Another graphic representation of the 24 Hour Qi Flow Though the Meridians

Energetic Anatomy-12 primary meridians (updated)

The Horary Clock (Circadian Rhythm)
Another graphic representation of the 24 Hour Qi Flow Though the Meridians
Understanding how the human body works and interacts within nature, along with self-awareness are the basis of Traditional Chinese medicine.
The graphic shows what is known as the Horary cycle or the Circadian Clock. As Qi (energy) makes its way through the meridians, each meridian in turn with its associated organ, has a two-hour period during which it is at maximum energy. The Horary Effect is recognizable by measurable increases of Qi within an organ system and meridian during its time of maximum energy.

Awareness of the energy during the Horary Cycle, it may be possible to relate restlessness during a specific 2-hour sleep period or fatigue during a particular 2-hour awake period, as an imbalance in the corresponding meridian.

There are many imbalances that can be effectively addressed by evaluating the Horary Cycle. For example, if someone consistently wakes up at 3:00 AM, there may be a problem with the Liver or Lung meridian and the corresponding organs. This type of energetic disruption in the circadian rhythm can account for some issues like an infant and mother’s sleep patterns, jet lag, night shift problems, and insomnia.

Tai Chi, yoga and qigong are all methods that increase the flow of energy within the body improving health and well-being.
Be well, stay healthy, be wise!

Fitness Study Guides

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My current list of titles for study guides for mind & body exercises, featuring Qigong, Tai Chi, Bagua, DaoYin, Daoist Yoga, Iron Palm and various other alternative fitness methods:

Book 1 – Alternative Exercises – Wellness Training Journal
Book 2 – Core Training – Wellness Training Journal
Book 3 – Strength Training
Book 4 – Combo Journal of Books 1-2-3
Book 5 – Energizing Your Inner Strength
Book 6 – Methods to Achieve Better Wellness
Book 7 – Opening the 9 Gates & Filling 8 Vessels-Intro Set 1
Book 8 – Opening the 9 Gates & Filling 8 Vessels-sets 1 to 8
Book 9 – Meridians, Reflexology & Acupressure
Book 10 – Herbal Extracts, Dit Da Jow & Iron Palm Liniments
Book 11 – Deep Breathing Benefits of the Circulation of Blood, Oxygen & Qi
Book 12 – Reflexology for Stroke Side-Effects
Book 13 – Book 13 – Iron Palm & Iron Body
Book 14 – Book 14 – Wind & Water Make Fire
Book 15 – DaoYin, DaoYi & Daoist Yoga
Book 16 – Coaching & Instructor Training Guide

Most of these booklets are available for purchase however, some are only available to clients learning privately, on a specific program or training goal.

https://www.mindandbodyexercises.com/p807442068

Taoist Yoga – Taoist Qigong – Tao Yi – Tao Yin

I teach a variety of exercise sets that offer a wide education of Taoist Yoga and/or Taoist Qigong

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Sanskrit, Chinese and Korean terminology:
Qi, Chi or Gi = air, energy or breath
Gong or Kung = work or effort
Qigong = energy or breath work
Yoga = to join or unite
Tao Yin / Tao Yi = guide the Qi, stretch the body (sometimes referred to as Taoist Yoga)

The origins of Yoga, Qigong and other eastern mind, body and spiritual practices date back thousands of years. Tao Yin is quite possibly a root of Qigong and was practiced in Chinese Taoist monasteries for health and spiritual cultivation. From my research spanning over 35 years, I have found these practices are all greatly intertwined. What I currently find most important is that these methods have passed the test of time and proved their benefits to the human condition on many levels.

The human body is made up of bones, muscles, and organs among other components. Veins, arteries and capillaries carry blood and nutrients throughout to all of the systems and components. Additionally, 12 major energy medians carry the body’s energy, “life force” also known as “Qi”. One’s Qi is stored in the lower Dan Tien. Daily emotional imbalances accumulate tension and stress gradually affecting all of the body’s systems. Each discomfort, nuisance, irritation or grudge continues to tighten and squeeze the flow of the life force. This is where “dis-ease” claims its foothold.

Taoist Yoga, Taoist Qigong breathing exercises, Tao Yi and Tao Yin can adjust the brainwaves to the Alpha state where the mind is relaxed and the body chemistry changes and promotes natural healing. Relaxing of the deep skeletal muscles, working outward. Release of tension accumulated within the muscles, organs and nerves. Whereas conventional physical exercise can deplete energy, Qigong helps to replenish your natural energy.

Benefits of Qigong exercises:
■ Boosts the immune system
■ Reduces stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings
■ Lowers blood pressure
■ Increase the body’s natural healing process
■ Lungs increase their capacity
■ Promotes better respiration and circulation
■ Enhanced self-awareness
■ Helps to change the body’s chemistry for the better
■ Most exercises are performed standing or sitting; a few are performed on the ground but are easily adaptable.
■ Exercises can be practiced almost anywhere requiring no special apparatus, clothing, mats, music, etc. Some of the prior can be used to complement the exercises.

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The 8 Pieces of Brocade

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The 8 Pieces of Brocade is a gentle exercise set that is relaxing and energizing at the same time, with each set of movements designed to activate and cleanse the Dan Tien and particular acupuncture meridians. Training can benefit every internal and external muscle of the body (over 625), all joints and internal organs of the body. The circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems will perform better with proper instruction.

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Opening & Filling the 8 Vessels

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One method of opening the 9 Gates & Filling of the 8 Vessels, is with the practice of Ship Pal Gye or Ship Par Gay, which is a Korean version of Chinese Shaolin Lohan Qigong, meaning “18 chi movements” or what were supposedly the original 18 drills that Bodhidharma introduced to the Shaolin monks. It is reputed to be the basis for the Shaolin Kung Fu, which in turn, greatly influenced the developments of all branches of Asian fighting arts. For the martial arts student it is essential to appreciate that Lohan Qigong is not just another Chinese exercise to be introduced to the West; it is possibly the original ‘blueprint’ for Shaolin Kung Fu, from which the more familiar Karate, Aikido, Jujitsu, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, Hsing I, Baguazhang, etc. systems evolved or drew inspiration. There are at least 8 Pal Gye sets taught within this system, forming a comprehensive system of progressively more advanced techniques towards gaining mastery of ones Qi (chi), or vital energy.

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Noble Stances

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Noble stances are a combination of various stances from different styles of Chinese martial arts. Stances, in this case, meaning correct placement of the feet, knees, hips, and arm positions relative to ones center of gravity. Executing static positions and holding the particular body positions for anyway from a few seconds to several minutes reaps many benefits foremost being able to cultivate a strong and healthy core. Some of these Qigong practices require practitioners to hold the postures for a duration of time in order to pressurize the energy that flows through 12 Energy Meridians and 8 Extraordinary Vessels. This method encourages practitioners to build proper structure and posture, allowing them to stand in the positions longer and to increase and store more energy in their body.
5 (1-hour) sessions recommended to achieve some level of proficiency
Classes held within the Wekiva Neighborhood of Longwood, FL or a negotiated location

contact info@MindAndBodyExercises.com for more information.

Most people breathe too shallow and too quickly!

Much recent research has linked stress to poor breathing habits and consequently many ailments. Many modern chronic conditions can be traced back to insufficient cell oxygenation otherwise known as cell hypoxia. Poor oxygenation is linked to many modern chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, obesity, diabetes, insomnia and cancer.

Breathing is one of the few bodily rhythms that we can consciously adjust, along with sleep and elimination. All of these rhythms directly affect our body’s delicate blood chemistry. However, our breath is the root power in bringing oxygen (Qi) into our body to nourish it down to the cellular level.

Faster breathing is necessary when experiencing truly stressful situations, like being chased by an animal, running from a fire or similar life-threatening situations. However, continued breathing at this pace for an extended period of time puts accumulative stress on all of the body’s systems. Hormones such as Cortisol flood the blood stream as the endocrine system adjusts to the extra strain.

Excessive Cortisol levels cause the immune system to weaken, shrink vital organs and decrease muscle mass. In the “anti-aging field”, Cortisol is known as the “death hormone” because it’s associated with poor health and disease.

 

Lungs graphic

Most humans are breathing on the average, with normal activity about 12-18 breaths per minute (BPM). This amounts to very shallow breaths, using primary the top 1/3 of the lung’s capacity. Shallow chest breathing fills only the upper portion of the lungs. This reduces the ability to effectively oxygenate the circulation system. This “over-breathing” and “under-inhaling” causes an imbalance in oxygen/carbon dioxide gas exchange. This further leads to a ripple effect of other chemical (and hormonal) imbalances.

When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated (10 BPM or less), “happy” hormones such as Dopamine and Oxytocin are released, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. This relaxes the nervous system, slows and calms all the body systems. This process then promotes regeneration through decreasing metabolic rate at all levels.

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Deep breathing encourages pumping of cerebrospinal fluid (fluid around the spinal cord). This increases brain metabolism while promoting feelings of physical and mental well-being, as well as enhanced mental alertness.

Fitness experts suggest that 6 BPM is optimal for the lungs to properly oxygenate the whole body while also removing toxins. The lungs are responsible for removing 70% of the body’s waste by-products through exhalation. This is best accomplished by mindful breathing patterns through exercises such as mediation, Qigong, Tai Chi and yoga.

Qigong exercises balance breathing and promotes conditions in your body for it to be able to regenerate and heal itself. Qigong does not treat symptoms, but rather solves the problem at its root. Qigong, Tai Chi and yoga are all considered low-impact exercise allowing people at all levels of fitness to gain benefits from these practices.

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Jim Moltzan has been teaching Qigong, Tai Chi, Taoist Yoga, martial arts and various other alternative methods of fitness for over 35 years. Contact at http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

 

 

Fitness Study Guides

When I first started taking fitness classes (martial arts) I realized that what I was learning was quite unique and valuable. So I started taking real good notes to help me remember and practice on my own, which led to little sketches and diagrams. Once I started teaching professionally, I became creative in producing study guides relative to the curriculum and concepts that I was offering. I handed these out for free to my students and then later decided to market and sell them along with booklets, posters and laminted charts. I feel this information is part of the next wave of fitness, that is at the cusp of becoming more mainstream within the United States. More people are pursing alternate methods of fitness as they become more educated that ultimately the individual is responsible for their own health care.

Chi Kung

I am eagerly pursuing new avenues and network connections to grow a community of like-minded individuals who have an open perspective to improve their mind, body and spirit to their fullest potential. Classes, lectures, seminars and demonstrations are all opportunities that I offer to showcase this valuable library of health related methods.

More information can be found at my website at http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com or contacting me directly at info@MindAndBodyExercises.com

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