Tuesday, January 3, 2006, 02:33 PM - Martial Arts
In Search of Truth:
An Interview with Robert Chu
Interview done by Mark V. Wiley, Originally published in Inside Kung Fu, February 2007 and originally submitted to Martial Arts Combat Sports Magazine in 2003
Robert Chu is a name that cannot be separated from the world of wing
chun kuen. Not only is he a master teacher of this style, but one of its foremost researchers and educators. He has co-written with Rene Ritchie and Y. Wu Complete Wing Chun, which is to date the most comprehensive book on the various histories of the art, and has recently completed his opus on the physical analysis of the art, the soon-to-be-published The Essence of Wing Chun Kuen. He is a featured columnist in Martial Arts and Combat Sports, a frequent contributor on WWW.WingChunKuen.Com, and teaches his scientific version of the art to students around the world.
In this exclusive interview, Robert speaks directly to the wing chun
community to shape up their act, be more responsible with the
information they are perpetuating, and on the research that went into
his seminal books.
Mark Wiley: Robert, your background in martial arts in general and wing chun in particular is quite diverse. Would you share with us a little of your background?
Robert Chu: Sure. I have been involved in martial arts for 27 years. For the past 23 years I have been concentrating on wing chun. Prior to that, I studied hard styles like Shaolin and Hung gar. I have also studied Yang and Sun styles of Tai Ji, Xing Yi, Ba Gua, Lama and Bak Mei martial arts. I was also fortunate enough to study with Lui Yon Sang and inherited his teachings of the Fei Lung Fu Mun martial arts that specializes in the spear and pole.
MW: Regarding wing chun, I know that you have studied multi-lineages
of the art. Why did you feel the need to study various versions rather
than sticking to one?
Chu: I look at wing chun as one family, despite the lineages that all
clamor as to be unique. If they all share the name “wing chun,” it means that one version has more in common with another than differences. To see what my martial arts cousins learn and how they express it does much to enrich my understanding of the art as a whole. In China, when you studied a martial art, especially at advanced levels, you went to visit other relatives in your system, visited with masters of other systems, discussed and shared different points of views, showed applications, and read classics of other martial arts. This is what also inspired what I try to convey in my “Wandering Knight” column. I think this is the only way to reach higher levels.
MW: What do you see as some of the more overt differences in the
practice and application of wing chun between the various lineages?
Chu: As I said before, all lineages have their strong points. Certainly everyone says they're the most original, traditional, authentic, secret or whatever, but usually that is just hype and marketing. It makes people put on blinders and think what they have is the best. To me, "original" is what you start out with - you're constantly refining and modifying your practice as your knowledge increases. You have to get beyond all the silly hype and look at a system as a vessel of knowledge taking you from ignorance to wisdom. In a way, I look at Wing Chun people passing down the art as they interpreted it and sometimes with that direct transmission, certain points may not be emphasized as they are in another branch. For example, the Jee Shim Wing Chun system has bigger motions in a core set called Sam Bai Fut, and their pole work is exceptional and in my opinion better developed than some other branches. The Gu Lao branch of Wing Chun that was taught to me by my sifu, Kwan Jong Yuen, has no forms and emphasizes formlessness, a quality that where you have form but are not bound by it. The Yuen Kay Shan system has a core of twelve basic concepts that applications are built around from. The Yip Man system is very simple, direct and practical and fits in with modern day society. The Cho Hung Choy system has a complete set of fist principles that tie it with the internal workings of the art. I could say more, but to sum it up, each branch of Wing Chun has a unique feature and way the knowledge is transmitted.
MW: Your book, Complete Wing Chun, offers the many histories of the
art as told by the varying groups that spread the art around the world. What prompted you to write such a book?
Chu: Complete Wing Chun came about when my good friend, Rene Ritchie
suggested that I work with him regarding a book on multi-lineages of the wing chun system. He got the idea from Y. Wu, a practitioner in
Singapore, who suggested he expand the material on his website into a
book on multi-lineages of the wing chun system and Rene invited me to
work with him on it. Since I was experienced in the Yip Man, Gu Lao, Pan Nam, Yuen Kay Shan, and familiar with other styles of wing chun, I guess Rene thought I could help round out the project. I’d be natural to co-author the book.
MW: With so many lineages in addition to the well-known Yip Man
school, who do you think created wing chun or has the most pure
representation of the original idea of the art?
Chu: Both before and since Complete Wing Chun’s publication, I have
given much thought to this question. There are several theories, but
nothing that can be considered fact. I think it’s obvious from the book that any serious scholar rejects the thought that Ng Mui and/or Yim Wing Chun did, as they were fictional characters, perhaps based on local heroes. I think they’re are fine fairy tales, but at the same time and these characters are probably more fictional than factual, based on the research I did. Also, while Tan Sao Ng might
have been the founder of Cantonese Opera, I think the time frame between him (1730s) and Wong Wah Bao (1850s)—about 150 years—is too great for him to have transmitted the art directly to the Opera people.
I think in all likelihood, wing chun developed along within the same way as other Cantonese/Fujian southern fist systems like Hung gar, Choy Lay Fut, Lee gar, etc., developed by people engaged in illegal activities of wanting to overthrow the Qing government. In my opinion, then, I think the only wing chun elder we can really document and verify is Wong Wah Bao. Most lineages mention him by name, and excluding contrary to those unique names unique to one particular lineage or another, his name comes up most often, almost across the whole art. If I were a gambling man, I’d say he was probably the central figure. Because of political reasons and a negative image, it was better not to promote an art with connections to a secret society (which is related to today’s underground triads), a conspiracy to overthrow governments, a failed rebellion, or even an assassin’s art.
MW: Myths and legends are rampant in the martial arts field. Why do
you suppose such stories of a woman and nun were attached to wing chun?
Chu: I believe the fairy tale story got attached to the formation of
wing chun. In Hong Kong and China during the late 1940s and early 1950s to give it a better image, as other systems did as well. This was a better approach than linking the art with the Triads or secret societies, which were associated with crime, drugs, prostitution, extortion and the like.
MW: Your articles and columns seem to focus on the teacher/student
relationship as opposed to fighting theory. Why?
Chu: When I first started wing chun, I had a teacher that taught in
secrecy, had a special high disciple fee, taught behind closed curtains, had secret oaths, secret gestures, and considered regular students as nothing, and always withheld the higher level information from the regular students. I didn’t like that feeling. When I learned anything in school, I thought martial arts should be like any other educational endeavor: the teacher should give the mind set, knowledge, and work for and want a student to be successful. When I saw that teachers would deliberately hold back their teachings, keep their students down, and not truly give what they said they were giving, and that people were getting something less than what they were expecting, I felt this wasn’t right. Since then, I’ve managed to overcome these roadblocks and I feel I owe it to those coming along the same path to share my experiences and hopefully help them avoid the same pitfall along the way. That’s why “The Wandering Knight” talks about the student and his seeking for higher knowledge—whether it be within one’s self or finding it in others.
MW: Some say there is a modified and original style of wing chun. What is your opinion?
Chu: You have to understand, some people make a living off teaching wing chun and like any commercial endeavor, they need marketing to support them, they need fancy stories and they need new students to think they’ve found “the best most authentic teacher and system” on the planet. Those of us who have been in the art for a while and are
familiar with its true breadth and scope smile at this—you can’t get
away with that type of material being passed off in Chinese, in Hong
Kong, and certainly not China, for example. Sometimes these people have strong personalities and they attract students who really want to feel they are unique or special or “the best, most authentic.” That’s really when you see arguments and problems arising. Teachers forget or start to believe their own hype and don’t properly discipline their students. You see that on all levels, of course. Personally, I think that is a marketing ploy. Some people just trying to differentiate themselves as being the most credible or closest to the source.
MW: What would really be “original” and “modified” wing chun then?
Chu: For me, I think its personal. You start out with “original” wing
chun, which is your innocent, naive, carbon copy version of wing chun.
As you get older and progress through the stages of development, I
outlined, you become wiser and can easily “modify” your wing chun
according to circumstances. Wing chun is expressed in your body and not from your mind. You do not fight from your memory, you have to fight from being in the moment.
MW: I heard a rumor regarding casting you as “King of Wing Chun.” How do you think such a name came about?
Chu: King of Wing Chun? That is a good joke! Sounds like a joke, right?
That’s what I thought when I heard it. I thought, I should be called the king of washing dirty dishes in my home! Anyway, I think some people have become erroneously concerned about this due to my involvement in exploring multiple lineages, thinking I was trying to bring them under one umbrella. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I think any reasonable person would realize that by definition, sharing information on many branches shows there can be no single “King of Wing Chun.”
Of course, there are people who are recognized heads of certain lineages or families in wing chun—I’m not referring to those. I don’t let things like that get to me, however. While they can be annoying and disappointing at times, in the end I’m content with what I have, and personally, I don’t have the time or energy care for fancy titles for nonsense like that. I’m only into teaching people with a sincere desire to learn and of good character. I am happy with my own family and group of students. Happy to teach only those people with a good character and a sincere desire to learn.
MW: So what is it about your version of wing chun that makes it
different than the many other systems?
Chu: What makes anyone’s wing chun different? People may talk about this famous version or that awesome method, but at the end of the day, all you really have is your own expression, and we’re all unique in that. If I had to pick one thing, though, for the sake of the interview, I’d have to say it’s not style, but rather my systematic approach to teaching. I try to be very systematic and well rooted in the real world. You see, to me, style is how you express your training. A lot of teachers can’t teach. That’s true in martial arts and in the world at large. Some teachers have good intentions, but just don’t manage to connect with a student; they are poor teachers. I like to make sure that I touch on as many different methods of teaching as possible so that, for example, those who are kinesthetically, auditory, or visually oriented, all find
something to relate to. If a person prefers to learn hands on, I let
make him feel it. If a student likes to see, I show him. One other
thing, of course, is that The other thing is I prefer to teach concepts, not techniques, and principles, not theories.
MW: So you’re saying that it is the method of imparting knowledge and the methods through which students absorb and train that knowledge that sets one system apart from another.
Chu: Right! I feel I have worked things out; theories have become
principles. To me a theory is an idea, a guess—some thing that might
work. Principle is a fact. You ca do it, prove it so to speak. So, in
essence, a student has to prove his martial arts training. On paper, you might think “the shortest distance between two points is a straight line,” but in reality, you have to understand the timing, positioning and mind set that really makes it so for such a thing. For me, techniques are just examples of concepts. If a teacher teaches you a technique, you still have to understand the context of a situation, otherwise it’s dead, just a single paint-by-numbers example. With a concept, you can create any techniques you need to fit the circumstances. For example, a wing chun technique, tan da, can be done in many, many ways. I teach at least 15 different ways to do this, which can be modified maybe 100 ways or more.. What’s easier to teach though, one concept or 100 techniques? What’s easier for
the student to remember? To use? In this way, rather than having a
student memorize the techniques, I have them understand the concept so
that they can make it up in a time of need. There are other things too, of course. For example, I am also different in that when I teach, from day one, I emphasize body methods and what I refer to as body structure.
MW: I have found your famous “structure tests” to be quite useful and insightful. What is the point of creating these?
Chu: I created these “tests” as a means for beginners to feel the force transfer from a person pushing on you so that you understand and
feel connection to the ground. Some call this bone structure alignment. So many students on their first day of in wing chun on day one are told to simply mimic the teacher, they don’t get to feel what should be happening to them. This goes on for many years and they find they can’t even do “test one” which is (a simple press on the sternum to see if you are rooted in the basic horse stance of wing chun). It’s a pity. I have seen practitioners with 10 - 20 plus years of practice unable to align their body to cancel out a vector force on their person. What does this say about the next generation of practitioners? This leads to a new generation of lousy practitioners. To me, body structure is the core essence of wing chun.
If you don’t have it, your art, no matter how many fancy hands, is
empty. If you have it, everything revolves around it, partner training,forms, wood dummy, weaponry, sticking hands. They are all extensions of that training. It’s what makes wing chun unique and how we generate power and issue force. I should also add, since some people seem confused by these “tests” that they are, as I said, simple things for beginners. Like everything in wing chun, there is a whole process that comes after them.
MW: Why do you think it is that few people actually teach this?
Chu: Well, in one sense, I think many people came to this country with
good intentions to share their wing chun but were not able . The problem is they may not be able to speak English and didn’t have knowledge of how motion and the other elements are explained in a western manner to properly and convey their ideas. Others, as I said earlier, might simply not have the knack to teach, or may even have preferred to teach the exact same way they were taught, regardless of circumstances.
Similarly, there can be a problems with students as well. As the system has spread, many students have perhaps been told they have the correct transmissions and have been encouraged teach too early.
They may not really understand yet what they’ve learned, and have not
adequately received tuition. Wing chun is not some art that you pose
with, the stance taught to you from day one is a means of conveying
power into your hand or leg movements. You need to know the system well, however, before you can teach it, you need the experience and
perspective the later elements give you in order to understand how the
early elements really integrate. As you may guess, I’m all in for
quality control in the art. I’m not sure how we’ll achieve it yet, but
I think we owe it to the art to make sure the In this way, we pass on
the correct teachings, regardless of personal interpretation, are
passed along to the next generation of wing chun practitioners.
MW: To backtrack for a moment, why do you emphasize body structure?
Chu: Because, to me, it’s important that the martial aspect of the arts are preserved. When I first learned wing chun, I was taught to open a stance and sit there, with a rigid stance, gripping toes on the floor, knees turned in and bent and pelvis forward. When I did the first form, I was shown to use the local muscles from my shoulder and forearm to do the motions of attack and defense. Throughout this early training, however, a little voice in the back of my head kept saying "you have to use the entire body". In athletics and physical education, you people are taught to isolate the different parts of the body and then coordinate them—why would martial arts be an exception to this? It didn’t make sense.
Luckily, after meeting other teachers and doing a lot of personal
research, I later learned I’d been taught incorrectly. I met better instructors who showed me how to use my body and connect it to my movements and I did a lot of my own research so that I could understand this and explain it to others. From this, I was better able to understand how the body is aligned and how to maximize vector forces. When I began to teach, I felt this was more important and something that should be learned right away, from the first lesson on. You see, in learning martial arts, you have many roads.
You can be limp and empty inside, but this is dull and lifeless and
weak. Or can also you can also be rigid and overfull externally hard
and empty inside. In this case, you are still just as weak. You can
also be soft on the outside and internally strong, however, and this is where I start my students from. Finally, you can have no form, but are a conduit of energy, and this is the level of high level mastery. Teaching body structure to coordinate with your movements early on makes you more powerful from the onset. I should point out, of course, that these aren’t radical ideas. These, I believe, are the core of traditional Chinese martial arts and most physical activities that require the optimal use of the whole body. They may have been forgotten or overlooked at times, but they’ve always been there. I certainly didn’t invent the laws of physics or the anatomy of human beings, after all!
MW: How long do you think it should take a beginner to learn WCK?
Chu: Personally, I think it depends on the individual. Basically, they
can learn wing chun, which has a pretty short curriculum, in two to
three years. Now, of course, mastery is different. To master the art,
one should know all the forms, individual movements, terminology,
weaponry, applications, sensitivity training, body structure, changes,
principles and concepts of the system and be able to show and prove all of that. It is a stage of constant refinement. My opinion is that
martial artists go through three stages. The first is the “fixed stage.”
They really don’t know how to apply the art and essentially, the student is fixed in his knowledge. He’s robotic, even mechanical, in his movements and thought. Over time, he reaches the second stage, that is, the “moving stage.” With this, the practitioner becomes more fluid in his movement, and has a better understanding of his mechanics, but may not be able to adapt to changes yet. They are still mechanical, but better.
The third stage is what I refer to as the “changing stage” or
“alive stage”, the martial art is “alive” with the expression of the
practitioner, who can adapt the art to all circumstances. Regardless of style or system, I think all people go through these stages of
development.
MW: Could you please elaborate on that third stage?
Chu: Yes, mastery is when you learn all aspects of the system. All of
the forms, drills, partner drills, weaponry, fist principles, internal
training and the like. They make this all alive, with personal
expression and the art is second nature to them. The art is natural, embodied in their nature. It is spontaneous in the moment with feeling and adapting to circumstance. It holds up under stress. This is the stage of the where the masters, past, present and future are at.
MW: I understand you specialize in the weaponry of WCK. Why?
Chu: For a long time, wing chun weaponry was considered a secret. Forms, concepts and applications were withheld by many masters and were often taught last. Since I was pretty much against secrecy, I wanted to promote this aspect of wing chun as best I can. I found that basically, to be good at weaponry, you have to practice with them all the time.
Weaponry also imparts many additional attributes to you, such as
strength training and issuing force through an object. It is a way to
develop wind and strength with an external apparatus. Also, over the
years I found I had a personal affinity to the weaponry. Wing chun’s
weaponry was adapted when ancient Chinese weaponry was phasing out and
modern weaponry began to be more important. I think the wing chun
ancestors saw the benefits of attributes training with the weaponry in
hopes that future generations can still enjoy the trained strength that weaponry develops. The pole teaches the use of the body with up, down, in and out motions. The knives serve to strengthen and unify the body structure and improve the gripping and striking. Also, knives will always be a common available tool for self defense.
MW: Is wing chun considered an internal or external art?
Chu: (Laughs) Oh, big debate. Really, I think these labels are pretty
silly. Wing chun developed in the south, independent of those
labels and terms like “neijia” (inner school) and “waijia” (outer school). In fact, as far as I know, Huang Bai Jia coined the term “neijia quan” to explain the difference of his wu tang style, to mark it as unique from and how it differs from other systems. Somehow, this has grown into the popular misconception that People still think the term incorrectly means tai ji, xing yi, or ba gua, liu he ba fa and other systems, none of which, of course, are not even actually related to this original Neijia Quan. Maybe the misnomer got applied in the Central Gou Shu Guan by Sun Lu Tang and others who tried to differentiate their styles from Shaolin.
To say that Shaolin is hard, and neijia is soft—well, I think people
seasoned in both would find that is also ridiculous. Personally, like
“original” and “modified,” I think the difference between neijia and
waijia is dependant upon the level of the practitioner. In high levels, wing chun practitioners should use their bodies skillfully and avoid using tension and localized muscles. In that sense, wing chun could be considered a “neijia.” (Of course, there are so many definitions of the terms neijia and waijia, it’s not worthwhile to really clarify them here.) Some say that Shaolin is waijia because it is Buddhist, a tradition that stems from outside China, but as I understand it, wing chun was not developed in Shaolin as some people say, so that really doesn’t apply either.
MW: What do you think is the goal of WCK training?
Chu: I value teaching wing chun as an art to understanding the
centerline. It is a recurrent theme in the system. One has to be
balanced spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, so I think that is the goal of wing chun training. Wing Chun started out late in the development of martial arts. In my opinion, the art took the refined essences of the different martial arts and stressed the functional, rather than the flowery. As time went on, the recurring essence was simplicity, directness and economy of movement. All systems contain wing chun in my view, when an artist practices Shaolin to a high level for example, they are expressing wing chun, that is, the simple, direct and economical manner of movement. If you have an art stress that along with transitional movement, what you have as a result is wing chun.
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( 2.9 / 5992 )Tuesday, January 3, 2006, 02:04 PM - Health & Healing
The package insert is often thrown out with the packaging or the print is so small and the language so unintelligible that the average consumer could not make heads or tails out of it. Often pharmacists don't have the time to consult you on all aspects of medication when they have long lines of other customers waiting.
Also if you're shopping around and always looking for a lower priced pharmacy, or following the popular trend of ordering online, going to Canada or Mexico to save money, you may not have access to a pharmacist to advise you. Medical Doctors (MD's) are not the authorities on medications in the health care industry, but pharmacists are. The ultimate say so regarding medications and interactions amongst multiple medications are pharmacists.
The ultimate say so amongst nutritional supplements, foods, herbs and medications is still ultimately the pharmacist, however, few pharmacists can know the biochemistry of all foods, nutritional supplements and herbs. In this case, it is still up to the consumer to be ultimately responsible for his or her health.
A good herbalist can help you make informed decisions about herb and drug interactions, but you must be upfront and detailed about what herbals, nutritional supplements and medications you are currently taking, the dosage, and the frequency. To be detailed with a list is to be prepared anytime you see a new healthcare practitioner.
I never offer herbal advice unless I have met with a prospective patient in person and know their entire health history. The reason is because I have to know their background and what they are taking now.
For example, if they take Viagra, a common drug for erectile dysfunction, I have to be careful not to give herbs that have a function of blood thinning, as that can cause an adverse effect. One has to be aware of possible adverse or "side" effects that can result from wrongly prescribing any form of medication. I want to stress that I am not against the use of medications because I am a labeled a "Complementary/Alternative Medicine" practitioner.
I feel that all medicines have their proper time and place, have their proper dosage, and will have a great effect when used specifically for an ailment. The problem is only when one paradigm of medicine seeks to outlaw or diminish another paradigm of medicine because they are threatened or worried about money.
One doctor that I admire, Alex Chen, OMD, PhD, once said, "It doesn't matter if the medicine is eastern or western, what counts is that it works." I firmly believe in that statement.
If you're taking Lipitor or Atorvastatin, a common drug for people with high cholesterol or high trigycerides, there are many side effects of this medication. Not all people will experience adverse effects, nor will they experience all of the adverse effects. Properly used, Lipitor can save lives and help keep people healthy. However, a close look at the warning label suggests you contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: skin rashes, blisters, peeling and swelling; chills; dark-colored urine; diarrhea; fever; itching; joint pain; red irritated eyes; redness, tenderness, itching, sore throat; sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips, Headache; hoarseness; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones; stuffy or runny nose, Abdominal pain; back pain; belching or excessive gas; constipation; general feeling of discomfort or illness; heartburn, indigestion, or stomach discomfort; lack or loss of strength; loss of appetite; nausea; shivering; sweating; trouble sleeping; vomiting.
It makes me think wouldn't it be better to do some dietary and lifestyle changes than be on a medication with that many side effects?
Lipitor is supposed to be prescribed only when additional help is needed and is effective only when a schedule of diet and exercise is properly followed. It does not mean when you are taking Lipitor that you can freely eat what you want without a care in the world. The Drugs.com website writes, "Remember that this medicine will not cure your condition but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to keep your cholesterol levels down."
You should also be warned that you should avoid taking Atorvastatin with grapefruit juice or other grapefruit products because these may increase the concentrations of Atorvastatin in the body. Atorvastatin has also been linked to problems in the liver, such as jaundice, and increased liver enzymes. People who take Atorvastatin should also avoid alocohol. That in itself is warning enough to make changes in diet and lifestyle.
Warfarin (Coumadin) is another common medication that is necessary for the prevention of heart attack, stroke or obstruction of the blood vessels.
Basically it is an anti-coagulant, which thins the blood and prevents formation of blood clots, Unfortunately, this medication has numerous side effects and patients making a change in diet, adding supplements or vitamins and minerals have to be very careful when on this medication.
Problems include signs of unusual bleeding, such as bleeding while brushing teeth, urinating blood, unusual nosebleeds, small red spotting on the skin, easy bleeding or bruising, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding and the like. The risk is also for hidden bleeding internally in the internal organs such as the stomach or intestines, back pain, dark, tar-like stools, vomiting blood, chest pains, mental fugue, coughing up of blood and the like.
You are advised to see your MD immediately if you are having any of these side effects. It would be best for you to check the Advanced Consumer information on Warfarin at www.drugs.com for more detailed information.
Warfarin is one of those drugs that needs to be monitored closely. If you're considering going on a diet, or changing lifestyle and eating habits, it's best to check with a health care professional.
Taking common things like vitamins, minerals, other nutritional supplements like nutriceuticals or herbs like Dang Gui, Dandelion, Licorice, Nettles, Ginseng, Pau D'Arco, and Ginko Biloba can be hazardous to your health if you take Coumadin. Eating liver, broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, grapefruit juice, pineapple, garlic and onion can also be hazardous to your health if you take Warfarin/Coumadin. Because of the many adverse effects of this medication, I am often reluctant to advise any herbals, supplements or dietary changes to people on this medication. I strongly advise any one on this medication to discuss with their pharmacist and MD for any other safe alternatives to this medication.
Glucophage or Metformin is also a common medication for sufferers of diabetes, particularly Type II, Diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is better controlled through a strict diet, eating at regular intervals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle of frequent exercise.
Many side effects may include, cramping, diarrhea, shortness of breath, tiredness, low blood sugar, blurred vision, cold sweats, mental confusion, excessive hunger, tachycardia, headache, nausea, and lack of appetite.
These signs and symptoms may also indicate that Metformin is not working for you, and that your diabetes is getting worse. I strongly advise anyone with diabetes to visit with a nutritionist or registered dietician and make radical changes to the diet, avoiding excessive intake of carbohydrates, and balancing diet with complex carbohydrates, protein and fats.
There are herbal alternatives to the medications above, but each has to be balanced with diet and exercise and are to be diagnosed carefully on a case by case basis. It is best to consult with a licensed Acupuncturist/herbalist, Professional Member of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), or Doctor of Naturopathy for this.
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( 3 / 5343 )Wednesday, December 28, 2005, 08:25 PM - Health & Healing
Everyone needs downtime to relax and just do nothing. It’s a way of recharging ourselves and a way to help us reflect on life and time to heal. In this column, we will examine the best way to give yourself a short 20 minute vacation. Use it when you’re feeling stressed out, emotional, tired, confused, or for a brief break after the holiday parties. Perhaps you just need a recharge, or a calm moment. This practice involves allowing yourself to completely relax and breath and guide your attention at various areas of your body. You can even use this method to reduce pain, or discomfort from a chronic disease.
First of all, you are going to lie down in the yoga asana (posture) called Savasana or “corpse pose”. If you’re offended by that, we’ll call it the “final resting position”. We lie on a mat, carpet, bed, or even the couch will do. All you have to do is lie down and close your eyes. Start breathing deep from the abdomen – you slowly inhale fully, pause, slowly exhale fully, then pause, and then cycle again. Try this for at least six breaths.
Next, bring your attention to your toes and allow them to relax totally. If you have to wiggle, crunch them, snap, or pop them, now’s the time to do it. Then relax totally for six more breaths.
From here, we move to the heels, bringing our attention there. We may relax, wiggle, adjust ourselves into comfort, then relax for six complete cycles of inhale, pause, exhale, pause.
We then shift our attention to the ankles, allowing ourselves to rotate, shake, stretch the ankles, then complete a cycle of six full breaths.
Bringing our attention to the lower leg, we relax completely, allowing the calf muscles sink into the ground (bed, floor, etc.), and complete six cycles of breathing.
Moving to the knees, we adjust ourselves and allow the articulation of the knee to completely relax and feel the space. Breathe for six more cycles.
Our attention then shifts to the thighs, allowing each muscle to first tighten, then relax completely. Breathing all along for six complete breaths.
Coming to the buttocks, we feel the gravity pulling us into the ground. The tailbone tucked and feeling fully relaxed. We breath and hold our attention here for six complete cycles.
Shifting to the lower back, we can feel the small of our back and realize the curvature there. We dissolve all our tension and tightness there, releasing that breath by breath for six breaths.
It is at the midback where we feel a sense of our breathing massaging us into the ground (bed, floor, etc.), and breath by breath feeling the embrace of Mother Earth. Six breaths and we feel revitalized.
Now at the upper back, we completely relax and feel our chest relaxed and sink. With every breath, the shoulder blades melt into the ground and we feel our tensions and frustrations melting away. We maintain our attention here for six full breaths.
Reaching the shoulders, we realize we have no burdens to shoulder right now, allowing ourselves ease of spirit. Breathing deeply, we completely relax for six complete cycles.
Our upper arms sink into the ground, as if a weight has been lifted off our shoulders. Completely flaccid and relaxed, we continue for a full six breaths.
At the elbows, we feel the space of our joint, and breathing deeply and slowly, we feel completely relaxed for six cycles of inhale – pause – exhale - pause.
Coming down to the forearms and wrists, we let go of any tension, any desire for control, and completely allow ourselves to relax. In and out, we breathe, fully for six cycles.
When we reach our hands, we realize we have to let go completely. Our hands are not stiff and straight, neither clenched and closed. In letting go, we erase all tension trying to control things in our lives. Be breathe and practice letting go for six complete breaths.
We bring our attention to the neck now, allowing all tension to be erased. Our head feels so heavy – as heavy as a boulder and we struggle to maintain our consciousness. We have not felt so completely relaxed in months. Six breaths.
Our scalp is completely relaxed. Our brows unfurrowed. There is no face to maintain, only the bliss of our relaxation. Our face is completely serene, reflecting the calmness within us. We breathe in and out, inhaling good thoughts, exhaling bad thoughts. Inhaling good energy, exhaling bad energy. Inhaling the good, exhaling the bad. Calmly breathing in and out…
You can get up when you wish to…
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( 2.9 / 3518 )Wednesday, December 28, 2005, 08:22 PM - Health & Healing
Dr. Li Dong Yuan of Jin Dynasty propagated the principles of the tonify Spleen and Stomach school of Chinese Medicine. Li’s theories expounded that chronic diseases are largely a part from improper diet and malnutrition. His solution was to treat the Spleen and Stomach organs through herbals and acupuncture for chronic diseases. I regularly use Li’s herbal prescriptions and principles in my acupuncture, as I practice the Tung style of Acupuncture, and heavily treat the Spleen and Stomach channels to prevent disease, as well as treat chronic diseases like asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer. In Chinese Medicine, Earth is representative of the Spleen and Stomach and is believed to be in the center. As such, it is believed that by treating the Spleen and Stomach, one can treat everything.
As of late, I have been paying attention to my diet and nutrition and have been regularly exercising when I have time. Often, with my schedule, I do some exercise between my patients and clients. Eating late at night is a taboo and I try to stay away from it. I also avoid excessive consumption of cold beverages and sweetened soft drinks like soda or bottled ice teas, preferring to take unsweetened ice tea (without ice) and room temperature bottled water. This is because the Spleen does not like the cold in Chinese Medicine, and cold inhibits the Spleen’s function of transformation of food into energy and transportation of energy in the body. As such, a diet of cold foods can surely affect your energy with weight gain, edema, lethargy, abdominal bloating, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea. It is better to avoid them, or at least, balance when you eat something cold like a salad or sandwich, accompany your meal with a warm beverage or hot soup.
Of course, foods prepared with ginger or cinnamon can also help warm the body and help with tonifying the Spleen and Stomach functions. This is why Chinese food is almost always cooked with ginger. Ginger also acts as a detoxicant and is particularly helpful to cook with foods like seafood and vegetables.
When eating, never eat to the maximum of being full – always aim for two thirds full. It is important to chew your food well before swallowing. Eating should be done at a leisurely pace, and not rushed. In the Chinese tradition, not too much talking should be done at the dinner table, as it can upset the Spleen’s digestive function, particularly if strong emotions such as anger, fear, fright, and grief are the result of too much talking. Also too much thinking or pensiveness is bad for the digestive function, so it is best to not do work, watch television, or video games when one is eating. The idea of television and dinner is a poor one. Sex and eating also are not good companions for the very same reason.
Of course, on rare occasions, it is okay to go to a salad bar or buffet, but even then, restraint is necessary. Eat warm foods first, perhaps a soup to start with, then eat salads, your entrees and then a small dessert. I believe it is a strategy for certain restaurants to bring ice water to your table and offer cold salad first, as you tend to get full faster on these items. As for dessert, only a bit of fresh fruit is better than ice cream, pies, cakes, cookies or other sweetened items. A small piece of watermelon can help move the bowels, relieve thirst and provide the Spleen with the craving of the sweet it desires. It is said in Chinese Medicine that the Spleen craves sweetness, and that the sweet flavor tonifies the Spleen. Overeating and abnormal consumption of sweets can inhibit the Spleen’s normal function.
After eating, rubbing the abdomen in a clockwise manner thirty six times can help settle the meal and stimulate the body’s natural energy for digestion. It was said that if one takes 100 steps after you eat, you can live to be 100. Of course, taking a short walk after eating a meal can help digestion, help move the bowels, promote circulation and burn off some the energy from the calories you ingested.
Followed properly, these little pearls of wisdom can certainly help you live to a ripe old age.
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( 3 / 3187 )Wednesday, December 28, 2005, 08:20 PM
Hypnotherapy is a wonderful healing art and offers a great method of reaching goals, motivating oneself, as well as eliminating many problems. Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy as terms are often used interchangeably. There are several methods of hypnosis, and these include stage hypnosis for entertainment purposes; Self Hypnosis, which is a form of inducing yourself to hypnotized state and offering yourself suggestions; guided meditation, which is essentially the same thing as hypnosis, but generally taught or led in groups; and lastly hypnotherapy, which is using hypnosis to bring about a change or therapeutic benefit.
The late Charles Tebbetts, a famous hypnotherapist in Seattle, defined hypnosis as, “All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and the power is in the mind of the person being hypnotized.” I think very much this is a true statement, as the power is in you to induce changes. Thoughts often turn into action, then snowball into results. Proper thoughts will only lead to proper action, leading to proper results.
Hypnotherapy basically consists of someone guiding your thoughts, ideas, beliefs and then you are lead into a trancelike state, offering you thoughts that you wish to follow. This trancelike state is like a focused concentration, such as when you feel enthralled in fascination by something. Others may describe it as somewhat like a “blanking out”, just as when you drive a long distance on a long stretch of highway.
Roy Hunter, a well known hypnotherapist in the Pacific Northwest, states that hypnosis is basically a form of “guided meditation”. Once you are into this state, the hypnotherapist guides you into a deepened state and offers you a suggestion to your subconscious mind. It is natural for the human mind to focus concentration such that one is able to access and control the subconscious. These 3 steps are the major key to hypnotherapy. Once these are done, repeated sessions may assist in anchoring a suggestion in the subject. One might think that basically hypnosis is a method of uploading new programs in to the mind.
Many of the modern disciplines and forms of alternative medicine are derived from hypnosis. NLP, psychotherapy, sports psychology, life coaching, advertising, communication all use hypnosis principles to bring about a change. Many self-help books all employ hypnosis methods. Even many of the Tibetan vajrayana and yogic practices make use of similar techniques to bring about changes to the mind.
One can’t be hypnotized against their will, or be made to do some foolish things like jumping up and down and quacking like a duck as most Hollywood movies and television shows would have you believe. The hypnotically induced state is relaxing and comfortable.
I have creatively combined acupuncture and hypnotherapy to treat certain patients and have experienced great success in depression, anxiety, weight loss and smoking, as well as reaching goals. My “Acuhypnotherapy” is a great development in combining these 2 different but useful arts. Basically in my method, I use the acupuncture to induce the trance state, then offer indirect or direct deepening methods, followed by the implanting of a suggestion. For example, if a person want to lose weight, I interview them as to their goals, plan, and steps to reach their goal, have the entire goal time bound and simply plant all the steps that will lead a person to success. Once known, these are written down to coincide with the patient’s beliefs and goals. I then induce them by inserting needles into certain points while they are lying down relaxed, then allow them to rest briefly. I may test the level of the trance or use methods to deepen the mental focus, then simply repeat to the patient what they were wanting to overcome or change.
Properly done, hypnotherapy can benefit one in bringing about changes in behavior, anxiety, eliminate poor habits, problem solve, overcome strong negative emotions, bring about healing to the body, control pain, and deal with substance abuse. The list can be endless, as many problems of the body begin in the mind.
If you’re seriously considering hypnotherapy, do so with a person that you have rapport with and check for their qualifications through certification. Many life coaches, psychotherapists, MFT’s, psychologists, and psychiatrists have some experience with hypnotherapy or can refer you to a reputable one.
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( 3 / 3056 )Wednesday, December 28, 2005, 07:17 PM - Health & Healing
I am a practitioner of Master Tung’s Acupuncture, which differs greatly from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture that is typically taught in schools here in the USA and in China. Many people might wonder who Master Tung was, and my information here will introduce him to readers here.
Master Tung Ching-chang was probably the greatest Acupuncturist in the last generation in Taiwan. So great was his fame, that he literally had over 100 patients per day which he saw in his small clinic. His fame was due to his extreme efficacy with acupuncture needles, and he only used a few per treatment.
Master Tung arrived in Taiwan after the Communists took over in China in 1949 along with Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist party and began a successful practice in Taipei, Taiwan. He was an Acupuncturist in Taiwan for 26 years, and throughout that time, he allegedly treated over 400,000 patients, with about a fourth of them treated at no charge. For these humanitarian deeds, Master Tung was decorated with an award of “Representative of Fine People and Fine Deeds” in Taiwan.
As the personal acupuncturist to Taiwan President Chang Kai Shek, his reputation was so great that he was asked to visit Cambodia between 1971 and 1974 to treat Cambodian President Long Nuo, who suffered from hemiplegia due to a stroke.
Master Tung was also decorated by President Chang Kai Shek with a “Certificate of Honor” in the field of Chinese Medicine, which is an amazing accomplishment because initially the Nationalist Party was not responsive to Chinese Medicine, due to the fact that Sun Yat Sen was a Western trained physician.
Master Tung’s Acupuncture is truly a living treasure and storehouse of Chinese Medicine, untouched by modern TCM, and a glimpse into the family systems of Chinese Medicine as taught in previous generations. It is itself a conglomerate of classical acupuncture and pricking methods, flexibly applied, and proven clinically with practical, often with quick and dramatic results. Currently many practitioners of acupuncture may use a lot of needles and needle around the local area. Not so with Master Tung’s Acupuncture. For example, if a person has neck pain, a TCM trained acupuncturist would typically needle the neck area. But a Master Tung acupuncturist will apply a few needles to either the wrist, ankle, knee, shoulder, hip, or thigh to treat the pain. The advantage is very clear, as you can give feedback immediately to your acupuncturist upon insertion. When needles are in the neck, one has to wait until they are removed to give feedback! For the acupuncturist, the flexibility of the method is extremely attractive.
Done properly, Master Tung’s acupuncture is painless, quick, efficient and requires only a few treatments if problems are acute. A full range of problems are treated, including allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain and sciatica, Bell’s Palsy, bronchitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, high blood pressure, colitis, common cold and flu, constipation, diarrhea, ear pain and ringing, eczema and other skin problems, edema, frozen shoulder, GERD, headaches, IBS, impotence, insomnia, laryngitis, menstrual problems, menopause, nausea and vomiting, numbness and neuropathy, pain of all types, PMS, prostate problems, rheumatism, stress, stroke, tennis elbow, TMJ, and Trigeminal Neuralgia with just a few needles. It is almost inconceivable as to the efficacy of this form of acupuncture. In my own daily practice, I am still amazed at the immediate results I see with this system of acupuncture.
Master Tung’s Acupuncture in the USA is practiced by Young Wei-chieh of Rowland Heights, CA, Esther Su of San Jose, CA, Jim Maher of Oklahoma City, OK, and myself. I had the fortune of learning from Young Wei-chieh and Esther Su, and did extensive research in this system of acupuncture and practice it daily in Pasadena, CA. Currently, I am sharing with this great system with acupuncturists and Medical Doctors nationally and internationally through my organization called ITARA - International Tung’s Acupuncture Research Association. We seek to preserve, educate, research and pass on the legacy of Master Tung’s work through seminars, private trainings, and other mediums.
As students and practitioners of Master Tung’s Acupuncture, our practice is to benefit others in a practical, simple, direct, economical manner and it is hoped that the reader can use seek out a Master Tung Acupuncture practitioner to experience these amazing points - the same points I use daily in my clinic with amazing results!
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( 3 / 2952 )Wednesday, December 28, 2005, 06:09 PM - Health & Healing
Why Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy for Cancer patients?
Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy can help those suffering with cancer to prolong life, enhance quality of life, and aid in recovery. In China, Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy are used as primary treatments for the treatment of cancer, in this country there are legal ramifications with this approach, so most western cancer patients often choose to combine their biomedical treatment with alternative therapies. They are not quite sure where to turn to and may try any treatment alleged to treat cancer, or even self medicate with herbs and other substances. Often chemotherapy, surgery and radiation cause damage to healthy tissues, as well as diseased tissues, and weakens the immune system. This is where Chinese medicine can be very helpful. Chinese herbal medicine is the therapy of choice in treating the side-effects experienced by oncological treatments, and is proven in its effectiveness.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, cancer is caused by the stagnation of energy and blood in the body due to strong emotions, poor exercise, poor diet, inadequate rest and hereditary factors which are triggered from poor health. Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy eradicates disease through the balancing and moving stagnant energy and blood. .
How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to the principles of TCM, energy flows through the body via 12 primary meridians and 8 extra channels. To strengthen the flow of energy , or remove blockages in the meridians, acupuncturists insert a few disposable tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at certain specific points (called acupoints) along these channels. These acupoints are associated with specific body function, and when stimulated, they trigger the immunity system to provide almost instantaneous pain relief and cessation of symptoms ailing the patient. For example, if you are suffering from nausea and vomiting from radiation or chemotherapy, a few carefully selected points might be stimulated on your ear, scalp, hands, feet, wrist or ankle. TCM practitioners believe that acupuncture stimulates the body's internal regulatory system to nurture a natural healing response without having to directly treat the site of injury.
Acupuncture stimulates the body's internal regulatory system to nurture a natural healing response.
Centuries of empirical observation indicate that acupuncture leads to real changes in the body. The insertion of acupuncture needles has an effect on the autonomic nervous system and homeostatis. Recently, numerous studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates nerves, send a signal up the spinal cord to the brain, leading to the release of endorphins and monoamines, which are natural chemicals in the body that block pain signals. This may be one explanation why acupuncture is so good at stopping pain, but does not fully explain the healing response one has with other disorders. More research is needed to fully explain the acupuncture mechanism.
What To Expect
When first visiting a practitioner, there will be a thorough medical history inquiry, the pulse is taken on both wrists, the tongue is examined, and the body may be palpated to check the site of disease or pain. A treatment plan will be discussed. Depending on your ailment, you may also have your first acupuncture treatment and Herbal Therapy prescription at that first visit. In general, visits occur initially two or three times a week until therapeutic results and stabilization have occurred. After that, follow up visits will be scheduled as needed. Therapeutic exercise and meditation may also be prescribed to aid in overall well being.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles do not hurt like hypodermic needles used to give injections or draw blood. The needles are hair-thin, and may feel like a tiny prick or pinch upon insertion. Sterile disposable needles are always used. Once the needles are inserted, the practitioner may manipulate them manually or send a weak electrical current through them to increase the energy flow. The needles are typically retained for 20 - 45 minutes, depending on the ailment. Different people experience sensations of a "tingling", "distended", "electrical" or "full" feeling, whereas others may feel numbness or nothing at all. Most find the sessions relaxing, and fall asleep during the treatment, waking up refreshed and feeling great.
Herbal Therapy in a nutshell
In our society, herbs have now come into vogue, but there are dangers. Although herbs are natural substances, they can be dangerous if wrongly or self prescribed. Herbs are combined with other herbs of similar function to reduce the danger of toxicity and increase synergistic effect. In our clinic, we use the finest Herbal Therapy formulas in pill and powder form for convenience. There is no need to be inconvenienced by the taste, smell and time preparing raw herbs. There are also herbal lotions, liniments, herbal wraps, patches and pastes that may be used externally, depending on your condition.
Other Physical Medicine
Practitioners may also use moxibustion, a form of heat therapy on acupoints, to stimulate healing, depending upon the ailment. Other techniques include cupping, Gua Sha (scraping), massage and manipulation therapy, often complimented with dietary advice.
How soon can I expect results?
Some patients notice rapid improvement after just a few sessions. In acute pain cases, one or two treatments may lead to dramatic results. In chronic conditions that may have taken years to develop, treatment may take longer.
Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy effectively treats:
Anxiety
Auto-Immune Disorders
Back Pain and Sciatica
Chemo and Radiation therapy Side Effects
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Ear Pain and Ringing
Eczema and other Skin Problems
Edema
Headaches
Infections
Insomnia
Migraines
Nausea and Vomiting
Numbness and Neuropathy
PAIN of all types
Stress
Weight loss
Does my Insurance Cover treatments?
Currently many insurance carriers cover treatments. If your insurance company has acupuncture benefits, you may qualify for treatment.
In summary:
Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy can help prevent cancer by strengthening the immunity system, insuring adequate rest, balancing strong emotions, promoting proper diet, and avoiding hereditary triggers that can lead to developing tumors.
During oncological treatments of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy can be a safe adjunct for an already taxed immunity system. We can boost immunity, help dissolve nodules, reduce anxiety, stop headaches, treat nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lack of energy, prevent peripheral neuropathy, treat chemo induced menopause, and restore hair loss to maintain quality of life and give you time with your loved ones and put your business in order.
After you've gone through treatments of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, we can restore you to good health and help you recover from whatever symptom is ailing you.
In summary, Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy can help you before during and after treatment of cancer.
About Robert Chu, L.Ac., QME, MSOM, PhD:
Robert Chu (Chu Sau Lei) began practicing the martial and Chinese healing arts since childhood. Robert is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, specializing in the Master Tung Acupuncture and Optimal Acupuncture methods in which he effectively treats pain, industrial injuries, sports injuries, and neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Chu also treats a wide variety of internal diseases including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, psoriasis, thyroid disorders, gynecological disorders and side-effects from cancer treatments. He is appointed by the Industrial Medical Council as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME).
Dr. Chu was formerly affiliated with the St. Vincent Medical Center , as the first fulltime Acupuncturist on staff and treated cancer patients with Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Qigong and Tai Chi. Dr. Chu is a former faculty member of Samra University of Oriental Medicine in Los Angeles, where he taught acupuncture. He has also taught Tai Chi and Qigong at Loyola Law School . Dr. Chu volunteers at Pasadena's Wellness Community , where he does monthly lectures for cancer patients and a weekly lifestyle/nutrition and Qi Gong class. He is occasionally featured as a speaker for the American Cancer Society . In July of 2004, Dr. Chu was selected as the Acupuncturist to Olympic athletes at the Olympic Trials held in Sacramento, CA.
Dr. Chu also lectures nationally and internationally on Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to provide continuing education to MD's and Acupuncturists. In 2003, he founded the International Association of Optimal Acupuncture and Clinical Chinese Medicine to spread his effective clinical system. He also serves as President of the ITARA - International Tung's Acupuncture Research Association, which he founded in 2005, to preserve, standardize, educate, and research new applications of the Tung family system of Acupuncture with integrity, open sharing, and a goal to help end suffering in fellow beings. He has been decorated as an honorary member of the Finnish Traditional Chinese Medicine Society of Acupuncture and Herbs and a therapist member of the National Register of Acupuncture Therapists in Finland. Dr. Chu is also listed as a Master Practitioner of Oriental Bodywork Therapy and Master Practitioner of Tui-Na Manipulations, awarded by the International Association of Tui-Na Therapies in London, England. He has lectured at Emperor's College of TCM , CSOMA , and other functions as a dynamic and entertaining speaker.
In 2004, Robert was awarded a Ph.D. in Buddhist Ayurveda from the non-profit college Ayurveda Healing Arts Institute in Berkeley, California.
Currently, 40 - 60% of Dr. Chu's practice is devoted to treating breast and prostate cancer patients. He may be contacted at:
Robert Chu, L.Ac., QME, MSOM, PhD, AHG
Oasis Vitality Center
2502 E. Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 345-0441
Cell/Voice Mail: (626) 487-1815
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( 3 / 3163 )Wednesday, December 28, 2005, 06:07 PM - Health & Healing
What led me to a study of TCM was a lifelong practice of martial arts. In martial arts, aside from the artistic perfection of strikes, kicks, joint locking, throwing and ground fighting, the health giving benefits of opening up the channels and collaterals for qi flow, learning meditation to calm the mind, we specialize in trauma, both healing and inflicting. My sifu said, "it's easy learn how to injure someone, but is difficult to learn how to heal someone." How correct he was. A punch to Ren 17 can have devastating effects, a kick to UB 40 can bring an attacker to his knees in practice. As a consequence, in order to survive the training, many martial arts teachers specialize in die da shang ke - literally "fall and strike traumatology", which are overlapped by TCM's wai ke (External diseases) and gu shang ke (Orthopedics and Traumatology). I was fortunate to be able to study the rudiments of die da shang ke under my Wing Chun sifu, Kwan Jong Yuen and my Hung Ga sifu, Yee Chi Wai. Through the years I also met other famous martial artists and TCM doctors like Kenny Gong, Lui Yon Sang, Chan Tai Shan and others. My study of martial arts was interspersed with the study of traditional formulas for traumatology, including powders, wines, pastes, decoctions and pills, their applications, modifications and processing. Many martial artists are also known for their specialty in tui na, as basic exercises to develop the body in the tui na like Shaolin neigong (Internal training) or yi jin jing (Sinew Changing Classic) are part of the traditional martial arts. These exercises develop the limbs so that a martial artist trained in tui na can produce better results and a martial artist would probably know the body better than a non martial artist in movement and cause of injury.
In this article, I would like to introduce how to create a basic die da jiu (fall or strike wine) which can be used as a topical liniment for common contusions and bruises. Here is a list of herbs you will need:
Ru Xiang (Gummi Olibanum) 12 g
Mo Yao (Myrrh) 12 g
Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) 12 g
Mu Xiang (Radix Saussureae seu Vladimiriae) 12 g
Hong Hua (Flos Carthami Tinctorii) 9 g
Tao Ren (Semen Persicae) 9 g
Dang Gui Wei (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)12 g
Pu Huang (Pollen Typhae) 12 g
Da Huang Tan (Rhizoma Rhei - Charred) 9 g
Tian Qi (Radix Pseudoginseng) 12 g
Xue Ji (Sanguois Draconis) 9 g
Ding Xiang (Flos Caryophylli) 9 g
Those of you who know your Bensky Formulas, might recognize this Rx is very similar to qi li san (seven thousandths of a tael powder) from Liang fang ji ye (Small collection of fine Rx) or even the die da wan from Quan guo cheng yao chu fang ji (Collection of Country's Prepared Herbals) but addresses pain, blood movement and stop bleeding more. The measurements of the herbs is also different because this is more of an external use liniment. This Rx is fine for bruises, minor contusions, and sprains, but to make it a better Rx, we should modify the Rx according to our uses. For example, if there are broken bones, we should add Xu Duan (Radix Dipsaci Asperi), Wei Ling Xian (Radix Clematidis), and Tu Bie Chong (Eupolyphaga seu Opisthoplatia). If our focus is pain, add chuan xiong (Radix Ligustici), yan hu suo (Rhizoma Corydalis), yu jin (Curcumae), jiang huang (Rhozoma Curcumae Longae), ji xue teng (Radix et Caulis Jixueteng), san leng (Rhizoma Sparganii Stoloniferi) , mu tong (Caulis Mutong), di long (Lumbricus), su mu (Lignum Sappan), or wu ling zhi (Excrementum Trogopteri seu Pteromi) according to what your needs are. If there is pain in a certain area, we should add in Qiang Huo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii) for the upper back, Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubecentis) for lower back, Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) for front of head, Tan Xiang (Lignum Sappan) for the chest, Niu Xi (Radix Achyrathis Bidentatae) to guide to the lower extremities, Xuan Fu Hua (Flos Inulae)to guide downwards, and Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae) to guide upwards to the skin. We can even get more specific to use the guiding herbs enter particular channels by simply choosing herbs that go to that channel. For internal bleeding, add Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis), Da Ji (Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici) and Xiao Ji (Herba Cephalanoploris). To make the Rx more fragrant to stop pain and open the orifices, add bing pian (Borneol) she xiang (Secret
Io Moschus Moschiferi) su he xiang (Styrax Liquidis), and to address wind, cold or damp Bi, you can also modify it with expel wind damp herbs, such as fang feng, gui zhi (Ramulus Cinnamoni) bai hua she (Agkistrodon seu Bungarus), hu gu (os tigris), lou shi teng (Caulis Trachelospermi Jasminoidis), hai feng teng (Caulis Piperis Futokadsurae), wu jia pi (Cortex Acanthopanacis Gracilistyli Radicis), and kuan jin teng (Flos Tussilaginis Farfarae). For more traumatic swellings, add Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae), Chuan Wu (Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli), Cao Wu ( Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii) and Tian Nan Xing (Rhizoma Arisaematis).
I caution the person who is not knowledgeable in herbology to not put all the ingredients together to form one "super die da jiu"! I'm not sure what he or she would create! Look up the proper dosage of the herbs to use, and choose what you need and for what specific use in mind. Just for some background information, sometimes herbs are substituted for one another based on local availability and for financial reasons. Be wise in choosing what you need. For example, Hu Gu (Os tigris) may not be available because it is illegal. Wu Shao She (Zaocys Dhumnades) and Bai Hua She make fine substitutes (and no, you don't need both) and whichever is less expensive will work fine. Pregnant women should not touch or use this medicine.
All in all, one small Rx can turn into literally thousands of variations from one functional base of herbs in a Rx. When others boast their secret die da recipe is the original or more secret, they're simply blowing smoke and trying to say they're the best. It depends on what the function of the formula is for. I have a saying, "Let application be your guide; let function rule over form." It is applicable to medicine or martial arts.
You will also need a clean glass gallon bottle or jar and enough gin or vodka to fill a gallon. If you prefer a more traditional approach, of equal parts alcohol and water, you may use 50% spring water and 50% Everclear grain alcohol to make one gallon. Traditionally, mi jiu tou (rice wine head) is used - again, a gallon's worth, but the alcohol content is weaker than vodka or gin. One prepares the herbs by parching them through pan frying (no oil) in a wok or simply toasting all the herbs in a toaster oven to enhance the blood moving effect. No need to char them excessively, lest you lose all the active ingredients. Place the herbs in the container and pour the alcohol over the herbs. The alcohol used is always of a good drinking quality (ethyl alcohol), in cases where traumatic injury may be also internal. (Of course, if your die da jiu has poisonous ingredients, it would not do well to ingest it internally.) Beware of going the cheap route with isopropyl alcohol, you are simply making a poison batch of die da jiu. Traditionally, we never use isopropyl alcohol. Seal the container so that it is air tight and date and mark the bottle, and store in a dark place. Shake the bottle occasionally. In about 3 - 4 months, your die da jiu will be ready and will be superior to any on the market because you made it and you know specifically what you designed it for.
The herbal wine you created can be used simply by massaging it in to the affected area, or for use with tui na. You can also use the wine in the technique of fire cupping (hou guan), by placing a small amount in a cup, just enough to wet the bottom, spread it evenly and ignite it, then apply to the affected area. In doing this, I would caution that practice and common sense be your guide - lest you burn and scar your patient and have a nice liability lawsuit on your hands.
This is a brief introduction to die da shang ke and the common herbs used. In future articles, I will focus on plasters, pills, decoctions, their applications and modifications and how to create them.
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