Erle Montaigue receives many questions by email mainly, but also by phone and letter. Those that are deemed to be of help also to others will be listed in these pages. Come back regularly as we are updating this section daily.
Q&A General Section One
Q&A General Section Two
Q&A General Section Three
Q&A General Section Four
Please note that your name will also be given as the questioner
unless you ask otherwise.
| Sex, Ejaculation & the whole Shebang | |||
| Ovarian Cysts & Qigong | |||
This site has become too large and is loading too slowly so I have had to make another site as well as this one. Click on the last cell to go to the Site No. 2.
Q: Keith Boggess , USA wrote: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 10:09:48 -0500 (EST) From: Subject: question Erle, I had a beginning student who was having trouble doing the posture push left due to extremely tight shoulders. She could barely move her arms independently in that sideways motion, although she did the following Grasp Swallows Tail without much trouble. In using taiji as healing, I instructed her to perform that Push Left repitiously on a daily basis and to hold that posture three minutes on each side as an extension of the three circle qigong. Will those exercises help? Do you have any other suggestions that might aid in loosening the shoulders such as qigong or massaging pressure points? Keith Boggess
A: Dear Keith what you gave her is OK. You could also have someone or have herself even, press up into HT 1 as this is the point for frozen shoulder. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Holahan, Dan USA wrote: Erle, First, thanks for the web pages. I look forward to visiting them every week. Now to the question: I have been practicing Iron Palm (hitting a bag of iron takanite and meditation)daily for 4 years as well as Tai Chi for 8 years and Karate for 5 years. Over the last couple of years, I have been able to help my wife with pain in her knee and shoulder (volleyball). I place my hands above and below or on both sides of her knee when she is in pain and concentrate on sending energy up the fronts of my legs, up my back to shoulder level, down my arms and out thru pc8 on one hand, thru the knee and back up the other arm on inhalation and then reversing the direction on the exhale. After about 5 - 10 min. of this the pain seems to discipate and she can go back to playing. I seem to be able to have the same effect on her shoulder. My concern is whether or not I could be doing damage here or elsewhere and am I merely masking the pain or am I haveing a healing effect on the knee or shoulder. The pain doesn't seem to return or if it does she tells me it is not as intense as it was. Any input would be appreciated Dan Holahan
A: Dear Dan, Thanks for the question. You are obviously doing something right. However, I would advise you to NOT think about where the qi goes and you will get a greater response. Any conscious thought blocks qi in just the same way that external tension does. Just place your hands and do nothing, no thought at all and see the difference it makes. When you take pain away from an area, you are healing that area. However, when you place your palms over perhaps the head and you take pain away from for instance a joint, then you are probably only blocking the pain from the hurt joint. So if you are getting results, then keep at it. Kind Regards Erle. PS, if your wife keeps getting hurt doing Volley ball, coerce her to take up something a little less joint damaging! And I might also ask you to quit smashing your palms into hard objects! bagwa gets iron palm in a completely different way, by the way we use the mind and the body, the qi goes into the palms causing them to be 'iron palm' without damaging the hands by smashing them! So you can still have iron palm and play music for instance or paint etc.
Q: Buggee338 wrote: > Dear Erle, > Once again I look to you for a suggestion on > a healt problem. My mother has been having > problems with her stomach, for the past month > or so. She's been having burning pains in her stomach > and feels as thu she is full of air. She can't eat much and > when she does she feels the pain in her stomach. Doctors > tell her she has some type of acid trouble..They tell her she > does not have Ulsers, but has some type of acid problem from > her eating habits, which consisted of fried foods. Is there anything > you could recommend..Or any contacts you may have in Puerto Rico. > Thank you as always for your time and help. > > Respectfully, > Jerry,RPD
A: Dear Jerry, It's really easy to fix your Mother's problem. The only thing that will help your mother is a change of diet! However, this is always difficult with parents as they are usually so set in their ways etc. She should give up all of the fried food, give up all dairy products especially and eat much more fruit and veg. That will definitely solve the problem. She will also have to watch her combinations of food as this is what causes the gas. She should never mix fruit with grains as in things like muesli. And it is definitely wrong to eat bread with any meal, unless it is only bread. Kind Regards Erle
Q: This question came in a fax. And it went in a nutshell something like this. A lass was having trouble during qigong with body gyrations etc. Often to the point of knocking her down!
A: Dear S, Your problem is not common however it is also not rare. Some people such as yourself have a rare gift of receiving qi. Quite often this will manifest in the novice as the things that you have been experiencing, like gyrations of the body during qigong. It is because you are not at a level advanced enough in your Taiji for your body to handle the added input, hence the gyrations etc. There is a warning however, and that is to make sure that you are not placing any weight onto K 1 near the balls of your feet when doing Qigong. This causes "adverse cyclic qi", where the qi is blocked by the pressure on the K1 point. At some time, it MUST break through and so a huge amount of qi rushes up into your body and into your brain! So be sure that the weight is placed back onto the heels! This should alleviate the situation and also as you progress it should subside. This does not mean however that the qi has stopped, just that you are advancing more and so the body gets used to the influx of qi. Kind regards Erle
Q: Paul nunis wrote: > Dear Erle: > How do you get a red paint circle out of a shag carpet?(This is very > important to my health). > Actually I wanted your opinion on a Qigong matter. I have recently > worked with a qigong group of young Taiwanese students at my university. > Their method (Falun gong) appeared similar to many others with 2 > differences. Almost immediately, I felt great sensations of heat in my > hands, much quicker than in martial arts qigong. This system offers to > 'implant' a chi accelerator (falun) through exposure to more advanced > practitioners (not hands on, just presence). This falun is supposed to > cycle the tantien in polarity. About the same time, I came across a book > on a different method (3 emperors) which described the development of a > pulse in the tantien, athough this required hands on from an advanced > practitioner. My question(s) for you would be: > 1}Do you think that either of the above methods offer a benefit over the > classic visualizations of qigong (greater/lesser cycle) from Tai Chi? > 2}Do you believe that one's progress requires hands on chi transmission? > 3}As you have tied McClean's triune brain into MA theory, do you believe > that any of the above qigong theories have a counterpart in the > 'pumping' analogy of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid? > Thank You, > Paul Nunis >
A: Dear Paul, (For those who aren't up with my advice of placing a red paint circle for Bagwa walking onto their expensive shag-pile carpet, that's what Paul's first question was about!)
There is a danger in using the 'falun', I know of this. Many people have tried it with dire results. Mainly due to the fact that they tried it too soon, like under ten years training! ANY accelerators can send qi too far into the head and too much of it too suddenly sending the recipient over a period of time insane! You have a common mis-conception with reference to the visualizations as in your question. We only ever use these in the very beginning as this is only to get the mind thinking on one thing! Qigong should have NOT conscious thought at all! All we can hope to do is to get into the correct postures that will be conducive to the flow of qi, then it is up to the sub-conscious (internal) to allow the qi to do what it has to do. We cannot influence it. The only way that we can enhance the flow of qi is to stop thinking! No, not hands on, but rather one must receive the 'keys' from a master who has them. However, again, these are never talked about when giving them as this would in itself cause thought and hence tension and the key would never be taken in. They are always given secretly and the results speak for themselves after the event. When I hold a camp, I always give out 'keys' to those who require them at that stage in their learning. However, I do not tell them about it, just wait for the results which always come up to three months later. One chap and his wife were trying to have children for about five years and could not, they had given up all hope when he came out to one of my camps. The key that was given (No. 1) literally changed his whole outlook on life and himself in general and when he arrived back to the USA, his wife fell pregnant two months later! There is an old saying. "If you haven't healed the person the minute you so much as see them, then you aren't a healer". Which means that you do not have to put hands on to heal or to give. Energy is given by the true master by your just being near. Your last question. .. Yes, however, it could be dangerous to the novice. Kind Regards Erle
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Q: Cathy wrote: Have you heard of magnetic healing or healing the body through magnets? I believe it has something to do with keeping your body properly balanced/in a certain gravity with the earth? I am very curious about this, please respond with any information you might have. Thank you very much.
A: Dear Cathy, Yes, I know of Magnet Healing and now of a number of people who have had results and those who have not! I think that it is a much better idea to balance the body's meridians through qigong and qigong healing as this is the most natural way to do this. It is not too difficult to heal yourself using qigong, whereas magnets all over teh body seems a little unnatural to me. Kind Regards Erle.
Q: Zephyrus wrote: Dear Erle, Thanks for the article about water and brain qi; tried it; do we have to count to 7 on the fourth (just before drinking)? If there is still some more water left in the cup, should we drink this up in the same way as well? Is there a time after drinking in this manner that we should avoid liquid food (like 30 minutes before solid meals) or can we start straight away (I like to have honey in the mornings). I've a friend who has torn his ligament in the middle of the right knee joint; it's bad and he cannot move without crutches. Probably worried about not being able to walk properly for the rest of his life... . Is there any way to help him? Best regards, a.k.a zephyrus Singapore - Zephyrus - The gentle West Wind...
A: Dear Zephyrus, On the fourth, just drink the water as normal and you can drink as much as you like on the fourth time. Yes, 30 minutes before and after drinking in this manner. So I usually do it first thing in the morning and then through the day when I know that I will not be eating. Honey is a solid food. Just make sure that your food is not too 'damp' as this tends to cause lower back pain, especially in the mornings. The torn ligament will heal up given time, they always do. However depending upon the seriousnes of the tear it will take a long time to heal. Rest is the cure here. however, when he is able, single whip posture is the one for the knees and all joints held for 3 minutes on both sides. I have had great success with this healing qigong. Kind Regards Erle
Q: revhead wrote: ST39 XIAJUXU (Lower Void) Location: 9 cun below ST 35, 3 cun below ST 37, one finger breadth out from the anterior crest of the tibia. Effects of Striking this Point: This point affects the small intestine and will also cause paralysis of the legs when struck hard. It will also have an affect upon the wei qi and so cause problems with the immune system later as well. Immediate great pain wen this point is struck spot on. Hi Erle! I'm sure the above description looks VERY familiar to you; is the pain when it is kicked? That is what happened to me in a sparring "encounter" tonight at least! I am certain that it was ST39 that was clobbered in a simultaneous kick; the lower left leg felt weak, and there was a sharp pain within a few seconds in the lower LH calf muscle, which feels like the problem and is by far the sorer, though I suspect is only really sympotomatic. I can soon find where ST39 was kicked, and I think that is the source. At the moment I am putting that good old standby, ice, on both. Any other suggestions short and long term? Regards, Peter Hermann BTW, I appreciate greatly your having put the extracts of your Encyclopaedia on your webpage; I know it is not complete, and is no substitute for your books. However, apart from the generosity of the gesture (for poor struggling MA's like myself) it is still very good reading, and I find it very interesting and helpful to compare and contrast your TCM approach with the WM approach of some of the contributors on the Kyusho forum. Also, if you post this letter on your Q & A page, please feel free to edit as you please.
A: Dear Peter, You have a sore leg, so it will get better. You shoud only begin to worry about point strikes when there are other symptoms like nausea etc, or pain in the chest. It is not very likely that you would receive the full point strike effects from someone kicking you in the leg as they more than likely would not have the knowledge to do this. Most of the point strikes require years of training, in fact "three life times"! However, the purely physiolgical strikes are the dangerous ones as anyone can make those work. You should use ice wrapped up in some cloth (towel etc) for exactly 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, this flushes out the old stagnant blood and affects a healing much quicker. Kind Regards Erle
Q: revhead@lis.net.au wrote: Hi Erle! Another Q; I thought it more helpful to have one subject per letter. I noticed that one of the points (forgotten which) can cause a problem with women/hysterectomy, men/vasectomy. What is you opinion of vasectomy re the points etc? I realise that it is a socialdecision as well; I'd just like to weigh up some of the unnoticed consequences of a vasectomy. Thanks. BTW feel free to post this one on Q & A.
A: Dear Peter, There is much that Western doctors do not know about tampering with the body. They tend to do things and take the consequences later! Now, I do not wish to alarm any of my readers who have had a vasectomy, however it is totally unnatural and not a good thing to have done. Much better to learn some control in sex! (I should speak with five children!), it comes with age.
Sperm is not really yours it is a part of your body that is by itself in purity as it has to start another life so when it is in your body other than where it should be, the body treats it as a trespasser! The information that I am receiving is that this could cause cancer eventually as your body just gets tired of fighting off the same intruder (your own sperm). I believe that it can be reversed nowadays. Sperm cells are potent little worms, they have to be. They burrow in everywhere and crawl about in your own body when they are dropped anywhere other than where they should be dropped. My advice to anyone is not to have it done. And if you have had it done, try to have it reversed and learn some control. It's a great thing to have your partner climax long before you do so that yo ucan then control your own to the point of "the heavenly ejaculation" that is, almost there but not quite, THAT'S control mate! You will be healthier and have much more qi and power doing this method.
And it's such a simple thing to know when your wife is 'on heat' as there are just so many signs, like the fact that she 'wants to'! As this is teh right time naturally to have sex, when the egg is just right for fertilization, remembering that the only natural reason to have sex is to make people! The pleasurable part of sex is only there to make us make people! It is very slippery in there, just stick your finger in and see. There is this little node just inside of the vagina just at the top on the inside, that is normally just a node, however at 'ready time' this little node will open up and you can feel it like a small mouth opening up. Mind you, the best sex is at these times, but if you do not wish to make people, then you should avoid it at these times.
Ejaculation is not good for any male when he is ver 35! If one has a serious disease, this is usually a good ruler and learning aid as you find that your 'condition' worsens after ejaculation. This is only natural as you deplete your kidney jing and eventually your life force jing (ming men). As you might know I am diabetic and have been since my youth. However, I have been able to control this by natural methods rather than tablets or insulin, sothing that doctors told me was impossible! So when I ejaculate which is very rare nowadays, I notice that my blood sugar level rises by at least two whole numbers like from 6 to 8! Which in diabetic terms is a huge rise. And this happens seconds after ejaculation! This is because diabetes is closely related to the kidneys. Most scientits tell us that is it only related to the pancreas or the body's in ability to take glucose into the cells etc. However in Chinese Medicine we are told that the kindeys have an important role to play and indeed site too much sex as being one of the causes of diabetes in older persons of course. (type two diabetes) I only tell you this part to emphasise the importance of too much sex and its effect uon kidney jing. There is a very famous rock singer who I will not name, who almost died a couple of years back. The doctors told him that he literally almost killed himself fucking! This was because he depleted his kidney jing so much that his life force was going. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Cosmin Ionescu wrote: > Dear Mr. Montague, this is Cosmin writing, from Romania. I've > become aware of my problem about 2 years ago, when I first took on martial > arts(nanquan). I discovered that I have a very rigid spine and that I have > much difficulty spreading my legs even a few over 90 deg. I tried to force > it, as my instructor said, but that was putting pressure on my knee joints > and had no relevant outcome. Stances like Pu Bu are almost impossible for > me to take and kicks (round or even front) are difficult to perform higher > than the waist. Performing exercises or taiji forms are unpleasant in this > condition. This is because of (or doubled by) a cifo-scoliosis. What can > you reccommend (qigong, dim-mak points) as self-healing? Or should I just > run to the nearest acupuncturist? > Thanks in advance and for your great work with the website! Best > wishes, Cosmin!
A: Dear Cosmin, you are lucky!! Kicks above the waist are silly anyway! Stretching more than 90 degrees sideways damages the ball joints and is totally unnatural. So do not do them! It's simple, just do not do them as you do not need that much stretch for self-defence! Your hands are for fighting while your legs are for holding you up. If you do Taiji then this is all you will need to improve your stretch to a normal level though. It is the other martial art that is making life difficult and also causing your taiji to be not so good because of your condition. Be happy with your condition and work with it. We all have something unusual and cannot always do things the way others do them so we have to adjust to doing things our own way! And your instructor SHOULD be aware of this and should help you to compensate for this instead of trying to force you to do things that are physically impossible! You qigong stance should NEVER be any more than shoulder width apart! The low Ma-bu stance has caused more hernias than any other exercise! My advice is to give up the hard stuff and concentrate on the soft like Taiji. Kind Regards Erle
Q: From the USA re., Sex and the whole shebang: Dear Erle, with reference to the above section about sex: Erle, this is really a lot to think about; I take the point about sperm, though I understand the testes eventually stop producing it anyway. Control in sex? I have five children too! BTW (hope this is not offensive - but with Roman Catholic teaching on birth control: "It's all right to use mathematics, but not chemistry or physics". Back to the serious side though; I would differ slightly on the relationship between sex/procreation; I think it was intended equally for pleasure. Most views I have seen that end up being procreationally based seem to end up with a view that somehow sex/the body are slightly inferior to a certain spiritual or mental state. I have doubts that this is your view Erle, but this is where it usually seems to end up leading, to some variant of asceticism. My problem is that at 43 with 5 kids, the youngest under 2, and with a wife whose body would be severely punished by another pregnancy is that it seems prudent to call it quits (the procreation, not the baby). Do I not have it, and die of some stress caused illness in five years? (Not if I fall under a bus tomorrow). Or die I do it, and die of cancer in ten years? Life is made up of many choices, many of which are cumulative, and many of which have consequences out of all proportion to the original choice. So what do you think about female tube ligation Erle?
A: Dear Friend, Thanks for your message. I agree with you in all that you have said, and mate, I am not a saint!! I just believe in logic in all other things other than fighting! And what it tells me is that we were meant to be what we are or change it if possible. Pleasure is to me such an insignificant thing something that I can easily do without, although I do love a really good cappuccino occasionally! Mate, there are other ways to have sex and climax without hiding the salami! Many ways in fact, ways that I am sure you are aware of. Once the fire is doused, then it does not matter anyway how to got there. I'll hunt around for a disease that I could send to you that will cause you not to be able to do it, that should solve the problem!! I understand your anquish re., pregnancy and your wife as I am in the same boat. However, I just repeat, control is the word here. By the way, I am not catholic. Just trying to help YOU get some more qi or energy as you are 43 now so you should begin to feel the effects of to much ejaculation soon. It is said in Chinese thought that the woman does not lose qi upon ejaculation, only the man. There is another saying. "Twice in summer and once in winter"! As long as you are able to douse the fire occasionally, then the act of intercourse is not that important. You can get used to it. But please forgive me if I seem to be preaching, I am not, as everyone has his or her own way, this is just mine and I gain much from it. Tube ligation, well, just think of it, an operation where some stranger unnecessarily goes inside of your wife and ties up some tubes so that they do not work!! I see that as being bizarre and unnatural and we have enough unnatural acts in our lives that we are unable to avoid without giving ourselves new ones. Ligation causes all kinds of problems as the body is trying to push eggs down there but is unable to. The decision is yours of course and anything you decide upon will be correct for you. The above is just my way in life. And my way has not always been correct! But then I would not be who I am now had it not been for the many mistakes and stupid things that I did when I was younger and will probably make in the future to again change the way I do things. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Ron. wrote: Dear Erle: Your thoughts on sperm retention. I was once told that a man should go celibate for 100 days to clean his system. Any truths there? Also, do you practice any sitting mediations for focus or awareness? I really appreciate your time and thank you. I really enjoy speaking with you and have recommended your encylopedia to my kung fu brothers. Regards, Ron
A: Dear Ron, Thanks for your message. It may be so that one can cleanse his system by going 100 days without sex. However, I do not know how not doing it would cleanse the system? It only gives us more energy for other things. However, it would indeed have an effect upon the other cleansing mechanisms in the body as that qi that is used for sex would be used for cleansing in conjunction with a cleansing diet. This is not relevant of course when we are young as we are supposed to do it often and this is upheld by the fact of seminal emissions etc.. But as we grow older, it is my belief only, that we are supposed to re-direct that energy into other things and the sex becomes more and more unimportant. If you wish to cleanse your body and mind then you should fast or eat only fruit for 100 days. NO fast for 100 days of course, 4 is enough for a healthy person, one who does not have diabetes or something. I personally have no need for sitting mediation or other awareness training as I get all the meditation I need from Qigong and Taijiquan which are the highest levels of meditation of which there are five. Kind Regards Erle
R. MARK wrote: Dear Erle: I was taught a method of "condensing breathing" by my teacher. It involved naturally breathing chi to condense into the bone marrow, not hard but like drinking water into the bones. Have you ever heard of this? Is this a correct methodology? How does one convert chi into jing? Ron
A:Dear Ron, there are a number of ways to convert qi into jing. Firstly, jing to qi is as steam is to water. Jing is the working part of qi. In just the same way that water can be changed into steam using heat, so too do we change qi into jing. This is mainly done for the healing of others and the daily workings of the body. The qi is heated in the 'caldron' (tantien, kidneys, pelvis) and then it evaporates into jing (steam) and flows upward into all parts of the body especially the bone marrow where is condenses into fat. Hence the fact that many 'masters' of the internal arts have very heavy bones, called 'tiger bones'. We can change the qi into jing using two methods, either when we practice qigong or the physical way of advanced push hands when we exchange qi with a partner for mutual benefit, not for sport or competition or ego!! One who has much 'jing' is one of those magnetic people. Some have it naturally while others have to work at it. Kind Regards Erle
Q: ROBERT from MS USA wrote: GOOD DAY ERLE, HOPE YOU'RE PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR MOVE ARE COMING ALONG IN A GOOD MANNER.I HAVE A QUESTION I HOPE YOU CAN HELP DIAGNOSE.I HAVE A PAL WHO HAS RECENTLY FOUND HIMSELF WITH AN INJURY.IT WAS DISCRIBED AS SHARP PAIN OR A "KNOT" LOCATED IN HIS UPPER BACK,BETWEEN THE UPPER INNER CORNER OF THE SHOULDER BLADE AND THE SPINE.THE PAIN WAS SAID TO REACH THROUGH THE BACK ALMOST TO THE FRONT OF THE SHOULDER ABOUT IN THE CHEST AREA,AND FROM THE BACK DOWN THE ARM TOWARDS THE HAND.THIS WAS NOT A USUALL "INJURY" BECAUSE THIS PERSON IS QUITE INACTIVE(HE IS MY GOOD FRIEND ,BUT HE COULD BE CONSIDERED LAISY)HE HAS CONCULTED TWO DR.S WHO GAVE HIM MUSCLE RELAXERS AS A RESOLUTION BUT COULD NOT DETAIL THE REAL PROBLEM.WHEN I HERD OF HIS TROUBLE IT REMINDED ME OF MY DAYS AS A DANCER(FOR LOCAL BALLET COMPANY) EVEN THOUGH I WAS IN GREAT SHAPE ,I CAN RECALL DURRING THE OFF SEASON WHEN MY PHYSICAL CONDITIONING WAS LOW I ALSO SUFFERED FROM MUSCLULAR AILMENTS LIKE CRAMPS AND SPASMS.COULD MY FRIEND BE SUFFERING FROM THIS DUE TO LACK OF REAGULAR EXERCISE AND HOW SHOULD HE COMBAT IT NOW THAT HE HAS THIS CONDITION. I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME AND ENERGY S/ROB OF JACKSON,MS.
A: Dear Rob, Thanks for your message. Exercise does much more for us than just keeping us fit. It also causes necessary chemical reactions to take place in the body causing the correct hormones to be secreted and produced etc.. When we are inactive (an unnatural state), we usually stuff up our calcium metabolism which in turn causes all kinds of muscular problems. Not seeing your friend, this is what I would assume is the problem especially if he is a little overweight with the being a bit lazy! A good two mile walk each day should do the trick plus a good Ca supplement in its colloidal (liquid) form. This is all provided that he hasn't simply damaged his shoulder area with something physical!
There is another reason that this can happen and it is happening lots nowadays. The 'heart' controls the whole shoulder area as HT 1 is just under the shoulder inside up into the armpit. Many people get cramps in this region as well as the old 'frozen shoulder syndrome'. Sometimes it can be caused by physical things but in 90% of all cases I have treated, I have found it to be from 'matters of the heart'. I.e.., emotional problems caused through loved ones not doing the right thing or relationships going bust or playing around etc.. etc.. As soon as the patient realizes that he or she has caused this problem and the condition is only a way of letting them know that they are doing something wrong, then the condition abates and the arm loosens up again.
Now this 'doing something wrong' can be caused by the patient actually doing something wrong like having an affair on the side or by one's partner having an affair or not treating the patient as they should. In this case it is up to the patient to realize this and this will usually be the starting point for the cure. I always also give the patient the Qi Disruptive kata No. 6 which is for the heart and matters of the heart. However this can also be a little drastic as if too much emotional gunk is in there, it will all come out at once and things like breaking down and crying in public is usually the outcome! So in these cases, it is also recommended to perform each morning Qi Disruptive kata No. 1 and 5 three times for one week. This tends to lessen the effect of No. 6. Kind Regards Erle.
Q: Zephyrus, Singapore wrote: Dear Erle, Thanks for the response to my previous mail. Have another question: I've a grandfather, who's in his eighties. Of late, he suffers from constipation. In addition, he is weak in the legs, although he still works in his bakery. Is there any advice especially pertinent for people like him? (The reason I asked is mainly that my family people do not "believe" this stuff could work for them; it does for me, but for them, being used to doing things as they are (like eating the "wrong" foods, etc), I suppose some particularly miraculous cure is needed... Put another way, who would spend time and effort on an uncertain cure? When the wise hear of the tao, they do their best to put it to use; When the average hear of the tao, they practise on and off; When fools hear of the tao, they throw back their heads in laughter. With love and respect, Zephyrus
A: Dear Zephyrus, It does not matter how old one is in order to hlep them. However, it is very difficult as they are so set in their ways. A simple change of diet, not too drastic with the aged as this could be worse than their ailments, will do wonders. At 85, it is probably better though to allow him to go on with what he has been doing all of his life and just give him love. His Yang qi is obviously depleting now naturally, however, some ginseng might help with the legs. He would not eat it, but some flax seed crushed up in for instance a coffee grinder (linseed) does wonders for constipation and that is only the beginning as it suppplies all of the essential fatty acids for the day. Just 1/4 cup full ground up and placed over his breakfast cereal .. and yours I might add! Also some sunflower seeds would help. Kind Regards Erle.
Q: TXHAPKIDO wrote: Erle, what can one do about varicose veins? I have some mid-calf on inside of my left leg. Occasionally, they itch and burn and feel heavy. Also, what do you think about the Wild Goose Qigong? Thanks for your comments. Randall Sexton Austin, TX, USA
A: Dear Randall, For varicose veins: Eat and simultaneously place a cabbage poultice onto the veins. It is very high in sulphur. Also used to treat whooping cough, to imporve digestion, constipation, adn teh common cold, mental depression and irritability, take cabbage with garlic to increase its effectiveness for the removal of intestinal worms, purifies the blood, contains vitamin U for ulcers and helps with chronic cold feet. For the poultice, grate the cabbage, mix it with water then wrap it on to the affected area with a cloth.
An excellent tea that works wonders for varicose veins is made from ST John's wort, (Hypericum perforatum), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Arnica root, (Arnica montana). It is always impossible to get the fresh herb, however a better remedy is by using the fresh juice from these herbs.
The king of all Qigongs is in fact Taijiquan. However, in the place of what you do not get from Taijiquan while you are learning it, 3 circle standing qigong is the 2nd best. I have never had any need for any other qigong, although I have learnt many in my life.
A strong factor in varicose veins is regular bowel movement, so you should look at this area as well.
Kind Regards Erle
Q: Ray: USA wrote: Dear Erle, I've e-mailed you before on a different subject. We may have our differences on that. However, I need your help on two matters. (1): As an Okinawan Karate stylist/instructor, I would like to incorporate a healthful Qigong type form into my warm up routine. One that is relatively simple and that one could perform at home as well as at the Dojo. If you could recommend a tape/article/booklet etc. and give the price and where I could get it I would appreciate it. secondly, a more serious matter has arisen. One of the blackbelt participants of my Kyusho Jitsu workshop who is 65 years old has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer (it is operable) and it has possibly (no word yet) affected other organs, i.e pancreas etc. I believe that the body/mind of human beings has strong recuperative powers if properly focused and directed. I also believe that nature has been equipped with the provisions to accommodate such recuperative abilities. I would appreciate anything that you could suggest that I could help this fellow. Thanks. Ray/Chicago
A: Dear Ray, Leave me your address and I will send you the MTG10 tape free of charge. It will give you all the qigong you need to teach in class as well as to have them learnt it at home etc.
As for your 65 year old student with CO cancer! Mate, when the body gets to that state, it has been happening for a long time to cause such a thing so in these cases he would probably not have enough time to cure it naturally! I always say "Dire means for dire straits". So , if it is operable, then tell his to GET IT FIXED NOW! Yes, the mind does have amazing powers over the body, however, the doer must BELIEVE first! And not many westerners do believe! Might say that they do but deep down they do not, hence many who try alternative methods die! Alternative methods heal the root cause of the disease, however if it has been left for so long as to manifest physically as cancer, then it will also take a long time to treat alternatively. However, the mind IS great and CAN cure all kinds of disease as has been shown by others who have defeated dire disease states using only their mind and diet etc. But I would not like to be the one who advises your friend to do this as I do not know him, nor how strong his resolve is! He MUST have a complete change of diet! And that is difficult for many who have been doing the same thing for 65 years. So my suggestion is that he gets it fixed through Western means and then follows the correct procedures alternatively to stop it reoccurring! Kind Regards Erle
Q: Adi wrote: Dear Erle, Thank you for sharing your precious knowledge, and providing a gate and a path to the magical world of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kong. I suffering lately from allergy and it seems that the pills the doctor gave me doesn't helping this much. I doing Yang style Tai Chi, 108, I guess is Yang Chen Fu form. Can you help me by providing solution for my allergy or at list to its symptoms (cold like). Kind Regards Adi.
A: Dear Adi, Thanks for your message. Allergies can be cause from a plethora of different things like certain fruits or pollen or plants or cats etc. There is not one particular thing that will cure allergies without knowing the direct cause. However, being allergic to certain things is a reaction to something else that the body is lacking. Usually, it has been found that allergic sufferers have a lack of calcium or the fact that this body cannot assimilate Ca. too well. So firstly be sure that you take either a Ca. supplement like Colloidal Calcium (That which is suspended in liquid). or eat calcium rich foods like Kale, Kelp, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Sunflower Seeds, Tofu, Walnuts, Parsley, Black beans. You m ust also make sure that you have an adequate supply of Vitamin D as this is necessary for the utilization of Ca. As well as magnesium and also Chlorophyll, the green stuff in plants as this regulates Calcium in the body. You could also obtain some homeopathic drops of "Pollinosan" as this seems to work really well with 'cold like allergies'.
Q: Adrian VA wrote: Dear Master Montaigue, Thank you for your openess and giving spirit. My question deals with my wife. She will on occasion get sharp pains that last for 20-30 seconds. She stated the pains will occur in different parts of her body. On several occasions the pain will start in your foot and travel to her side. After going to several Western doctors the last one did a synogram and discovered a gall stone. She has changed her diet cutting out diary products and fatty foods, but the pains still occur on a less frequent basis. Is there any signs I can look for to tell if the pains are just the gall stone being affected by something she ate? My Thanks. Adrian ,Virginia.
A: Dear Adrian, Yes, Gall stones will affect the whole leg area with pains from the foot upward and right up into the head sometimes. If this is what has been diagnosed then this is probably the problem as those who diagnosed the problem will have a much better idea than myself as I am unable obviously to see your wife. I will give you some information on gallstones here.
Also you you could get a product called "Paroven". This is made from a herbal extract and it does wonders for sharp pains in the feet and legs in particular. It is particularly good with leg and foot problems caused through diabetes! Just in passing, have her (your wife) take a blood sugar test at your local pharmacist. It only takes about one minute and is well worth it. I do not know how old she is, but have it done anyway.
If the gall stones are so large that they cannot fit through the bile duct, then she must go on a gradual gall bladder flush, rather than the normal gall bladder flush. There will be some pain associated with the release of the gall stones as they come out though depending upon how large they are. So not knowing this, I suggest the less traumatic method. Perhaps also do it in conjunction with your physician so that he or she can monitor the progress. The stones will become smaller and smaller until they are not there over time.
She should not eat any saturated fats (meats or dairy, eggs etc...) particularly during this time and she should really go off these altogether! You too! Nuts and seeds are high in fat so avoid these while flushing as well. She should only eat vegetables, fruit and legumes with a few unrefined grains. This diet will gradually clear the gall bladder. Other foods that will make the process happen quicker are: turmeric (spice), pears, lemons, limes (although be sparingly with these as they can be a little harsh removing too much too soon!) and parsnips. Just eat more of these food during the diet. Radish is also very good for removal of stones and deposits in the GB. Eat one or two radishes between meals for 21 days of the diet. She could also take 5 cups of chamomile tea each day.
She should also take flax seed oil at least 5 teaspoons per day poured over one of those meals. Or she could eat the flax seed crushed and then placed over breakfast. Be sure that the oil is cold pressed and keep it in a cold dark place like a refrigerator. For the dosage of the oil, a 160 lb person needs 5 teaspoons. The flax seed oil should be taken six days per week for two months. If the gall stones are small and will fit through the bile duct, the following should be done. This is a one day thing so she should be home when it is done. It can cause some discomfort though, but it is effective. Morning and for the rest of that day eat only apples.
Apples are manna from heaven! They contain all that is needed for human survival but you must eat the seeds as well, be sure to crush them with your teeth! You must eat at least 5 apples per day however, you can eat as many as you like. Green apples work the best and are less likely to have Alar in them. Only take water or herbal tea preferable peppermint tea or chamomile. Before bed that evening mix 2/3 of a cup of virgin olive oil with some lemon juice and sip slowly. (2/3 cup lemon juice). Try to sleep on the right side with the right leg drawn up. In the morning the stones should pass in the stool. Remember though that the above one day method can be painful and it should be done in conjunction with a doctor. Well, I have to say that and it is good advice anyway as I do not know her condition personally etc.. I would go for the more gentle method though.
I have used this method with patients and it has worked 90% of the time. There is a wonderful book called "Healing With Wholefoods" that contains all of the above information. Kind Regards Erle
Urinary tract stones can be helped by taking Alfalfa sprouts daily. However, you should not take copious amounts of these is you are at all arthritic or have any joint inflammation condition. You could in these cases eat only the leaves of the sprouts.
Q: Jerry, PA, Hey Erle, Just wanted to check on a friend and see how you are doing...its been sometime since we last spoke (that is typed).How are things going..several of my friends bought your Dim Mak Ency..and their all happy with the book..hell one friend in New Jeresy bought several. My work outs have gotten alot better since veiwing your tapes and I realize its the application of knowledge that makes you successful in your art. I've just got to get into a real habit of doing my QiQongs, sometimes I miss them and get into something else..Waiting for our first baby to come in..she's (Christy) has been doing some QiQongs with me..I hope thats OK for the baby? Let me know whats new.. Peace..Jerry
A: Dear Jerry, Thanks for your message. Yes, it's OK for your wife, Christy to be doing Qigong. It will help the unborn child greatly. My excuse for having such wonderful children is that my wife did qigong and taiji right up until the very evening of the birth of our children each time. Here she is doing qigong in our house, then she says, "Oh, well I'll just go into the bedroom and have another one"! While I'm running around like a maniac! On the morning when our first, Ben was born, my students came knocking on our door wondering where I was as I had a class down in the park that morning, they said that I looked as if I had the baby as I was totally stuffed while my wife was beaming!
I am certain that qigong helps the fetus as it must direct much needed qi into the brain and body of the unborn child. This causes the birth to be quick and easy (if ANY birth can be easy! In retrospect it's easy to say that it was easy!). I should say EASIER. Even a first birth should have no problems given a healthy woman to begin with. You will also find that most women who practice the 'internal' will give birth sooner rather than later. All of ours have been sooner. And as you can see, I am a total convert to home birth! Nothing can describe a family together with the Mum of the family while she is giving birth to a new child, it was such a wonderful experience for our two eldest to see each successive child being born, they now KNOW what it's all about through experiencing the whole thing first hand. Kind Regards Erle
Q: John, USA wrote: Hi Erle, A question for your QA Healing section. A family member was recently told by a doctor that she may have cancer. She is a woman in her 80's, long term smoker, who is moderately physically active. Possible cancer sites include lung, throat, or neck. What could i do to help them. Any suggestions from form movements, herbs, etc would be helpful. Also, long term prognosis from the doctor is probably 6 months to a year to live. Thank you for your input. Love and blessings to you and your loved ones john.
A: Dear John, I was called out after all else failed to cure, yes cure a millionaire who had cancer! When I arrived there, this chap was on death's door in an oxygen tent! Nothing anyone could do, except be kind to him and press some points that made him feel OK. He died a few days later! Mate, when someone gets to that age and has been doing the wrong things all of their lives, there is nothing you can do to help! It would take eons to help this woman and by that time she will be gone. I think that in this case, better to let her have her cigarettes and live the remaining time she has with what she has been used to rather than trying to change a lifetime of habit! The stress of healing her would probably kill her sooner. If she COULD chuck the cigarettes, it would help greatly though. Kind Regards Erle.
Q: Keith Boggess wrote: Erle, I had a student asking about practicing qigong when someone is sick, such as with a cold. Should someone practice qigong when they're sick. Any special kind? Thanks, Keith Boggess Keith Boggess wrote: Erle, I had a student asking about practicing qigong when someone is sick, such as with a cold. Should someone practice qigong when they're sick. Any special kind? Thanks, Keith Boggess
A: Dear Keith, Yes, if the person is able to stand of course, or they could do the sitting or lying qigong method. However, no-one likes to do much of anything when they are ill and the body usually tells them to just be still and allow the body to heal itself. However, of course, qigong will help provided they have been doing it for some time and know what to expect. If somone is ill and you give them qigong, the shock of doing this could be worse than the cold! It takes some time for qigong to work, so better to do it before the cold! By the way, everyone gets colds, especially at the beginning of the seasons, this is normal. When one practises qigong however, the effects are much less. Kind regards Erle
Q: Steve wrote: Dear Erle A bit of a personal issue here but when I was fourteen I underwent open heart surgery for a defective valve which was a condition I was unfortunately born with. Throughout my school years the doctors believed it was a hole in the heart and explained that I should be able to live a normal life but by the age of thirteen my condition worsened and after more extensive tests it was discovered that one of my valves was almost closed and needed " opening ". It was at this age that I was boxing and had managed about six successful fights. I had my licence taken away and this is probably the reason why I discovered the martial arts. ( From the age of fourteen until about the age of twenty I never practiced any fighting arts of any kind ). The operation was successful and after the initail rehabilitation and follow up appointments I was required to visit the surgeon on a yearly basis for check ups. I began to live a normal life except I do not smoke and rarely have any alcohol ( maybe some wine with a meal ). My diet could be better but I have never felt fitter than now at the age of thirty. About eight years ago I started Taijiquan for the first time and for the last five years I have studied with great enthusiasm to the point where I now feel guilty , irretable etc if I miss a day. Two years ago on my annual visit to the surgeon he explained that my condition was fixed and should never trouble me again for the rest of my life. Rightly or wrongly I give a lot of credit for this to the great art that we both share. The main reason for my mail is not to bore you with my past but to request any exercises that you could recommend that greatly benefit the heart. You once suggested to me that a good exercise is the Brush Knee Twist Step form. Could you recommend some more ? sincerest thanks once again for your time Steve
A: Dear Steve, One of the best things you can do for your heart is to practice the 6th Qi disruptive kata as this works directly on the heart both physically and emotionally. The other thing of course is that you should not eat ANY fat at all, only that which is found in for instance flax seed or soy beans or that which is found in any seeds. You shoulud of course cut out ALL sugar including things like Maltodextrin, Maltose etc, etc. Only gain your sugar from the whole food like fruit and grains. And you should take a herb known as Hawthorn Berry. This is the greatest heart herb ever. You could also try a suppliment called "lipoic acid'. Which is the best antioxidant ever. It is said that if you have to take antioxidants, then this should be the one, it even helps to re-generate other antioxidants in the body. Kind Regards Erle.
Q: John wrote: Dear Erle, With regards to the breathing sequences in the form it is quite easy if one is in reasonable shape to do a number of movements on the one breath sequence. Is this ok or should one ensure that the pattern of in and out breath is followed with each separate move if you get my drift? Spoke to Peter Smith last week and they seemed to enjoy the course very much. As you are not going to be in action here now until well into '99 I have asked him to keep me informed of any courses Karl and he will run this year... Regards, John
Dear John, When doing the form slowly enough you should aim to get the inhalation and exhalation happening on each move with the exception of certain moves like "Fishes in 8" where the whole move is done on the exhalation, or the moves "Needle at Sea Bottom" and "fan Through Back" should both be performed on the exhalation. WHen doing quick form, the breathing naturally speeds up anyway. So just do your form slower to get the natural breathing in. The Welsh lads are holding their annual WTBA gathering in June. I will have someting on it, times etc., in the June issue of the Mag which will be ready next month. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Rick, USA wrote: Dear Erle: Although I've been practicing Yang-Style Tai Chi for 3 years now, I still often have trouble loosening my shoulders to the necessary degree, particularly in double push-hands. This is particularly true with my right shoulder, on which I had two surgeries a number of years ago. Can you recommend any drills or exercises I can do to loosten my shoulders to the proper degree? Also, are there any solo exercises and drills I can do to improve my push- hands performance, during those times when I have no practice partner? As always, thank you very much for your time. Respectfully yours, Rick , USA
A: Dear Rick, You have a common problem which most people get some time in their lives. There are a number of loosening exercises as well as pushing HT 1 each morning for ten seconds five times. The best exercise is a bit difficult to describe wihtout photos but I will have a go. With your left arm by your side, bend your elbow so that your fingers are pointing to the ceiling. Now, take your other hand and slide it under your left elbow so that it is sort of going to the left side of your body. Adjust both arms so that you are able to grab your left thumb with your right hand. Your arms are now crossed and you should feel some pressure on your left shoulder in particular. Do it on both sides and hold the position for at least 30 seconds on each side. The other one is simple reverse shoulder rotations rotating the whole shoulder. You can perform push hands using a heavy kick bag! In fact it is an ideal partner. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Randall, USA wrote: Erle, what would you suggest for a friend of mine who has recently been tentatively diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? She was unable to walk at one time and was almost blind but improved enough with acupuncture to start acupuncture school. She told me that one of her oriental medicine docs told her to stop acupuncture treatments because she didn't have enough qi to circulate. She had been feeling good after an acupuncture session, then would crash the next day to a lower level than prior to the treatment. He told her to do nothing but walk and take herbs, and not even to do qi gong exercises. I will be doing zen shiatsu on her tomorrow at the student clinic; is there any thing else you would recommend? Thanks for your assistance. Randall.
A: Dear Randall, Qigong is the basic of every Chinese healing art so I do not know why a Chinese doctor would advise against it as this is the exercise that GIVES you qi! There are three levels at which you can do qigong basics. Lying down flat on your back with your knees drawn up as if you were standing bend kneed, sitting on a kitchen chair with the arms held in the position, and the normal standing qigong. She needs to do normal 3 circle standing or sitting qigong doing the deep natural breathing methods. Do I have your address? I will send you the basic qigong tape free of charge so that she can get started on it CORRECTLY. Normally I would suggest simply going to someone that teaches it, however in this case it needs to be correct! And unfortunately not many do it correctly! Yes, I have your address so it goes out to you tomorrow.
Have her also eat some crushed flax seed (linseed) on her breakfast, it is best to buy the whole seed and crush it in a coffee grinder as you need it. About 3 tablespoons is sufficient to supply all of her E.F.A for the day. Kind Regards Erle
Dear Erle, Found out for myself the effects of fasting - studying for exams; when I fasted, I read a passage and understood easily. But now off the fast, when I came to the same passage again, had some difficulty (to say the least). Thanks for your advice on constipation and for putting the power breakfast recipe on the web. My grandfather now takes organic flax every morning and feels great (can move his bowels easily). Best regards, Lin
Rick wrote: Dear Erle: Are there any specific exercises, katas or forms, in addition to the Yang Long Form, that could help a person suffering from diagnosed clinical depression? To the point, perhaps, of enabling that person to gradually phase out and ultimately discontinue EXPENSIVE antidepressant medication? Thanks, as always, for your time and valuable knowledge. Respectfully, Rick, USA
Dear Rick, Yes, deffinitely the first four Qi disruptive katas! They do wonders for that condition and we have had much success. Also, first thing each morning if the person performs the 'lotus kick' from the Old or New Yang styles five times on each side with energy, this also does wonders. You also however have to look at why the person is in this unnatural state. Perhaps it is a physical problem perhaps it is an emotional probelm sometimes it is both with one causing the other then a viscious circle ensues. All sugar must be stopped being eaten in ANY form! And the apple diet must be undertaken. Problem is that most people are so used to having things done to them rather than doing things for themselves that they dis-regard such a simple thing as diet. however, diet is the main contributing factor for this ailment. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Peter wrote: Erle, I hope you don't find me a pest by all my email. I am very appreciative that you actually reply me. I have been suffering from a flu for two weeks now, probably somekind of Australian's strend. And I believe I am near the end of an uncontrolable coughing bouts between 3am to 5am in the last three days. However I have been noticing at the moment I cough, I felt a sharp pain in the area of Heart 6 & 7 on my left wrist. What's up with that? With Regard, Peter
A: Dear Peter, The reason that you cough at around 3 to 5 am is that you are a lung version of the flu and that is the time when the lungs are activated and trying to get rid of that bug. And the pain in your wrist is from the association between the lung and the heart. How old are you? I am not saying that you have anything else wrong with you, however, go and have a diabetes test, it only takes a minute at the pharmacist and then you can rule out that disease. Diabetes can also cause violent coughing if it is the type that affects the upper heater! Kind Regards Erle
The lungs are in my view one of the most important organs. They mix the qi from the air with the qi from your food and send it out all over your body. People with weak lungs have abnormal emotional behaviour being unable to let go of things. Some foods that are good for the lungs are: Fennel, Flaxseed, Radish, Mushroom, Fresh Ginger.
Q: John wrote: Dear Erle, Hope all is well with you and yours... The new videos look good and I must get Tony to send me the one from the recent course that I missed. Question - When I practice the fa-jing punch etc I noticed that often on clenching the fist in the whip at the end I get an electric shock like sensation down my wrist. This is most common on back fist type punching, especially with horizontal strike, sometimes on a straigt vertical and never at all on a penetration . Any comment? Many thanks.... -John
A: Dear John, It indicates that you are probably doing something right! So don't do it too often now! When you get fa-jing correct, it is so explosive that it causes a rush of blood down into the hands crossing the whole wrist area. You must make sure that your circulation is OK though as the tingling may be coming from either not enough blood or 'sticky' blood. Eat some cinammon. 'Sticky' blood happens when your blood sugar metabolism is not what it should be. The feeling should pass though as your arms get used to the fa-jing. If it does not, then have a blood test. Kind Regards Erle
Ron wrote: Dear Erle: Are there any good chi gung exercises for improving eye sight? Any food that we can eat to help? Sincere regards, Ron
A: Dear Ron, The whole of the taijiquan form works upon the eyes. However, not many people know the real taijiquan and leave out the eye movements while doing form. The eyes also have a direct effect upon the reflexes by acting upon the Hypothalamus, a pea sized gland just in behind each eye. If you take the exercises out of taijiquan it also helps.
Stand with your head and eyes looking forward. Turn you head, leaving your eyes to the front, to your left as far as it will go. Stay there for a count of 7. Then slowly allow your eyes to catch up with your head so that both head and eyes are looking to the NW. Now, turn your eyes back to the N. and wait 7 seconds then allow your head to catch up with your eyes. Now do it on the other side.
You must also do the same but with a downward movement. So that you look ahead, then rotate your head downward leaving your eyes where they are. Count 7, then allow your eyes to catch up with your head. Then look back up to straight ahead and allow your head to catch up with your eyes. Then do the same by looking upwards etc..
Food for the eyes include.
If you are a meat eater, you could eat chicken liver! I wouldn't though! Chicken liver is good for blurred vision. Beef liver is also for this.
Black sesame seeds are also good for blurred vision as they act upon the liver and kidneys. Also good for rheumatism, constipation and dry cough. The lighter colour ones also do the same but are milder acting. Dried unripe raspberry is used for blurred vision and impotence. Ripe raspberry also helps the eyes. Blackberry also has some of the properties of the raspberry.
Soy beans are also good for strengthening the eyes. But do not go overboard with soy products as they are a man-made manufactured product, like soy milk! Beware of this and make sure that it does not have ANY sweetener in it! Especially maltodextrin or any malt! Just eat the pure soy beans available from your health store. Kind Regards Erle
Q: John, Ireland wrote: Dear Erle, You may be able to help me here. My partner (28yrs old) generally healthy if prone to poor sleeping has suddenly, overnight had the most painful ache in the sole of her left foot somewhat under the inside. I massaged it and tried some holding my hands over it for about two minutes having first rubbed in some Tiger Balm etc. This manifested itself on the second day of menstruation two days ago. When she mentioned this to her Yoga Teacher the lady asked if it had happened before mens. and when told the teacher stated that it was a symptom of systemic fatigue and that the kydneys themselves had been a little weakened. Of course the area is near K1 and she may be right... Any suggestions about treatment. Much obliged -John
A: Dear John, Weak Kidney Jing will cause poor sleep. The kidneys are the motor for everything, even for your life force. The feet care a ruler of your blood supply as they are the outer most peripheral, hence the fact that diabetics always get it in the feet first. Eating too much 'sweet flavour' will damage the kidneys. The kidneys rule the re-productive system and in general the whole lower parts of the body. So it could be menstruation that is causing the pain near K 1, sounds logical to me. Yin and Yang is greatly important when dealing with the kidneys. It is said that a person with healthy kidneys is both energetic and calm, has much courage but is also sensitive and gentle and they can do heaps without stress. If someone has a 'kidney Yang deficiency, they will have trouble with menstruation and many other symptoms, like sore knees, lack of energy, an aversion to cold, pale complexion, inactive etc. I regard the kidneys as the most important organ along with the spleen. Not being there or knowing your friend, I would guess that it is a Kidney Yang deficiency state. However, if this condition persists, perhaps se a good TCM doctor. Eat a few walnuts but do not go overboard with them. Walnuts are the only but that does not cause constipation, and it is particularly good at 'warming' the kidneys and 'grabbing' qi. Ginger is also good, but make sure that it does not have sugar around it! All of the onion family. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Ray , Chicago wrote: Hi Again Erle, Hope you don't mind, but I have another friend who has a serious problem. Hepatitis C. The doctor told her that there is no cirrhosis at this time, but the liver appears to be getting worse. I have told her to start taking milk thistle and to start massaging liver points on the hands, feet and chest Li-14. It is no secret to those who know her that she SEVERELY abused herself for many years. (and she is only 34 years old!!) She knows that she must quit drinking and all other forms of substance that harm the liver and so far has said she has done so. Apparently the doctor is going to start giving her (Interferon?? spelling?) it is extremely expensive. Although she will do her best. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. She is not a martial arts practitioner and never has been, although I have encouraged her to take it up. Ray/Chicago
A: Dear Ray, She must fix her liver and there will probably also be kidney damage! Her body is probably so depleted that she is unable to heal herself, hence the interferon! It has had some small success with Aids and Hep C. But I wouldn't count on it! The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of qi throughout the whole body. People with liver troubles such as your friend, are irritable, angry, are impatient, aggressive etc. She must take around 15 mgs of Spirulina per day. Give up all drugs, alcohol and fatty foods including meat! She must drink wheat grass, it's simple to make, just get some cotton wool on a plate and place the wheat seeds onto the plate and keep it watered. the Seeds will grow until the sprouts are about 8 inches tall, you harvest the grass and then crush it in a sort of meat grinder so that you can get the juice from it. Button Mushroom is also good. Grape juice and oats are also used in the treatment of Hep. However, the most important organ to fix first of all is her mind! BUt this too is connected to the body so fix the body and the mind should follow. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Steve, USA wrote: Dear Erle, I have two questions that I would like to ask you one is about an injury to my body, and the other more important, or dominant problem is that of one of the psyche, spirit or soul. Let's start with the easy one first, while playing Basketball I let go of the rim and accidently landed on the ball, and suffered a rather severe ankle sprang, my left side of my right foot is sore, and ligament damage to the ankle was done as well. It's been about six weeks now and I would like to start training in Kung-fu again, but do not want to further injure myself, and risk along term layoff or damge, any suggestions? Now for the toughie, and hope you do not mind me asking, you talk about many subjects, that relate to the martial arts, and some just about general physical health, and well being, and I respect your advice, and consider you quite wise, so here goes. Knowing how you feel about family I'm sure you will understand my agonizing situation, a few years ago I lost my brother in a car wreck, and since then have lost my motivation to do just about everything but train, and I believe I would like to make martial arts my lifes work, but I fear that my depression, and pessimism, will prevent me from acheiveing all that needs to be done, is there something I can do that may help me regain some of my optimism, and desire for life, because I feel my existential angst is destroying me. Yours in the arts, Steve
A: Dear Steve, I have had great experience at losing loved ones. And I know that there IS something else after and that the 'spirit world' does exist. Loved ones, when they die physically need to do things also. However, they cannot when their loved ones are grieving too much as you seem to be. I am sure that your brother is standing right next to you slapping you over the head with a newspaper saying "stop it"! Allow your brother to help you, try to feel his presence and lighten up as that is what he is probably trying to tell you! Or he might be trying to tell you things that you should be doing by placing you into such a situation! The only way our ' guides' have of talking to us is by having things happen to us in the hope that we listen finally. It could even be some disease to tell us that we are doing something wrong etc. Find out what you HAVE to be doing and you WILL get well again! I have experienced this many many times. Too much grief is also a sign that all is not well with the lungs and colon. Grief that is expressed and resolved strengthens the health.
However long term grief causes contraction of the lungs which will interfere with its job of sending out nutrients and qi. Almost everyone who has unresolved sadness and grief, has a lung problem and knowing about this is the clue in working it out. You can transform these unresolved sorrows by simply knowing about them. Qigong breathing exercises will help greatly as they can clear the lungs. I don't know if you already do qigong though. If you do, you should use the 'cleansing' breathing method of inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth while standing in the basic qigong stances. Even simply breathing deeply right down into the lungs but not forcing it will help in clearing your grief. The onion family of vegetables will often help greatly with lung problems. The ankle is the easy one. Just give it a rest as the body heals itself, it is a marvelous mechanism, far too great for we mere mortals to understand! However grapes and grape seeds are very good for the ligaments along with pure wheat bran and lettuce. In fact anything that has amounts of silicon will help with that problem. Kind Regards Erle.
Q: Ron. wrote: Dear Erle: What do you mean by getting 2 hours of good regenerative sleep? Any particular method? Also, how did Yang Cheng Fu's son's energy feel when practicing with him? I have heard that his energy and power felt like being moved by the ocean's waves. Sincere regards, Ron
A: Dear Ron, When the body is in a state of balance, one is able to sleep for lesser periods. The reason is that during training in qigong and Taijiquan we are actually doing most of those things that we need at a physical level while sleeping. So when we go to sleep, we only really need that sleep which comes well into the small hours of the morning, when we back up our hard drive so-to-speak. I.e.. that deep sleep for two hours or so. If you are having problems with sleeping, it is usually caused by too much Yang in the head causing too much thinking. It is a matter of getting the Yang qi down into the feet. This can be done often with though alone by thinking 'down' or thinking about the soles of your feet while lying in bed. There is also a wonderful qigong which I think I have somewhere on my site especially for insomnia, look it up as I have had some great responses form patients doing this qigong exercise. Sex and sleep! I do not know why adults have sex before going to sleep! The time for sex is when the body is 'raring to go' in the middle of the day when we are yang, not when we are trying to sleep. So sex is also not good for decent sleep. Yang Sau-chung was quite strong even into older age, he could take punches to his whole back area and not flinch. However, he was after all an old man and his greatest gift was his knowledge. I always tell my own students, that they should not, when I grow even older, make up stories about me to cause me to be something that I was never! Kind Regards Erle.
Q: Adrian wrote: Dear Erle, Thank You for your answer to my Gall Stone question. It has helped my wife deal with the gall stone. She did not want to try the fast method but is using the other method. The sharp pain she was having has almost stopped completely. This question is about a co-worker of mine. He is a active weight lifter, and is very athletic. He is in his late fourties. The problem is that his asthma bothers his year-round. He currently uses herbal tea and an inhaler. This seems to help but when the pollen count goes up his breathing becomes harder. He would like a way to heal himself and not just a short fix. I have read of many Tai Chi masters having overcome asthma. Could you give your experience on treating asthma. Thanks In Advance. Adrian USA
A: Dear Adrian, in Israel there is a hospital called the 'central emick' hospital. It specializes in 'dairy related problems'. One of which is asthma! It gets great results by simply taking patients off ALL dairy products including milk, cheese, yoghourt etc. One 11 year old girl went there for treatment and had all of the symptoms. After only two weeks the symptoms left. She went home for the weekend to her grandmother's and the symptoms came back. They worked out that her grandmother had given her only one half of a finger of kit-kat! This was enough to bring the symptoms back. So, that is the starting point. In Chinese Medicine, there are four types of asthma with the 'mucus type being the most prevalent in the west. It can be treated with diet and eliminated completely eventually. As I do not know what type of asthma your friend has, I would suggest that he go to a Chinese doctor to have it checked. It is an easy matter of noting the symptoms. For the 'mucus type' the diet should consist of: Mostly grains, with some flax seed oil, (cold pressed), vegetables legumes and sprouts, micro algae and omega-3. Without seeing your friend personally, this is all I can do at present. But the best advice is for him to see a good TCM doctor. Follow a warm bath with a cooling shower. 3 Circle standing qigong also works wonders with Asthma. I have seen people fully recover in weeks using qigong. Apricots are also good. See my "Power Breakfast" as this will also help. Kind regards Erle
Q: John wrote: Erle, Just to thank you for that little piece of diagnosis and advice for the partner. She saw a TCM doctor yesterday who confirmed problems with Kydney and stomach. Whole system run down. He has started some accupuncture etc. I am in TCM a 'liver' person. I forget how they arrived at this, but it is my dominant organ. Of course as I do quite a lot, and would like to do more, it can leave me a little 'burnt' or frustrated in not getting as much done as I would like ( including more trainging!) Is there a specific Qi gong to keep my creative engine in good nick? I have started to add the old Tiple Warmer qi gong as a daily start to the day. Is this sufficient. I should say that I feel quite healthy but am told there is a lot of yellow in the white's of my eyes and they lact lusture ( I tell fiancee it's age!) Stay well- John
A: Dear John, Yes yellow in the eyes indicates liver problems. You should stay well clear of all fats! Especially animal fats. The triple warmer should be sufficient. I had a student once, who arrived at class and began his normal qigong. He fell down after five minutes and was an amazing yellow colour all over!! So i sent him to his doctor for a liver check up and sure enough he had the very beginning of liver cancer. At that stage there was no western way of diagnosing this, so he was very lucky. Yours is probably a simple to fix problem though that will fix via diet! You should take St. Mary's Thistle. as follows. Silybum marianum Silybum marianum (St. Mary's Thistle) has been used traditionally for chronic liver disease and wherever any chemical or drug abuse threatens normal liver function. It is considered a liver trophorestorative.
One of the first signs of liver imbalance is anger and irritable, frustration, violence etc.. The liver rules tendons and eyes, hence the yellow eyes. Liver damage causes the tendons to not be lubricated and so they can become inflamed and torn easily. Many eye problems such as Glaucoma and night blindness to name a few are attributed often to the liver. Eat unrefined grains, vegetables and legumes as this will help the gallbladder to renew itself. Pears, seaweeds, limes and lemons and the spice, turmeric will also enhance the process. For three weeks eat one or two radishes between meals. Also drink chamomile tea at least 5 cups per day. 5 teaspoons full of flax seed oil over your breakfast each morning for two months.
Q: Tony wrote: Dear Erle, Thank you for your prompt reply to my email, there was one other question I had, my fiancee is also trying to start taiji with me however has run into difficulties. Aproximately a year ago now she was in a serious climbing accident and suffered muscle and ligament damage to her back, the main problem area remaining is in the area medial to her left scapula, with tightness, shortening and pain in her left Rhomboideus minor and major muscles, which then causes problems right up into her trapezius and neck muscles. The problem is that she finds the basic standing qigong almost unbearable after a very short time, with pain and tightness lasting for hours afterwards. She is determined to overcome the problem however I worry that it may be detrimental for her to push through the pain? Are there alternative postures she could try or in fact is it good for her to continue the basic method? Thank you Tony.
A: Tony, Yes, She should do the standing qigong using the lowered hand position, this will fix the problem until qigong begins to work on her back! If she is in pain, then tension will increase and so cause the qigong to be ineffective! So all she has to do is to lower her hands to the navel and this should alleviate the problem Kind Regards Erle
Q: From Mark, England: Subject: help! > >Dear Erle, > >Any suggestions to aid a pair of (28 yr old), weakened lungs? > >Since giving up smoking(9 months), change of diet(3 months)and the >elimination of all recreational drugs (9months)((including social >alcoholism!!))I have noticeably seen improvements in my general >ability to breathe. This has become most apparant in my qi-gong/ >taichi practise with a marked increase in chi flow. >However it is apparant that there is still a considerable amount of >chi stagnation in the area of upper chest. >This manifests as a loud wheezing on expelling the lungs with a >sensation of tightness, severe at times, with the added bonus of white >phlegm. > >I particularly related to your statement that "People with weak lungs, >suffer from abnormal emotional behavior", as I was an 'incubator baby' >and have also experienced severe emotional/ social problems from a >very early age. > >I have taken the necessary advice concerning food from your web site >and have increased my intake of fruit and eliminated all meat and >dairy products; yet this difficulty,'laziness' in breathing still >seems to persist affecting my levels of vitality and confidence >considerably. > >other than let nature take its course would there be any thing else I >could be doing to improve my condition? >Would practising qi-gong (static,fishes in eight etc.) at 3 to 5 am >help?(I have tried this on occasions yet found it messed with the >internal clock and felt even more lethargic during the day) > >Also on another matter, I have 'endured' your 'power breakfast' and >although great tasting, after 3 days or so I found myself experiencing >some really nasty side effects. These were generally mental, states of >paranoia, confusion and feelings of being totally ungrounded. >Sensations have ceased since giving it up. >Would an allergic reaction, perhaps to Soya products cause this? or >would the symptoms be part of the natural cleaning process? > > >Any advice, information would be >great fully received > >With thanks > >Mark , England >
A: Dear Mark, If you ARE allergic to soy, then use something else, like even goats milk! However, as I said this breakfast will stir things up greatly and hence the reaction. As poisons come out through your system again and as I guess you have had some drugs in the past, they will all be still in there! They have to come out sometime. So I suggest that you do it perhaps a couple of times per week so that the effect is not so great. On to the lungs. Mate it will take years to repair the damage done to your lungs through smoking and alcohol, literally years, it is a very slow process as it has taken 28 years to get to where you are, it will not clear over night. However, you could try the 'sound Qigong for the lungs while tapping the thymus gland. You know when a gorilla thumps its chest? Well this is basically what we do in this Qigong. You close both fists breathe deeply holding your breath in, then tap your very upper chest with your closed fists twice, then throw both arms out to the sides as far as they will go to open the chest cavity and expel the air violently making the sound of 'Tssssss'. This sound must come for deep in side though and must not only be superficial. best to do it when those around you cannot hear! Do this five times morning and evening and see how you go. Your symptoms indicate a lung problem. Just about everything that you have described that you have been doing in the past will adversely affect your lungs. The wheezing is usually caused not by the lungs but by the weak digestion (weak pancreas/spleen) and this causes mucus. This mucus accumulates in the lungs. Some foods to help with your problem: Garlic and others in that family such as onion, Fennel (herb), Fenugreek, (herb), Flaxseed which you are already taking in the breakfast, Horseradish, Fresh Ginger, Radish, Mushroom. Eat simple smaller meals and do not eat legumes, so leave out the soy beans from the breakfast. I should imagine that the problem with the breakfast is am emotional one caused by your lungs causing you to be 'attached' to your old ways still, hence the mental problem in giving things up etc. I hope this all helps. However, it will take time and if you get ANY reaction from eating simple foods such as the breakfast, then this can only be a good thing as normal food cannot hurt you! Kind regards Erle -
PS, With the getting up between 3 am and 5 am, mate, you should go back to bed after your qigong training! And usually this time is the best sleep ever. The problem arises when of course you have to also rise early to go to work. In these cases it is probably only possible when you are on holidays. In fact we have had a number of people who have tried out the routine between these hours while on holiday, and only then do they discover the great benifits that it has.
Q: -----Original Message----- From: kirano Subject: A quick query... >Hello Erle. Just a quick "draw" on your herbal expertise. >As a musician, I enjoy smoking marijuana as I find I hear certain things that went unnoticed before. I find that I am able to add depth to my music this way. As a martial artist, I find it to be less than condusive to my studies. I do not smoke when I train. >I have done extensive research on the health hazards and benefits. I do realize the damage it does to my lungs but since I quit cigarettes two years ago, I have noticed a marked improvement in my lung capacity and stamina. Marijuana obviously affects this but not to a noticeable degree. I have discovered I feel like smoking less as I progress further in my awareness of internal energy and realize I will be able to attain that mental state without it eventually. >What does Chinese medicine say about this? >Regards to the family.
A: Dear Kirano, Being an ex-Rock & Roller myself, actually, that is an oxymoron isn't it as it is impossible to be an ex-rock & Roller! Once one, always one! Once my internal martial arts started to kick in, it was impossible for me to take dope. And that was some 25 years ago since I stopped. Didn't remember the 60's at all! In fact, if it wasn't for the internal martial arts and qigong, I probably would have been in that big gig in the sky! So my advice to you is simply, give it up!! Hemp is an extremely potent herb used in very small doses for healing only! It is not used to heighten the senses or open the mind, it only SEEMS to do this. I found that although I thought that I was playing some incredible music and writing some great songs, the straight people listening thought that I was playing some new form of music! At one time, and that was when I realized that we were in big trouble, the members of my band were all playing different songs! At one gig, there was this big hole in the floor covered by a piece of carpet on the stage. The stage was about 15 feet off the floor down into a storage space. We were totally out of it and I accidentally stepped back onto this hole and disappeared through it! The other lads in the band who were all experimenting with LSD at the time, stopped and thought that I had just gone puff and disappeared! Then they heard the groans from down in the cellar! Next day I was literally black and blue all over as I had fallen through rafters. Didn't feel a thing! That was around 1968 I think. It's the same with all Westerners, when we discover something that we think is great we over-do it and take it to recreational standard rather than use it as a herb for its healing benefits! Grass is great for those who are on chemio-therapy to combat the side effects of nausea. So, mate, chuck it and start to live!! And if you Must take it, then ingest it, do not smoke it! Kind Regards Erle
Cannabis or, More Correctly, "Fructus Cannabis" seed is used for the spleen and large intestine functions. To lubricate the colon. Use Hemp seeds with Angelica root rehmannia root and apricto seed in a formula called, Yixue Runchang wan for constipation due to dryness and heat in the colon. Used with Rhubarb and Magnolia bark in the formuloar known as Maziren Wan. It is contraindictory in cases of diarrhea.
Q: Wednesday, June 03, 1998 3:32 PM Subject: Breathing Technique >Dear Erle: First off I'd like to thank you for your prompt response to a >question I asked you thru this service about 3 weeks ago, it was very >informative. I have two questions to ask. The first has to do with >breathing techniques for Chi-Kung excercises. From what I understand there >are two types:(1) Normal breathing method(stomach expands as you inhale), >used mostly for health purposes and (2) 'Taoist' breathing method?-(stomach >contracts as you inhale), used mostly for martial arts purposes. My >question is whats the process behind the different breathing methods. >My second question has to do with internal energy. Is it possible to look >at somebody while they are performing martial arts(forms and/or >demonstrations) and know they have a strong internal energy flow, and if it >is possible what would you have to look for in that persons movement to >know they have strong internal energy. >Best of luck to you and your family.JAMES R. CANADA. > >
A: Dear James, There are four breathing methods used in the internal arts. They are. natural breathing where the stomach expands as the air in inhaled, "Reverse breathing" where the abdomen contracts as the air is inhaled, "Pre-natal" breathing where the lower part of the abdomen is contracted as the upper part is expanded upon inhalation and visa-versa. Then the final one is "tortoise" breathing which is the same as Pre-Natal Breathing only the breath is held in for a count of 7 seconds. The diaphragm is the 'border' between outer qi and inner qi. When we perform natural breathing we only circulate our own 'given' qi. When we do reverse breathing we circulate more given qi. When we do pre-natal breathing because the flow of qi is reversed in the two parts of the abdomen, on the inhalation, the outer qi mixes with the inner qi and so we are able to build up our pre-natal qi back to a normal level which has been depleted through western living habits etc. Tortoise breathing allows more outer qi to mix with the inner qi. When we exhale, a little of the outer qi is taken back with the inner qi hence the build up of qi. Yes, it is possible to know if a person performing or even just being, martial arts has a high level of qi. It has to do with his or her 'small circle'. If they are not there, then that person does not have a coordinated flow of qi. However, it is impossible for anyone who has not attained a higher level of qi development to notice these areas, if that person could, then he or she would not have any reason to as they would already be there and so would not need a teacher anyway! Kind Regards Erle
Q: Question by mail asking about why he experienced difficulty during Qigong but not while doing hard style martial arts as he has asthma!
A: Dear Neil, Thank you for your letter. Choy Lae-fut is a totally external system with not much healing benefits other than purely exercise and a good one at that. However, when you begin to practice some internal exercises such as Qigong, it affects the way your energy is used and tries to heal certain ailments such as lung ailments in particular! hence the problems with your standing Qigong. You should try doing standing Qigong with the arms lowered to the lower position rather than the upper position. Be sure that your feet are exactly parallel and not at all turned out as this will also cause problems and be absolutely sure that your back is not leaning backward or forward nor that there is any sway in your back. Be sure that there is no tension in your breathing, Qigong will not cause any asthma problems when done correctly, after all, you are only standing there breathing! Completely relax your abdomen and allow it to stick out naturally as most men try sub-consciously to hold in their belly! Your shoulders should not move even one hair's width! This will indicate, if your shoulders do move, that there is a problem with your upper chest and lung tension thus causing asthma problems. So it is doubly important that you perform your Qigong correctly! In fact, I will send you free of charge my Qigong video in the hope that it will correct any mistakes. You should NOT "Lead the qi to the tantien"! This will cause tension! The beauty of the internal arts is that all you have to do is to DO them correctly without any mind games or thinking at all. The physical movements are such that they move the qi for you. Conscious thought creates tension and this is probably where you are getting the breathing problem from. You should give up ALL dairy products and meat products! The Central Emeck hospital in Israel is the leading hospital for Dairy related problems such as Asthma and they cure people by simply taking them off all dairy and meat products. The correct standing 3 circle standing Qigong should be OK for your asthma. Asthma involves disorder and imbalance in one or more of the following systems. Digestive centre (Spleen-pancreas, stomach, and intestines): Kidney-adrenals and Liver-gallbladder: Heart and lungs. The mucus type of asthma is most prevalent in the west so not being there with you it is hard to diagnose what type you have. However the 'mucus type' is characterized by copious amounts of mucus. Mouth held open with breathing difficulties when lying down. The tongue is coated by thick and greasy stuff. Foods to help: Honey, Horseradish, lemon, lime, aduki bean, alfalfa sprouts, slippery elm tea. Take Chlorophyll and the vitamin A group such as apricots, (not too many!), pumpkin, carrots and mustard seed. Green leafy vegetables in general
Kind Regards Erle.
Q: From Ray, Chicago: Date: Thursday, June 04, 1998 11:57 AM Subject: A question..upper arm aches and basic qigong >Hi Erle , hope all is well and your move is going Okay. I have another >question about the qigong on MTG10. I have been doing it now for about 3 >weeks (and teaching some of my students as you know) >I notice that the shaking is almost gone and only begins in my legs toward >the end of the last 5 minutes. But I am experiencing aching in the upper >arms while in the 'high' position. It is around the deltoids and upper >biceps. Is it too much yang qi, or are my muscles just becoming fatigued or >am I doing something wrong, or all or none of the above? When I go to the >lowered arms position I feel that I can stay there longer than five minutes >and my arms feel better. I still end the session at 15 minutes though. I do >the TW, St/Sp, and Ki-1, qigong warm ups prior to the regular qigong as you >suggest in the video. > >Thanks. >Ray/Chicago/U.S.A. >
A: Dear Ray, wait until you begin placing a piece of wood across your palms with a bucket of water attached!! That comes MUCH later though! You should persist with the upper arm position as the pains will go away eventually. the whole idea is that the arms become 'Qi Blocked' and eventually push right through the tension, same with the legs. Mate, I still remember my first ever lesson. I was told nothing, just to stand like this. I did so and the master left the room. being a serious student, I did not even waver, even after 20 minutes first time and I was dying! Eventually the master came back to my great relief, looked at me, felt my hands then walked out!! After a further 10 minutes when I was just about dead, he came back and beckoned for me to finish. He then told me to go home. That was my first lesson. Kind Regards Erle
Q: From: Charles Thursday, June 04, 1998 11:53 PM Subject: Gall Bladder removal >Adrian.: Virginia,USA > >Hi Erle, Thanks for all your great advice and insight. Question:Several >persons have stated that one option to gall stones is removal of the gall >bladder. Western doctors are stating that we really do not need it. Is >this true or just a quick fix to try and not deal with the gall stone >naturally? Also without a gall ballder how does the body react? Thank You >in advance. > >Adrian > >
A: Dear Adrian, Well mate, that's western medicine for you! Western medicine has some great stuff, but also some stupid ones! Removal of any organ is detrimental to the body. The gallbladder is one of the most immportant organs and gall stones can be removed using the will power to eat correctly! I have posted a really good method of gall stone removal on my healing Q&A section using apples and olive oil. There is also a much less traumatic version that takes the gall stones out gradually rather than over night as this cvan be painful if the stones are large! If you remove any organ the body always finds another route for qi flow, however, the person in never the same again. this is especially true for when women have a hysterectomy, the qi flow through the life force meridian always finds another route but it is usually never the same again. Physically, the gallbladder 'squirts' out bile which is responsible for the breaking down of fat. The liver also does this but the gall bladder is like a serious fat remover. So someone who has it removed must be super careful about fats. Most people who have it removed are ill often because the body has a difficult time getting rid of fat and the liver is over worked. Kind Regards Erle
Q: Tony, Italy: Date: Sunday, June 07, 1998 9:20 AM Subject: message > Dear Erle, >thanks for your last message. The reason I'm sending you this, has to do >with your video on Healing Chi Kung and Iron Shirt Training. >Erle, on said video, you demonstrate a chi-kung for the >kidneys\gallbladder, which is usefull in fighting "FEAR" and thus getting >rid of it. > The problem is that you did not mention when this chi kung should be >done and how many times a day. Also Erle, we just found >out that my wife has a cist on the ovary, and the doctors have told her >that it will eventually absorb itself. Still, I would feel much better if >you would kindly suggest a specific chi kung that I could show her (By the >way Erle, she is American and can therefore read your message). > For the time being I thank you for your kind attention, > > best wishes, sincerely, > > Tony > > P.S.Erle, can you please instruct me as to the procedure regarding my >joining you Federation? > > > > >
A: Dear Tony, If you do that qigong twice per day, once in the morning when the birds begin their activity and then again when they begin to retire. If you have not any birds around you then just do it at dawn and dusk or a little after dawn and a little before dusk. If you wife simply does the 3 circle standing qigong this will help in the cyst removal. Turmeric will help the cyst to dissolve. Here is a little recipe for dissolving cysts in that region as it is very difficult to dissolve cysts in that area as the blood flow is not that great there! Peach Seed (5 parts) Cinnamon Bark (4 parts) Turmeric (1 part) Licorice Root (1.5 parts) You grind the whole shebang up and add some water and drink it in the morning. If you ask Mause she will send out a WTBA joining form. Kind Regards Erle
Q: From: Greg Date: Tuesday, June 09, 1998 4:12 PM Subject: dangers of iron palm training/taiji claw? >Hello and good day to you! First of all let me say what a pleasure it >is to view your web site, I'll be at it for days! Thank you for sharing >your knowledge with the general public, it is truly amazing that I can >see various informations from masters and styles from across the world, >something the shaolin masters probably never dreamed of! > Well, now to my questions. Mr. Montaigue, in your dim mak video, the >training method of striking the mit with the claw is covered. I am >curious about something I've been told or read about from a few people. >Brian Grey in his iron palm training video series mentions that >fingertip striking can overstimulate the meridians from the fingertips >to the eyes and possibly cause vision problems in later life. >Grandmaster Doo Wai (my internet penpal!) also concurs with this >thought. But there is the question of the cat styles of martial art >that focus on fingertip training and even the taiji claw focuses on >impact of the fingertips. What are your thoughts on the matter? I've >been wanting to send the question to you for some time now, and have >finally had the time to do some internet research....with your >acupuncture knowledge, I really wanted to hear your opinion. > I enjoy your books and video that I own immensely and look forward to >getting more in the future when I can afford so. Thank you again for >sharing your knowledge, what some people may take for granted, I treat >as a privilege. > >sincerely, > >Greg >
A: Dear Greg, Thank you for your message. I do not really think that God made us so weak as to damage our eyes from striking with the finger-tips! The liver is associated with the eyes and it is not in the fingers! If this were the case every guitarist in the world would be blind, as the fingers become very calloused from striking the strings with the finger tips as mine are from doing just that! The only thing that you have to watch out for is that you strike the mitt in the correct manner so that the fingers are not percussed backwards into the joints. Be sure to have some spring in the fingers, in other words, do not 'poke' the tips of the fingers into the mitt. I cannot see anything in acupuncture that relates to this and neither can Wally Simpson, see also how hard pianists strike the tips of their fingers! Of course you should never do any training exercise that involves striking to excess as this will cause purely physically damage to the striking portion. I hope this has been of some help. Kind Regards Erle.
Q: Chris: England: Date: Wednesday, June 10, 1998 5:44 AM Subject: Re: Tai Chi-What else! >Dear Erle, > >Many thanks for your kind reply to my e-mail. > >I suppose I will have to educate my fellow scots when I have attained the >right level of ability. > >Another point which I thought I might mention-I suffered a knee injury a few >years ago causing me to have the cartilage (90%) removed from my right knee. >I also snapped off one of the cruciate ligaments. After an operation last >year, I have regained full strength in the leg and there seem to be no >problems, in fact the leg is more or less as good as new. > >However, I am wary of causing any further damage which might lead to long >term-complications. I wonder if, from your experience, you have any advice to >offer regarding training etc. I no longer take part in contact sports such as >football/karate. > >Perhaps this would be one for your Q& A page, as I am sure other students & >teachers of Tai Chi must have suffered similar injuries. By the way I'm 33 >years of age in case I'm sounding like an old man here! > >Carry on the good work. > >All the best, > >Chris.
A: Dear Chris, All you have to watch out for are those movements that cause you to change direction or stop suddenly and violently! So do not rob any banks and have to run and change direction etc.! Use care when executing those movements from the Old Yang style where you have to leap and turn in mid-air! Make sure that you can do them properly so that you do not land while still turning! You should leap high enough so that you land square and the turning has finished. Try to have your legs moving more vertically rather than horizontally while executing these moves. Otherwise you will have no problems with the Old Yang style. 33 is still quite young hence your body's ability to heal itself. This SHOULD happen right into old age, but they things we do to ourselves re., diet and wrong exercise cause this auto-function not to work so well as we grow older. hence the need for correct diet and exercise. Things like soccer and rugby are unnatural acts! They cause the body to make unnatural movements. I was lucky, I found girls in preference to my rugby career! ... I still prefer girls! Well, actually one woman! Kind Regards Erle
Q: From: Steve To: montaigue@ozemail.com.au Date: Thursday, June 11, 1998 7:33 PM Subject: penetration form - qi distruption 1 - spleen > >Dear Erle > >The first qi distruption form works upon the spleen. How ? Is it the >physical movements when done correctly or the breathing method or the >actual qi distruption method. This is a very general question which I >suppose covers all forms and postures which also have a healing benefit. >The taiji postures are very beneficial for different organs and meridians >but how does this work ? How does performing a certain movement or posture >benefit an internal organ ? >I have never understood this even though I do believe it. > >kindest thanks > >Steve
A: Dear Steve, Every move you make requires qi (obviously) as this is the electrical energy that makes your physical energy work. The qi has to come from its holding place of tantien to those parts of the body that require qi. So for instance, simply moving your arm requires qi at a certain point and time which has to travel along a certain meridian to get to where it is needed. The masters of old were men and women of genius (they had to be) so they worked out what movements sent qi along what pathways when what work had to be done. Then they devised a series of movements that world send qi along each meridian either in turn as it would flow in a normal day (as in the Taiji form), or along a pathway like for instance the Heart meridian a number of times in order to heal the specific organ. So the movements of the Qi disruptive forms themselves were devised to send qi for instance in the No. 1 form, more to the spleen, although the qi must be activated in all meridians of course, but more was activated in the SP than in the other meridians. This is the theory and only God knows HOW it works! Kind Regards Erle
Q: -----Original Message----- From: Rakesh C To: 'montaigue@ozemail.com.au' Date: Friday, June 12, 1998 1:57 AM Subject: Cure for Endometriosis >HI Erle, > My girlfriend who is only seventeen is suffering from Endometriosis. >Nothing seems to cure it. Could you suggest some Quigong exercises, or >anything that could possible cure her. > >Thanks in advance > >Regards >Rakesh >
A: Dear Rakesh, Thank you for your e-mail. Please see my earlier Q&A Health on Ovarian Cysts:
Firstly, this is what Western medicine has to say about it. ENDOMETRIOSIS (It can however, be treated using herbal remedies that follow this section)
From the Merck Manual
A benign disease in which functioning endometrial tissue is present in sites outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is usually confined to the peritoneal or serosal surfaces of intra-abdominal organs, commonly the ovaries, posterior broad ligament, posterior cul-de-sac, and the uterosacral ligaments. Less common sites include the serosal surfaces of the small and large bowel, ureters, bladder, vagina, surgical scars, and pleural cavity. Etiology and Epidemiology The most widely accepted hypothesis is that endometrial cells are transported from the uterine cavity to implant at ectopic sites. Retrograde flow of menstrual tissue through the fallopian tubes could cause intra-abdominal endometriosis, while the lymphatic or circulatory systems could spread endometriosis to distant sites (eg, the pleural cavity). Another possible explanation is the transformation of coelomic epithelium into endometrium-like glands (ie, coelomic metaplasia).
There is evidence of a familial inheritance pattern, with the occurrence of endometriosis increased by 6% in first-degree relatives of women with endometriosis. Additional factors associated with an increased incidence include delay in childbearing, Oriental race, and mullerian duct anomalies. Although the reported incidence varies, endometriosis is commonly found in 10 to 15% of women between the ages of 25 and 44 yr who are actively menstruating. Increased use of diagnostic laparoscopy has also detected endometriosis in teenagers. It has been estimated that 25 to 50% of infertile women have endometriosis. In patients with severe endometriosis and distortion of normal pelvic anatomy, the incidence of infertility is high because of impaired ovum pickup and tubal transport mechanisms. However, some patients with minimal endometriosis and normal pelvic anatomy are also infertile and may have an increased incidence of luteal phase dysfunction, luteinized unruptured ovarian follicle syndrome ("trapped oocyte"), increased peritoneal prostaglandin production, and/or increased peritoneal macrophage activity to