Description

‘One of the hallmarks of Yin style Bagua (YSB) is the concept of  “healing without medicines”. This has led to the development of a sophisticated and powerful system of hands on Energy-Bodywork medicine. As noted above, this method reached its peak when Dong Haichuan served in the Imperial Court and was able to exchange knowledge with the high level doctors there.This is a “Qi before strength” style, and utilizes 24 basic hand techniques such as pushing, grasping, pressing, vibrating, combing, etc. A key difference between this and many other tui-na/an-mo  styles is that YSB bodywork requires a high level of sensitivity and qi development in the practitioner. As I mentioned above, palpable qi must be present before any physical force is applied. Most of the time the touch and manipulation is quite light, and yet generates noticeable sensation in the patient, and is capable of remarkable results in the hands of a skilled practitioner. To develop this skill the therapist must practice qi development exercise (qigong) regularly to attain a strong and sensitive qi. YSB has several sets of these exercises for strengthening and healing including one specifically for bodywork development. Combining this acquired skill (gongfu) with a deep knowledge of Chinese medicine gives an accomplished practitioner like Dr. Xie the ability to treat many kinds of illness effectively with his hands alone.Patting is one of the 24 bodywork methods and has also been developed into a healing system of it’s own. Techniques like patting came originally from instinctive behavior of humans and animals when injured or sick. As man became aware of the jingluo system of the body (the complex of acupuncture and blood, and nerve vessels), he applied these theories to instinctive healing methods and increased their power and efficacy.’Excerpt taken from qigongfu.comAs with all of the YSB body of work, the techniques demonstrated here all conform to the 8 concepts of energy, namely opening, closing, gathering, dispersing, raising, lowering, exiting and entering. These ideas and concepts are discussed more thoroughly with respect to medicine in the 8 storing Qi and sensitivity exercises (), and with respect to the Martial arts here (). As with all aspects of the YSB system, methods are grouped into sections of 8, in line with Ba Gua theory. Here, the first section includes Pushing, Pressing, Grasping, Palpating,, Pressing Points, Squeezing, Scrubbing and Rubbing. The second section contains Rolling, Shaking Vibrating, Plucking, Patting, Striking, Brushing  and Shocking. The final section includes Rocking, Gentle Shaking, Drawing, Combing, Squeezing Together, Pinching, Pressing Down and Pressing In. However, some of the methods from different series are covered together.It should be noted that the techniques presented here require the practitioner to have a solid understanding of TCM theory and developed qi sensitivity and awareness as covered by the 8 Storing Qi and Sensitivity Exercises. These Exercises along with other YSB Daoyin can be found here (). Sadly, a typical prerequisite of the 24 methods presented here, the Pair practise Qi Exercises, has not been documented. Secondly, the techniques are ‘exaggerated’, as they are being demonstrated on healthy volunteers. Typically one would not treat sick patients in such a swift, brusque fashion. Remember ‘Qi first, Strength second’.This is for those chaps (and chapettes) that missed it the first time around all those years ago….18 AVIs (720 x 480),10.7GB, Total Duration 20:45:33