Nine Practical Daoist Methods to Secure Good Health
Original Chinese Language Article By: Qianfeng Daoist Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺)
(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)
There are a number of ingenious methods preserved within philosophical Daoism that if practiced regularly and in the correct manner, possess the potential to build good all-round fitness and health.
1) Developing peace and tranquillity in the brain. By the act of profoundly relaxing and resting, a deep state of quietude and calmness is produced in the mind. This primarily benefits the brain and central nervous system. Be advised that the state of tranquillity is entered only after the mind is permanently ‘stilled’ through effective meditation practice. When the brain activity is reduced and a relaxed state is achieved, this spreads instantly through the central nervous system and relaxes the entire body. This is how fatigue is eliminated from the mind and body, and the entire system is nourished (as if by taking a medicinal tonic). This meditative process initiates a wave of relaxation and rejuvenation throughout the body that originates within the brain, but it is also true that once the entire inner and outer body is relaxed, this state of physical tranquillity also feeds back into the brain and serves to deepen and expand the experience of calm awareness.
2) A strong essential nature (jing) supports and develops vital force (qi). Without a strong essential nature (jing) there cannot be any health development. If you train in self-cultivation techniques but do not build and care for the essential nature (jing) then all that will be preserved is a non-functioning essential nature. If there is no essential nature (jing) then it cannot meet with and develop vital force. This leads nowhere in health development and guarantees failure. Health building self-cultivation (gong fa) techniques are the only reliable way to build a strong essential nature. First essential nature (jing) is strengthened; secondly vital force (qi) is developed, and thirdly spirit (shen) is refined and clarified. When spirit (shen) is developed, there is the experience of a broad and expansive emptiness. Even if this is not yet the highest degree of realisation, it has the effect of permanently calming the mind (and body) whilst further productive training is undertook. This creates the profound conditions for the development of the essential nature (jing) and the vital force (qi) and the spirit (shen). If the essential nature (jing) is vigorous then vital force flows strongly. When these conditions are met, spirit (shen) expands and becomes an all-embracing original spirit (ling). It is only with a strong and powerful essential nature (jing) can there be a development of the ordinary qi energy into vital force (qi). This is how a transcendental wisdom is attained. Effective self-cultivation is a heroic struggle if it is to be successful. If you are serious about attaining the Dao, then you must be prepared to suffer and occasionally fail. Failure is not a problem providing you learn from your mistakes, adjust your practice and keep going. This is how essential nature (jing) and qi energy become robust and spirit (shen) expands into an all-embracing original spirit (ling).
3) Focus the awareness to develop vital force (qi), as this expands the lungs. Traditional Chinese Medical thinking states that ‘the lungs regulate one hundred qi energy channels, and control the qi energy flow to and from all the internal organs’. Furthermore, when the lungs breathe in and out, the body is expelling old (qi) and taking in new (qi). Therefore the breathing process nourishes and invigorates the body (and mind). The lungs breathe in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide – this is a natural inner law that refreshes the metabolism. Good health can be achieved by breathing slowly, deeply, and fully as well as very gently and refined. Breathing is controlled by the musculature of the body, the effort of which radiates outward from the lungs themselves. This means that the muscle, tendons and ligaments are strengthened, along with all the related body-structures. This also strengthens the blood supply and enables a strong blood-flow to all parts of the body (including the brain). This process is effective because it requires the mind to focus upon the breathing process in its entirety.
4) Regulating the five internal organs. To generate good health in the body, practitioners of the Dao must cultivate the five phases (wu xing) and harmonise the yin and yang qi energy so that anger in the mind is decreased, water in the kidneys is increased, and saliva in the mouth becomes abundant. If there is ample fluid in the body, then the appetite will be healthy. If the appetite is strong, then the kidneys will be fully hydrated. If there is enough water passing through the kidneys, then the seven treasures (qi bao) are assured (the seven treasures are tears, saliva, sweat, essential nature (jing), qi energy, blood, and sexual fluids). When these seven treasures are functioning perfectly (i.e. that the body is fully hydrated throughout), then the five internal organs will be healthy and all organ disease will be eliminated.
5) Pure spirit (shen) - bright eyes. The essence of the five inner organs is reflected in the eyes (together with the five phases of qi manifestation – or ‘wuxing’) which is expressed in the following manner:
1) White of the eye = lungs (linked to ‘metal’ qi phase)
2) Iris = liver (linked to ‘wood’ qi phase)
3) Pupil = kidneys (linked to ‘water’ qi phase)
4) Inner corner of the eye = heart (linked to ‘fire’ qi phase)
5) Outer corner (i.e. eyelids) = Spleen (linked to ‘earth’ qi phase)
The two eyes reflect the health of the five inner organs, and the original spiritual essence is manifest through the act of seeing. The ancients referred to the eyes as the ‘sun’ (yang) and the ‘moon’ (yin), the ‘metal male’ and the ‘wooden female’, as well as ‘sun bird’ and ‘jade rabbit’. So important are the eyes considered for health and self-cultivation that they have been given many names that serve to express the myriad different functions they perform. For instance, it is well known that the original spirit (xin ling) resides in the brain, and that by turning visual awareness inward, it can be perceived. The eyes reflect the inner health of the body and by training the eyes (such as starring without blinking for long periods of time at a crystal ball or another suitable object) can be purified of impurities (through the prolific production of flowing tears), a process that simultaneously purifies the associated five inner organs. As the original spirit manifests through the facility of vision in the eyes, it logically follows that the original spirit can be traced back to the exact place of its origination in the brain (by following the visual consciousness back to its root in the mind). This is a profound and unifying process that is entirely the domain of the two eyes. Practitioners of philosophical Daoist self-cultivation that prolongs life and develops the mind, should understand this truth and work through these processes diligently and never stop until the task is completed, even if it takes an entire lifetime.
At the point of physical death, visual awareness is withdrawn from its attention to the world and returned to the original spirit. During self-cultivation, the visual facility is also withdrawn from the environment and focused inward toward the centre of the brain (behind the eyes) so that qi energy is settled and directed by circling the eyes clockwise and counter-clockwise according to the exact instruction (to balance the yin and yang energy). This leads to the correct integration of spirit (shen) with qi energy, and it must be remembered that the eyes are a very important organ for Daoist self-cultivation that possess a function other than the visual perception of the outer world. The organs of the eye are dynamically used as a conduit that drives the entire qi energy transformation process. This is briefly how the eyes assist the attainment of Immortality. When the effort is pure the ear is not deceived by sound and the eye is not sullied by visual imagery. An ancient illuminating awareness is achieved, and the eyes shine brightly with pure spirit (shen).
6) The extension (and strengthening) of the life-blood circulation (around the body). Blood circulation must flow actively throughout the entire body. To build a strong and robust health in the body (and mind) the eight main qi energy-flow channels must be open and fully functioning. Rubbing the exterior of the body vigorously is an excellent method for assisting qi and blood circulation. This not only helps the circulation of the hundred qi energy channels, but also assists in the strengthening and loosening of the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Rubbing and massaging in this manner invigorates the skin and keeps it healthy and clear of toxins. This helps to treat, cure or prevent the development of vasculitis.
7) Training over-time in robust health building self-cultivation. This prevents, alleviates or cures nervous exhaustion and breakdown, insomnia, night ejaculation, the leakage of yang in the kidneys, as well as relieving weakness in the body, and acting as a general tonic against the contraction of diseases in general.
8) Training in health building self-cultivation does not only develop the body, but has extensive positive effect upon the brain and all its capacities. This includes the evolution of the spirit, the intellect, and of consciousness awareness. The mind is able to see beyond its own limited conditionality and is able to think advanced and progressive thoughts. This broadens and expands the mind and its functionality into an all-embracing appreciation of reality. There is also the maturation of the ability to understand ideology and to develop it into new and stimulating directions (that benefit humanity). Furthermore, through Daoist training practitioners develop virtue and morality, and appreciate how emotions should be controlled and understood. The ability to think wisely is cultivated, which eradicates non-progressive and stupid uses of the mind’s capacity to think.
9) A lifetime of health building self-cultivation will halt and even reverse the aging process. This is assisted by such methods as the four steps of raising and lowering the hands, which develops the essential nature (jing) and refines qi energy in vital force. If reality is revealed by the practice of the thirteen steps, then miraculous transformations can occur such as white hair turning back to black, teeth that have fallen-out begin to grow again, and when all areas of development integrate, a full rejuvenation occurs. This and many other positive developments are the result of a dedicated Daoist practice.
Beijing Qianfeng Zhao Bichen Cultural Arts and Exchange Centre
Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/883001822010226003365/
保健养生
道家养生的几个妙法,经常锻炼会有明显的效果,健身长寿的。
1.补脑养神。静养功的入静,首先受益的是大脑中枢神经。当心定念止入静后,大脑中枢神经系统得到充分的抑制和休息,这样既能消除疲劳又能得到补养,从而加强和大了中枢机构的指挥功能,起到补脑养神的作用。
2.固精养炁。养生不固精,结果一场空。只知守死精,不会精化炁,止水易生腐,此为养生忌。养生功法中的固精,是为了精足而下手炼精化炁,炁足而炼炁化神,神足炼神还虚。即使达不到高深程度,也能自然地收到精化炁、炁养神的效果。精旺炁足则神灵。只有具备充沛的精力,能产生超人的聪明才智;也只有具备吃大苦耐大劳的健壮身躯,才是摧不倒、拖不垮的铁汉。固精养炁正是为筑基炼己奠定基础。
3.调息理炁,扩大肺活量。中医学有“肺为百脉之总,位居诸脏之上”之说。肺的一呼一吸,是机体自然的吐故纳新。呼出二氧化碳,吸进新鲜氧气,促使血液循环和新陈谢,是机体本身内部的自然规律。养生功的调理呼吸(息),要求深、细、长、匀。这样自然会加强和壮大机体内部运动的力量。
4.调节五脏。养生功的修炼是要使人的机体五行相生,阴阳调和,心火下降,肾水上升,口内生津。津液多则食欲强,食欲强则肾水足,肾水足则七宝(即涕、唾、津、精、气、血、液)全,七宝全则五脏和,五脏和则内病除。故养生功对医治心脏病、脾胃病、肺病、肝炎、肾亏肾寒,以及各种慢性病有独到之处。
5.清神明日。五脏之精华聚于二目(白眼珠属肺,黑眼珠属肝,瞳仁属肾,大眼角属心,小眼角属脾)。二目是心灵的窗户。古称二目为日月,又为金公木母、金乌玉兔。又称人之灵在脑,其机在目。二目的名目繁多,不可枚举。在修炼道家性命双修功的整个过程中,人的二目肩负着最艰巨最复杂而又最重要的任务。如含眼光、返观内照、回光返照、久视、运行日月、大小周天、运河车、转**以神驭气等,都必须借它的神威来达到预想的效果。功纯者不仅耳不聋、眼不花,而且一直到老日光炯炯,神清目明。
6.舒盘活血,通盘活络。养生功中的开通奇经八脉、干沐浴等功,不但能使百脉流通,筋舒络活,而且能保持皮肤润泽有光,防治脉管炎等病。
7.久炼养生功,对于神经衰弱、长夜失眠、梦遗滑精、阳瘘肾虚、身体虚弱等症有独特的疗效。
8.久炼养生功不但能改变身体素质,也能改变人的精神素质,还能开阔人的视野、人的思想境界,培养人的道德情操,增长人的智慧才能,化愚为贤。
9.修炼养生功而持之以恒,就能运用四步下手炼精化炁,收到推迟衰老、延长寿命的效果。再进一步深造,倘真的达到十三步,就会出现奇迹:白发变黑、齿落重生、藏相、返老还童,并能出现特异现象。
北京千峰文化交流中心
赵明旺
1) Developing peace and tranquillity in the brain. By the act of profoundly relaxing and resting, a deep state of quietude and calmness is produced in the mind. This primarily benefits the brain and central nervous system. Be advised that the state of tranquillity is entered only after the mind is permanently ‘stilled’ through effective meditation practice. When the brain activity is reduced and a relaxed state is achieved, this spreads instantly through the central nervous system and relaxes the entire body. This is how fatigue is eliminated from the mind and body, and the entire system is nourished (as if by taking a medicinal tonic). This meditative process initiates a wave of relaxation and rejuvenation throughout the body that originates within the brain, but it is also true that once the entire inner and outer body is relaxed, this state of physical tranquillity also feeds back into the brain and serves to deepen and expand the experience of calm awareness.
2) A strong essential nature (jing) supports and develops vital force (qi). Without a strong essential nature (jing) there cannot be any health development. If you train in self-cultivation techniques but do not build and care for the essential nature (jing) then all that will be preserved is a non-functioning essential nature. If there is no essential nature (jing) then it cannot meet with and develop vital force. This leads nowhere in health development and guarantees failure. Health building self-cultivation (gong fa) techniques are the only reliable way to build a strong essential nature. First essential nature (jing) is strengthened; secondly vital force (qi) is developed, and thirdly spirit (shen) is refined and clarified. When spirit (shen) is developed, there is the experience of a broad and expansive emptiness. Even if this is not yet the highest degree of realisation, it has the effect of permanently calming the mind (and body) whilst further productive training is undertook. This creates the profound conditions for the development of the essential nature (jing) and the vital force (qi) and the spirit (shen). If the essential nature (jing) is vigorous then vital force flows strongly. When these conditions are met, spirit (shen) expands and becomes an all-embracing original spirit (ling). It is only with a strong and powerful essential nature (jing) can there be a development of the ordinary qi energy into vital force (qi). This is how a transcendental wisdom is attained. Effective self-cultivation is a heroic struggle if it is to be successful. If you are serious about attaining the Dao, then you must be prepared to suffer and occasionally fail. Failure is not a problem providing you learn from your mistakes, adjust your practice and keep going. This is how essential nature (jing) and qi energy become robust and spirit (shen) expands into an all-embracing original spirit (ling).
3) Focus the awareness to develop vital force (qi), as this expands the lungs. Traditional Chinese Medical thinking states that ‘the lungs regulate one hundred qi energy channels, and control the qi energy flow to and from all the internal organs’. Furthermore, when the lungs breathe in and out, the body is expelling old (qi) and taking in new (qi). Therefore the breathing process nourishes and invigorates the body (and mind). The lungs breathe in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide – this is a natural inner law that refreshes the metabolism. Good health can be achieved by breathing slowly, deeply, and fully as well as very gently and refined. Breathing is controlled by the musculature of the body, the effort of which radiates outward from the lungs themselves. This means that the muscle, tendons and ligaments are strengthened, along with all the related body-structures. This also strengthens the blood supply and enables a strong blood-flow to all parts of the body (including the brain). This process is effective because it requires the mind to focus upon the breathing process in its entirety.
4) Regulating the five internal organs. To generate good health in the body, practitioners of the Dao must cultivate the five phases (wu xing) and harmonise the yin and yang qi energy so that anger in the mind is decreased, water in the kidneys is increased, and saliva in the mouth becomes abundant. If there is ample fluid in the body, then the appetite will be healthy. If the appetite is strong, then the kidneys will be fully hydrated. If there is enough water passing through the kidneys, then the seven treasures (qi bao) are assured (the seven treasures are tears, saliva, sweat, essential nature (jing), qi energy, blood, and sexual fluids). When these seven treasures are functioning perfectly (i.e. that the body is fully hydrated throughout), then the five internal organs will be healthy and all organ disease will be eliminated.
5) Pure spirit (shen) - bright eyes. The essence of the five inner organs is reflected in the eyes (together with the five phases of qi manifestation – or ‘wuxing’) which is expressed in the following manner:
1) White of the eye = lungs (linked to ‘metal’ qi phase)
2) Iris = liver (linked to ‘wood’ qi phase)
3) Pupil = kidneys (linked to ‘water’ qi phase)
4) Inner corner of the eye = heart (linked to ‘fire’ qi phase)
5) Outer corner (i.e. eyelids) = Spleen (linked to ‘earth’ qi phase)
The two eyes reflect the health of the five inner organs, and the original spiritual essence is manifest through the act of seeing. The ancients referred to the eyes as the ‘sun’ (yang) and the ‘moon’ (yin), the ‘metal male’ and the ‘wooden female’, as well as ‘sun bird’ and ‘jade rabbit’. So important are the eyes considered for health and self-cultivation that they have been given many names that serve to express the myriad different functions they perform. For instance, it is well known that the original spirit (xin ling) resides in the brain, and that by turning visual awareness inward, it can be perceived. The eyes reflect the inner health of the body and by training the eyes (such as starring without blinking for long periods of time at a crystal ball or another suitable object) can be purified of impurities (through the prolific production of flowing tears), a process that simultaneously purifies the associated five inner organs. As the original spirit manifests through the facility of vision in the eyes, it logically follows that the original spirit can be traced back to the exact place of its origination in the brain (by following the visual consciousness back to its root in the mind). This is a profound and unifying process that is entirely the domain of the two eyes. Practitioners of philosophical Daoist self-cultivation that prolongs life and develops the mind, should understand this truth and work through these processes diligently and never stop until the task is completed, even if it takes an entire lifetime.
At the point of physical death, visual awareness is withdrawn from its attention to the world and returned to the original spirit. During self-cultivation, the visual facility is also withdrawn from the environment and focused inward toward the centre of the brain (behind the eyes) so that qi energy is settled and directed by circling the eyes clockwise and counter-clockwise according to the exact instruction (to balance the yin and yang energy). This leads to the correct integration of spirit (shen) with qi energy, and it must be remembered that the eyes are a very important organ for Daoist self-cultivation that possess a function other than the visual perception of the outer world. The organs of the eye are dynamically used as a conduit that drives the entire qi energy transformation process. This is briefly how the eyes assist the attainment of Immortality. When the effort is pure the ear is not deceived by sound and the eye is not sullied by visual imagery. An ancient illuminating awareness is achieved, and the eyes shine brightly with pure spirit (shen).
6) The extension (and strengthening) of the life-blood circulation (around the body). Blood circulation must flow actively throughout the entire body. To build a strong and robust health in the body (and mind) the eight main qi energy-flow channels must be open and fully functioning. Rubbing the exterior of the body vigorously is an excellent method for assisting qi and blood circulation. This not only helps the circulation of the hundred qi energy channels, but also assists in the strengthening and loosening of the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Rubbing and massaging in this manner invigorates the skin and keeps it healthy and clear of toxins. This helps to treat, cure or prevent the development of vasculitis.
7) Training over-time in robust health building self-cultivation. This prevents, alleviates or cures nervous exhaustion and breakdown, insomnia, night ejaculation, the leakage of yang in the kidneys, as well as relieving weakness in the body, and acting as a general tonic against the contraction of diseases in general.
8) Training in health building self-cultivation does not only develop the body, but has extensive positive effect upon the brain and all its capacities. This includes the evolution of the spirit, the intellect, and of consciousness awareness. The mind is able to see beyond its own limited conditionality and is able to think advanced and progressive thoughts. This broadens and expands the mind and its functionality into an all-embracing appreciation of reality. There is also the maturation of the ability to understand ideology and to develop it into new and stimulating directions (that benefit humanity). Furthermore, through Daoist training practitioners develop virtue and morality, and appreciate how emotions should be controlled and understood. The ability to think wisely is cultivated, which eradicates non-progressive and stupid uses of the mind’s capacity to think.
9) A lifetime of health building self-cultivation will halt and even reverse the aging process. This is assisted by such methods as the four steps of raising and lowering the hands, which develops the essential nature (jing) and refines qi energy in vital force. If reality is revealed by the practice of the thirteen steps, then miraculous transformations can occur such as white hair turning back to black, teeth that have fallen-out begin to grow again, and when all areas of development integrate, a full rejuvenation occurs. This and many other positive developments are the result of a dedicated Daoist practice.
Beijing Qianfeng Zhao Bichen Cultural Arts and Exchange Centre
Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/883001822010226003365/
保健养生
道家养生的几个妙法,经常锻炼会有明显的效果,健身长寿的。
1.补脑养神。静养功的入静,首先受益的是大脑中枢神经。当心定念止入静后,大脑中枢神经系统得到充分的抑制和休息,这样既能消除疲劳又能得到补养,从而加强和大了中枢机构的指挥功能,起到补脑养神的作用。
2.固精养炁。养生不固精,结果一场空。只知守死精,不会精化炁,止水易生腐,此为养生忌。养生功法中的固精,是为了精足而下手炼精化炁,炁足而炼炁化神,神足炼神还虚。即使达不到高深程度,也能自然地收到精化炁、炁养神的效果。精旺炁足则神灵。只有具备充沛的精力,能产生超人的聪明才智;也只有具备吃大苦耐大劳的健壮身躯,才是摧不倒、拖不垮的铁汉。固精养炁正是为筑基炼己奠定基础。
3.调息理炁,扩大肺活量。中医学有“肺为百脉之总,位居诸脏之上”之说。肺的一呼一吸,是机体自然的吐故纳新。呼出二氧化碳,吸进新鲜氧气,促使血液循环和新陈谢,是机体本身内部的自然规律。养生功的调理呼吸(息),要求深、细、长、匀。这样自然会加强和壮大机体内部运动的力量。
4.调节五脏。养生功的修炼是要使人的机体五行相生,阴阳调和,心火下降,肾水上升,口内生津。津液多则食欲强,食欲强则肾水足,肾水足则七宝(即涕、唾、津、精、气、血、液)全,七宝全则五脏和,五脏和则内病除。故养生功对医治心脏病、脾胃病、肺病、肝炎、肾亏肾寒,以及各种慢性病有独到之处。
5.清神明日。五脏之精华聚于二目(白眼珠属肺,黑眼珠属肝,瞳仁属肾,大眼角属心,小眼角属脾)。二目是心灵的窗户。古称二目为日月,又为金公木母、金乌玉兔。又称人之灵在脑,其机在目。二目的名目繁多,不可枚举。在修炼道家性命双修功的整个过程中,人的二目肩负着最艰巨最复杂而又最重要的任务。如含眼光、返观内照、回光返照、久视、运行日月、大小周天、运河车、转**以神驭气等,都必须借它的神威来达到预想的效果。功纯者不仅耳不聋、眼不花,而且一直到老日光炯炯,神清目明。
6.舒盘活血,通盘活络。养生功中的开通奇经八脉、干沐浴等功,不但能使百脉流通,筋舒络活,而且能保持皮肤润泽有光,防治脉管炎等病。
7.久炼养生功,对于神经衰弱、长夜失眠、梦遗滑精、阳瘘肾虚、身体虚弱等症有独特的疗效。
8.久炼养生功不但能改变身体素质,也能改变人的精神素质,还能开阔人的视野、人的思想境界,培养人的道德情操,增长人的智慧才能,化愚为贤。
9.修炼养生功而持之以恒,就能运用四步下手炼精化炁,收到推迟衰老、延长寿命的效果。再进一步深造,倘真的达到十三步,就会出现奇迹:白发变黑、齿落重生、藏相、返老还童,并能出现特异现象。
北京千峰文化交流中心
赵明旺