I was thinking the other day about how much real information is really available in printed form and on the net. I was involved for many years in studying martial arts, especially the mysterious internal martial arts mainly from China — Tai Chi Chuan, Xing Yi, Bagua etc. What I like about these arts is that they tend to have associated health preserving practices often loosely labeled ‘Qigong/ChiGong/ChiKung‘ or ‘Nei Gung’. These exercises are loosely translated as ‘breathing exercises’ or ‘Inner Work’. There are some purists who will argue every statement made concerning these arts and practices. I always found them fascinating, especially the idea of a practice that could guarantee youth and vitality well into advanced age. One can find alot of books on these arts and introductory classes.
Unfortunately, the secret ingredient to make them work is not found in any of these books or on the net. If you want to learn from books and from introductory classes, you will not learn the true practice. I spent many many years and have yet to find the real secret. I’ve had a lot of secret stuff revealed to me, but it’s never the full story. I have had enough secret information revealed to me to know every book and video out there is pretty much useless. You will get hints from your teacher, but the only way is to stumble upon yourself. And that’s why we practice and practice.
But I will give you one secret a Chinese Herbalist revealed to me one day that I haven’t seen anywhere. For the tonic herbs, mix a little red wine in the resulting tea to magnify the effects. I thought this was a cool revelation, although minor, of the oral tradition only insiders get to witness. I humbly pass it on to you.
Notice the swirl? That’s a hint for another secret…..