Note: One of the key elements our our sect of Northern Mantis is that Chiu Leun was open and supportive of our investigation and analysis of the those ideas and methods that enhanced our practice, health and well being. I personally think this is so, because he was trained by actual Buddhist monks, NO not Shaolin ones. While these Buddhist monk knew Gung Fu they were Buddhist first and must have known enlightenment, health and the reduction of the suffering of living being are connected. We have seen that being open to history and current methods of cultivation of being, enhances our practices and our lives.
We see and Chiu Leun, in later years, saw the in perfection of the human perception. By the cultivation of inner and outer, we seek balance. While we may never attain balance, by not trying we may be lost in a sea of manipulation of our being. Self defense has many dimensions.
These tools and ideas are not from any one tradition, but can be applied to training for those open to different methods. They are not a replacement for anything, but more options and knowledge.
The Breath
Yang Jwing-Ming: While there are many author on the topic of breathing. Yang Jwing-Ming has long history writing to the western audience. His material represents one possible starting point in ones inquiry into health breathing, in terms of Chinese traditions.
Mawangdui Daoyin Shu: Qigong from the Mawangdui Silk Paintings (Chinese Health Qigong) 1st Edition
The site says: Mawangdui Daoyin Shu presents a series of qigong forms based on those shown on the famous silk paintings excavated from the Mawangdui tombs of Changsha. I have read this text and found it extremely interesting in terms of the study of early Taoist health practices and traditions. The actual chart the ” The Exercise Chart “Daoyin tu 導引圖” this book and video are summarized in the following dissertation,
Liminality, Embodiment and the Six Healing Sounds of Qigong by Patrick Emilio Carson, published by Florida State University Libraries on pages 55-58.
Note: The rest of this dissertation for advanced historical analysis of Taoist internal health practice is very informative.
Hand Health
Dr Mandell has great series of video on heath, but this one applies to northern mantis training for us old folks. These exercises are best done before there is a problem. Click Here
Melt Method for Hand and Foot Tool
I first was introduced to this product when I saw it a exercise and movement studio. Then a family member give it to me as a gift. It has been useful in maintaining both my hand and foot health. It is good to also good use with whatever hand training herbal remedy you use.
Don’t forget to wash you hand after however you use it. The vendor has other products, but I have never used them. You may consider using your own similar objects, which is fine. Just remember you will need both and hard round object to use this method well. Its the method which is key. See this youtube link.
Melt Hand & Foot Treatment Kit
The kit is not cheap, but it does come with a useful DVD. Here is a short DEMO.
Shoulder and Hand Heath Training
These two guys are great. Physical Therapy online
Books of Interest
For some the west martial arts is mostly about self defense. Beyond this context traditional Chinese martial arts system such as shoulin and Taoist based arts mediation, health, and lifestyles can impact other aspects of one life. Here are few text of Interest.
