligent work and practice.

I really don't like this idea of giving away all my power!

Then again, I have no doubt she is right, but that still doesn't change that I can't afford it. And I still have to keep living...