Ba Gua Nei Gong Volume 5: Tian Gan Heavenly Stem Nei Gong

Description

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the fifth in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. Tian Gan Nei Gong is indispensable to the practice of Ba Gua Zhang and the martial arts in general. The Tian Gan Exercises develop the ability of the legs and waist to generate the torsional spiraling power known as "Silk Reeling" Energy. Tian Gan also trains the correct internal mechanics for many of Ba Gua Zhang's martial actions such as: piercing (chuan), chopping ( kan ), splitting ( pi ), drilling ( zuan ), rolling ( gun ), pulling ( la ), leading ( ling ), seizing ( na ), covering ( gai ), overturning ( fan ), pressing ( an ), uplifting ( tiao ), rotating ( zhuan ), twisting ( ning ), coiling ( chan ) and wrapping ( guo ). Tian Gan literally means "Heavenly Stem." The name Tian Gan refers to the longitudinal energetic axis or stem (the "Central Channel") that passes through the body. In practicing Tian Gan Nei Gong, the spiraling and turning actions of the body and Central Channel, combined with the movements of the arms and legs, stimulate and open the meridians, while simultaneously "wringing out" the spine and its surrounding structures. This helps maintain the health of the spine, the brain and the nervous system. Tian Gan Nei Gong can be an important adjunctive practice method for various types of Daoist meditation, and a useful pre-requisite to Micro-Cosmic Orbit meditation. There are many versions of the Tian Gan exercises and several modes of practice. The sixteen Tian Gan Exercises presented in this book have been chosen, because they consistently produce the body changes and power development necessary for Ba Gua, and because they form a logical and complete sequence. This method of practicing Tian Gan employs a natural, upright posture, which allows one to more easily feel the connection of the Tian Gan Exercises to various segments of Ba Gua's Eight Palm Changes. One is also able to sense the subtle movements of the spine and Central Channel, and their connection to the lower body. Tian Gan (Heavenly Stem) Nei Gong as presented in this book is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including those who are learning the exercises for health preservation or rehabilitative rather than martial purposes. Ba Gua Spinal Meditation is a unique training method that enables one to sense the subtle internal movements of the spine. A detailed discussion of Spinal Meditation is included in this book because this exercise forms a natural compliment to the Tian Gan exercises. The Ba Gua Nei Gong Series: Vol. 1: Yin Yang Patting and Dao Yin Exercises Vol. 2: Qi Cultivation Exercises and Standing Meditation Vol. 3: Twelve Posture Standing Vol. 4: Foundational Body Training Vol. 5: Tian Gan Heavenly Stem Nei Gong Vol. 6: Marrow Washing Nei Gong Review: Tom does it again! - Well, Tom does it again! As those who have read others of my reviews of Tom Bisio's books know,I am a student of his and a great fan. I am 69, have been studying martial arts since I was 11, and for a long time have been fascinated by the Chinese Internal martial arts. I find in Tom a rare combination of authentic deep experience, a lack of bulls***, a willingness to share, and a clarity of mind which allows him to communicate about this difficult subject. I admire all Tom's books on Ba Gua and Chinese internal martial arts and healing, but this little volume is one of the best. It details a couple of training methods; what makes this special is that the internal subtleties are clearly spelt out. The Tian Gan involves 16 simple movements, with detailed instruction on use of the ming men, spine and rib cage (it is this that provides the "internal"); but for me the jewel is the Spinal Meditation, 6 standing practices involving moving the spine using "mind-intent" alone, with no visible motion--a purely "energy" exercise. Not for the beginner--it might be very frustrating, as it requires a fair degree of inner awareness--but a wonderful exercise for opening the major central channels. (The exercise has to be done in conjunction with 6 gentle physical movements to integrate the detailed energy work). The illustrations (photos) are clear and abundant, often involving side and front views, and the explanations are clear, complete and concise. Tom is a master teacher! Review: Concise and Clear Presentation - Tom Bisio has been writing about this subject for some time now. He has been documenting many of the Nei Gong practices of Baguazhang, and this volume features a practice that is featured in several lineages of Gao Yi Sheng's baguazhang. It mobilizes and energizes the spine, but also functions to help aid in the creation and refinement of whole-body use of power. You can take larger movements from the beginning sections and see how in latter sections how the same principles are applied to smaller movements, showing how the same principles can be applied to subtler actions later in the set. Clear and concise, the book has what is needed to keep people on the path while developing their Kung Fu.