Iron Palm / Iron Body Conditioning

Iron Palm Conditioning started with Shaolin Monks practicing methods to make the hands. legs, and feet, feel as strong as iron. Iron Palm liniment is applied on the hands, legs, shins or any part of the body used to strike during training to prevent pain, strengthen the bones, tendons. ligaments. and connective tissue while helping these areas to heal more quickly. Iron Palm and Iron Body are a more advanced practice of acupressure and/or reflexology. As the specific parts of the body are precisely hit, acupoints on the 12 energy meridians are stimulated. These acupoints directly affect the internal organs of the human body.

This training can consist of punching the hands into large containers of dried beans, sand, rocks, and metal shavings among other media. Kicking bamboo trees, bags of sand, rocks and metal shavings is also part of this training regimen. Proper breathing (Qigong) and concentration develops, literally hands of iron while simultaneously improving blood and energy flow throughout the body and its internal organs.

Iron Palm (Liniment)
Iron Palm liniment was formulated to strengthen and heal bones, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue and sinew from injuries and all types of repetitive contact exercises like hitting a punching bag, all types of Iron Palm bags or if you are advanced enough in training where you are breaking objects like brick, boards. etc. Another powerful benefit of Iron Palm liniment is reducing pain very quickly. Iron Palm herbal liniments are used externally. Iron Palm recipes are also used for reducing pain due to conditioning or from everyday injuries. Iron Palm liniments can also help with chronic conditions related to the above-mentioned areas. A person does not necessarily need to practice Iron Palm conditioning in order to receive the healing benefits of these extracts.

I have learned to produce these Jows ” and have been using them for almost 40 years to externally treat injuries, aches and pains. If overly sore or injured, we can also use curcumin poultices or store-bought plaster patches with cayenne.

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Qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga are not the only methods that can be used within this formula but have proven the test of time as methods to cultivate harmony of the mind, body and spirit. These exercise practices offer a wide spectrum of physical wellness benefits, stress relief as well as means of self-awareness. Not all teachers nor students practice these for the same goals.

I am currently offering wellness lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

I started my martial arts training at the age of 16, starting with Korean martial arts and evolving into BaguaZhang, Tai Chi, and Qigong. I have been training, studying and teaching for almost 40 years effectively educating hundreds of students.

As a recognized master instructor, I have trained with a diverse group of masters and high-level martial arts teachers of many different disciplines. My specialty is teaching exercises to improve chronic conditions, working with people of all ages, especially senior adults. Offering guidance and instruction, I have also worked with Parkinson Disease patients through Florida Hospital. I offer regular lectures as requested by AdventHealth (Florida Hospital) regarding the benefits of Eastern practices.

I am the author and graphic artist of numerous journals, graphic charts and study guides relative to the mind and body connection and how it relates to martial arts, fitness and self-improvement.

I continue training and teaching in the Orlando, Florida area conducting classes, seminars and lectures as my schedule allows. I balance my teaching and businesses with my own personal cultivation and time spent with my wife and two college-age kids.

Herbal Tinctures for Pain Management

Why Conventional Methods Don’t Fix Chronic Pain Issues

When in pain, receptors become oversensitive requiring ever increasing amounts of input to dull this signal. Over time, the natural pain-killing mechanism will exhaust itself trying to keep up with the oversensitive receptors. The result being that the pain and inflammatory responses become chronic, and the pain becomes increasingly resistant to conventional pain-relief methods (ice, heat, etc.) and pain medications.

Chronic inflammation can destroy our joints completely over time. Pain relievers (NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, etc.) are ineffective against this gradual degeneration. They may help somewhat with chronic pain symptoms but ultimately, they don’t repair the biological pain receptor nor joint damage.

Many pain-relieving drugs are known to have serious side effects. COX-2 inhibitors (Vioxx and Celebrex) have previously been shown to cause an increased risk of heart
ailments. NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.) can cause bleeding ulcers and do damage to the digestive system and kidneys. Often these medicines are unable to keep the chronic inflammation from continuing to cause cartilage degradation and have little or no power to reverse the process.

Treatment for Inflammation
Inflammation can often be treated with over-the-counter medication, natural remedies (like fruits, vegetables, or herbs), or sometimes a change in diet. These options can sometimes be effective in temporarily eliminating pain from inflammation, but often only manipulates certain natural body functions, without dealing with the root cause of the inflammation. Treatment repeats as often as needed, creating a vicious cycle of treatment and then temporary relief.

The medication method introduces chemicals into the body that can eventually harm the liver and digestive tract over time. For the better results in managing inflammation, Chinese herbs could be incorporated within a healthy lifestyle. Those suffering from inflammation could introduce Chinese herbal remedies (or others) into their daily healthy habits. Natural ingredients often enhance and support various natural body functions. Herbal remedies can help keep manage inflammation and therefore pain.

Dit Da Jow (Liniment)
‘’Dit Da Jow” or “Jiao”, in Chinese means “fall and strike.” This term refers to external recipes formulated in Chinese medicine to treat injuries and trauma. Dit Da Jow is an external liniment and not for ingestion. The recipes vary primarily in whether they clear heat or are warming. Authentic Dit Da Jow recipes move blood and consequently Qi to relieve the pain of many injuries due to trauma or impact. We can also use these herbal extracts to apply to our hands, arms and other parts of our bodies for what is referred to as Iron Body training. These Jows are somewhat unique in that they reduce inflammation while at the same time increase blood circulation and promote natural healing. I have learned to produce these Jows ” and have been using them for almost 40 years to externally treat injuries, aches and pains. If overly sore or injured, we can also use curcumin poultices or store-bought plaster patches with cayenne.

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I am currently offering wellness lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

I am the author and graphic artist of numerous journals, graphic charts and study guides relative to the mind and body connection and how it relates to martial arts, fitness and self-improvement.

Silk Reeling Exercises

Silk Reeling refers to internal (neigong) movement principles practiced in traditional styles of Tai Chi, especially emphasized within the Chen and Wu styles. The metaphoric term derives from the spiraling and twisting movements of the silkworm larva as it wraps itself within its cocoon. In order to draw out the silk successfully, the action must be smooth, consistent and flowing with no jerking or sharp change in direction. Too fast of a movement and the silk breaks. Too slow and it sticks to itself and becomes tangled. Silk Reeling movements are continuous, rhythmic and spiraling patterns practiced at consistent speed with a “light touch” of drawing silk. Silk reeling is practiced in solo forms and stances as well as in “push hands” with a partner.

Key Points of Awareness:
• The head stays upright as if trying to make the scalp push the ceiling up; chin slightly tucked back.
• Keep the head level and don’t drop your head when your arms move downwards or to look at your feet. Use your peripheral vision to focus on the arms when they are lowered.
• The tongue should be gently placed on the top palate (roof) of your mouth.
• Keep your body upright, with the spine naturally straight while keeping the chest relaxed. Do not hold too much tension in your chest.
• When the arms are in the lower phase of the movement don’t lean or bend forward keeping the body upright at all times.
• When moving the arms, try to keep the shoulders relaxed and loose, trying not to lift them.
• During movements when the arms arc away from the body, try not to lift the elbows too high. Make sure you keep your elbow lower then the hand.
• When shifting the weight side-to-side, always keep the knees slightly bent. Don’t straighten the empty leg.
• The breath should be natural, deep, slow and quiet while coordinated with the body movement. Typically when the hand goes across the body, breathe in through the nose. When the hand goes away from the body, breathe out through the nose.

Embrace the concept of feet, waist, arms:

1) Push (power) from the feet
2) Direct with the waist moving
3) Express with the shoulders, arms & hands

Watch the video to see one method of stretching the spine, relieving stress, increasing oxygen intake and becoming more self-aware.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lectures about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

Where the Rubber Hits the Road – Personal Responsibility

Personal Responsibility

We are here…right here where the rubber hits the road.

When the action really begins, is when you begin the job, when you really get serious.

So the question I have is, how serious are you folks about doing anything? Likes and smiley faces are nice, but really don’t make us healthier, more fit or more connected.

None of us really have “extra” time but rather “make” time for what we prioritize in our lives. True is true, either we walk the talk, or we talk the walk.

Talk is cheap, time is priceless.

If every person in American spent 5 minutes (or more) every day by exercising, more people could better manage their weight and suffer less from related illnesses.

If every person in American spent 5 minutes (or more) every day calming their mind by practicing deep breathing exercises, more people would be less stressed and suffer less from related illnesses.

If every person in American spent every day becoming more conscious of their nutrition habits, more people would be able to maintain their health through the choices they make while eating and drinking, and suffer less from related illnesses.

If everyone could assume personal responsibility for their own health, our nation would not have to spend as much time, effort, energy and money trying to keep people healthy.

These concepts seem easy enough, but in reality, most people lack the desire or self-discipline to take the effort and do what it takes to stay healthy, prevent illness or cure their own ailments. Self-discipline is one of five steps known to help achieve better mental and physical wellness.

1) Respect – This is where values begin. You must understand and have respect for yourself (self-respect) before you can demonstrate it to others. Taking the steps to take care of your physical and mental well-being effects you first and then those closest to you second.

2) Discipline – Developing control of one’s own desires, commitments, and ultimately your own actions, leads to self-discipline. Control of physical exercises can lead to management of thought and emotion.

3) Self-Esteem – As you review your achievements of respect and discipline, your sense of worth is elevated and appreciated.

4) Confidence – Understanding and accepting your weak areas as well as your stronger aspects removes insecurity. When you feel that you are physically well and mentally sharp, confidence can fill your personality. You can accomplish whatever goal you set out to achieve.

5) Determination to Achieve Goals – The positive sum of the previous aspects leads to one’s determination. Good judgment and focused effort toward positive goals result in true personal success.

Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga all are methods to achieve these traits.

It doesn’t matter so much that you do these exercises, as much as it matters that you do some type of exercise. Walk, jog, swim or whatever – just get going and do something. 5 minutes here and there can quickly turn into 15 or 30 minutes at one time or over the course of a day. Once you are moving or mentally engaged, it is much easier to stay motivated and try a few more exercises for a few more minutes.

Be well, become healthier, be wise.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

Physical Activity Effects on COVID-19

A root concept of healthcare for literally thousands of years, but apparently dismissed for the last 2 years:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HELPS TO PREVENT DISEASE AND ILLNESS

Become a researcher of health and wellness for your own benefit. Click on any of the following medical studies, to understand and then perhaps follow the science as to why physical activity & exercise are even more important today than maybe any other time before.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7361852/

https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/michigan-psychiatry-resources-covid-19/your-lifestyle/importance-physical-activity-exercise-during-covid-19-pandemic

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/55/19/1099

References:

Diamond, R., & Waite, F. (2021). Physical activity in a pandemic: A new treatment target for psychological therapy. Psychology and psychotherapy, 94(2), 357–364. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12294

https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/michigan-psychiatry-resources-covid-19/your-lifestyle/importance-physical-activity-exercise-during-covid-19-pandemic

Sallis R, Young DR, Tartof SY, et al Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48 440 adult patients British Journal of Sports Medicine 2021;55:1099-1105.

Pitanga, Francisco & Beck, Carmem & Pitanga, Cristiano. (2021). The Big Mistake of not Considering Physical Activity an Essential Element of Care During the Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. 34. 10.36660/ijcs.20200274.

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I am the author and graphic artist of numerous journals, graphic charts and study guides relative to the mind and body connection and how it relates to martial arts, fitness and self-improvement.