How to Use Qigong to Train for Martial Arts

How to Use Qigong to Train for Martial Arts



Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a combination of physical movement, mental focus and breathing techniques. Invented in China long, long ago, Qigong has evolved into a wide-ranging set of practices. Common to all types of Qigong is the idea that focused breathing and exercise directs the energy called "Qi" in the human body to vital areas where it can heal, restore and combat fatigue. Qigong practitioners believe that good Qi also postpones aging and increases longevity. Not only is Qigong used to treat chronic conditions like allergies, asthma or recurrent headaches; it's often used in conjunction with the
martial arts
. Follow these steps to find out how to use it to help your martial arts training.







Things You'll Need:





Instructional materials such as books, audio lessons or videos that explain how to use Qigong exercises to train for martial arts









1


Buy a book, audio cassette or video that will help you learn more about how to use Qigong to train for martial arts. You can also look for a Qigong school that incorporates martial arts. You can begin to learn about Qigong online at the Qigong Center Web site (see Resources below).





2


First practice Qigong basics like breathing and controlled movement. This will help prepare you for the more intense physical demands of martial arts training to follow.





3


Don't forget to stretch. Even though Qigong is low impact and is used to increase flexibility and muscle strength, you should always stretch well before beginning any exercise.





4


Focus on your breathing. Draw in and collect energy during the deep abdominal breathing stressed in Qigong. Strike martial arts blows on your exhale for more precision and power.





5


Open your mind and approach satori, the state where higher-level conscious thought is set aside as the body becomes in tune with its environment. This is where the stress-reducing aspect of Qigong comes into play.





6


Meditate. Before and after your marital arts training, set aside time to clear your mind of cares and concerns. Focus on your breath and feel tension fade away.





7


Remember your Qi, your body's vital energy. It's central to both Qigong and martial arts. Qigong practitioners believe that Qigong directs the body's Qi to important areas to heal and strengthen while the martial arts focus Qi for greater power.








Tips & Warnings










Practice Qigong separately first. Once you've learned how to perform basic Qigong, combine it with your martial arts practice to realize maximum benefit.








Any sudden pain, shortness of breath or dizziness experienced during martial arts practice or Qigong requires immediate attention. See a licensed medical professional or go to the emergency room.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031520_use-qigong-train.html

How to Use Qigong to Increase Energy

How to Use Qigong to Increase Energy



Directing the body's natural energy, or "Qi," in order to increase energy, treat allergies, manage diabetes and increase longevity is what Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is all about. It's a very old technique developed in China that's practiced by millions of people around the world each and every day. All across China and in cities large and small across the globe, it's a common sight to see individuals and groups of people practicing Qigong in parks, homes and schools. Follow these steps to join them in using Qigong to increase your everyday energy.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access to find a Qigong teacher









1


Start by focusing on your breath. It may seem counter-intuitive; but slow, deep relaxed breathing will increase energy levels by increasing the amount of oxygen in your blood. This will also help with endurance.





2


Follow Qigong meditation practices. Meditation helps increase overall energy in the long term by reducing stress levels and giving your body a chance to rest.





3


Use strong, purposeful movements rather than sloppy, erratic ones. Build strong muscles. With them, you'll be well on your way to higher energy and better overall health.





4


Use a Qigong program specifically intended for increasing energy. Each different form of Qigong is meant to address specific health issues. To increase energy, the Daoyin form is often recommended.





5


Monitor your progress. Measuring increased energy is subjective. You'll need to spend additional time getting to know your body and learning to interpret the signals it gives you.





6


Use available teaching materials to help you set realistic goals to improve health and increase energy. Single classes are usually relatively inexpensive. Instructional books are another inexpensive way to learn about Qigong. Start by visiting the Web site of the National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association USA for basic information on Qigong and finding a Qigong teacher (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Practice Qigong and give up on caffeine. After a Qigong session, many people report higher levels of alertness, focus and self esteem that last longer and are more intense than those associated with the stimulant caffeine.








Consult a doctor immediately if you experience severe anxiety, dizziness or shortness of breath during or after Qigong exercises.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031522_use-qigong-increase.html

How to Use Qigong to Improve Health

How to Use Qigong to Improve Health



The ancient Chinese practice of Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a system that uses the body and the mind to heal itself. It's sometimes referred to as a holistic practice or a psychosomatic one. Basically, Qigong uses meditation, deep breathing techniques and sequential movement exercises to direct bodily energy to vital areas where it's said to heal damage, prevent illness and even cure disease. Qigong is practiced to increase longevity, reduce stress and improve overall health. Follow these steps to find out how.







Things You'll Need:





Comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement







Use Qigong to Reduce Stress




1


Close your eyes.





2


Clear your mind.





3


Breathe in deeply. Make sure you fill your lungs with air all the way down into your belly.





4


Exhale fully, using abdominal muscle contractions to completely expel the air from your lungs before you pull in another deep, healing breath.





5


Perform all movements slowly, but with strength and purpose.





6


Allow your mind to focus only on your body, your breath and your motion. Don't let your mind wander. Forget for a while everything that's happening in your life.





7


Notice how much better you can feel after only a single session. Proponents believe that Qigong breathing, meditation and exercises can reduce stress levels and tension that contribute to anxiety, depression and even heart disease.





8


Learn more about how to use Qigong to improve health by purchasing a book on the subject, like Ken Cohen's "The Way of Qigong" (see Resources below). You may also wish to find a Qigong teacher to help you learn proper technique. Visit the Web site of the National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association USA for more information (see Resources below).



Use Qigong to Manage Diabetes




1


Incorporate Qigong breathing and meditation into your life. The reduction in stress and anxiety that can follow can help those suffering from diabetes.





2


Practice a dynamic (incorporating physical movements/exercises) form of Qigong rather than a static one. Proper exercise is key to managing diabetes. Exercise regulates insulin levels in the blood.





3


Improve your health by making Qigong a lifestyle, rather than a task that you have to complete.








Tips & Warnings










Think about what you want to get out of Qigong. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different Qigong forms. Each is intended for a different purpose. One form may be intended for stress reduction while another is meant to increase longevity. Yet another is meant to treat a specific disease or condition.








If you experience severe pain, dizziness or disorientation while performing Qigong, see your doctor or go to the hospital right away.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031521_use-qigong-improve.html

How to Use Proper Meditation Posture

How to Use Proper Meditation Posture



One thing nearly every different meditation discipline has in common, from Kabbalah meditation to ancient Zen techniques, is an emphasis on the use of proper posture. To experience meditation's calming, stress-reducing benefits, it must be practiced properly, and correct posture is a vital first step. Meditation, an ancient technique that focuses the mind, often leads to diminished anxiety and hypertension.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access




Dedicated quiet space for meditation




Small pillow or flat mat (optional)







Know the Correct Posture for Meditation




1


Begin by seating yourself on the floor. Use a small pillow or mat beneath your backside for an added degree of comfort.





2


Keep your back straight. This is absolutely essential to promoting the smooth and easy flow of energy throughout your body as you meditate.





3


Cross your legs. There are several acceptable variations for leg crossing, but the most common is to tuck the left food under the right thigh and let the right foot rest atop the left thigh. Knees should be touching the floor. Consult a diagram at the Kamalashila Web site if necessary (see Resources below).





4


Position your chin slightly downward, but not so low that you bend your neck. Your neck, like your back, should remain straight.





5


Let your eyes focus on nothing in particular. A common trick is to focus on the empty space approximately one foot in front of your nose.





6


Rest the tongue against the roof of your mouth, behind your upper teeth. This will delay your mouth's production of saliva, resulting in fewer distracting swallows.





7


Fold your hands, holding them a couple of inches below your belly button. Some meditation disciplines have specific hand-folding techniques. Consult a diagram if you need to.





8


Hold your lips apart, just slightly. Your teeth should not be closed. Breathe in and out through your nose, or in through your nose and out through your mouth.





9


Locate a center or meditation society in your town or city to learn a specific discipline, such as Transcendental Meditation. You can benefit from the expertise of others in learning proper posture.








Tips & Warnings










Costs involved with meditation accessories are generally affordable. Specially-designed cushions, for example, won't strain most budgets.








If you experience a sudden, sharp onset of anxiety, panic attacks or depression, you may be suffering from a stress-related disorder and should seek a qualified doctor as soon as possible. Never use meditation as a substitute for primary doctoral care.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031437_use-proper-meditation.html

How to Use Ozone Therapy to Boost Immune Systems

How to Use Ozone Therapy to Boost Immune Systems



Ozone therapy is a relatively new alternative health practice that purportedly uses oxygen, ozone or hydrogen peroxide to kill disease microorganisms, boost immune systems and improve cellular function. Proponents of this practice believe that the therapy helps satisfy and increase the body's antioxidant needs while cleansing and rejuvenating the blood and other fluids. Patients suffering from cancer, diabetes, chronic fatigue, pneumonia or influenza say they have experienced improvements thanks to ozone therapy.







Things You'll Need:





A trusted ozone therapy practitioner




Internet access







Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) to Boost Immune Systems




1


Locate a reputable ozone therapy practitioner via the Web or visit a trusted referral who has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.





2


Enter the chamber and lie on your back.





3


Stay inside the chamber for no more than 90 minutes, breathing pure oxygen. This may also be administered through a tight-fitting mask.



Use Ozone Therapy to Boost Immune Systems




1


Access an ozone therapy practitioner.





2


Inquire about "autohemotherapy," a process by which blood is removed, treated with oxygen and ozone and returned to the body. This unusual treatment may very positively impact your immune system.





3


Request specific "ozone bagging" treatments. This process is also thought to assist the immune system by taking an airtight bag filled with ozone and oxygen and surrounding an area of the body, which then absorbs the mixture.





4


Aid stomach function through rectal insufflation. This process introduces oxygen and ozone through the rectum. They purportedly enter the intestines and are absorbed immediately, aiding digestion and boosting blood flow and immunity.





5


Use the Internet to learn more about ozone therapy. Visit the Oxygen Healing Therapies Web site to begin your research (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Using ozone therapy to boost immune systems can incur high costs. Consultations are often free, but treatments can be very expensive, depending on frequency.








Serious, persistent disorders such as diabetes, cancer and severe pain should be treated by a doctor before proceeding with ozone therapy. Visit an ER or doctor immediately if your pain is acute.








Most ozone therapies used for boosting immune systems are safe for
children
, but consult your child's physician before proceeding.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031494_use-ozone-therapy.html

How to Find a Designer Prom Dress

How to Find a Designer Prom Dress



Your prom is a special night you will remember all your life. Every young woman wants to look fabulous on their prom night and wearing the right designer prom dress is sure to have you turning heads. Here is a guide to help you find a designer prom dress of your dreams.







Things You'll Need:





Fashion magazines









Step
1



Do your research. Consider the task of finding a designer prom dress like an important homework assignment (only much more fun). It pays to do your research first and find out what designer prom dresses are in style this season. Buy style magazines and search the internet to see what designers and styles are hot.




Step
2



Keep your figure in mind. When searching for designers and designer prom dresses keep your body type in mind. You want a designer prom dress that will flatter your good features and camouflage any problem areas you may have.




Step
3



Find a designer you like. You may find a few designers that catch your eye or fall in love with one particular designer's dresses. Either way, write down the designers you like and keep this list for your designer prom dress shopping. This will help you save time when you go to try on dresses as you can ask for designers by name that you already know you like.




Step
4



Find your dresses. If you plan on shopping in stores for your designer prom dress it will save you time to find out which stores carry the designers you like. Call ahead of time and ask which designer dresses each store stocks. If they don't stock any that were on your list you can skip them or put them at the bottom of the list if you still haven't found your perfect dress.




Step
5



Go shopping. Once you narrow down which stores carry the designer prom dresses you want go and try them on. There's no substitute for being able to see yourself in the dress before you buy so try on many dresses until you find the perfect one.




Step
6



Shop online. If you can't get to a store that stocks designer prom dresses there's always the internet. With online stores that offer an array of prom dresses you're sure to find a dress that you love. Just be sure you know exactly what size and color you want so you can order a flattering dress.







Tips & Warnings









Need inspiration for finding a designer prom dress style? Look to awards shows and what the celebrities are wearing. You'll find many great dresses to give you ideas on the red carpet.








When ordering a prom dress from the internet remember to order early and check the company's return policy. Since you can't try on the dress before you buy it you'll need to make sure they'll take the dress back if it doesn't fit. You also have to leave enough time to return the dress and order a new one before the big day.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2040668_designer-prom-dress.html

How to Find a Deal on Handbags

How to Find a Deal on Handbags



A trendy, chic handbag is an accessory that many fashion-savvy women want in their wardrobes. Having a handbag to match every outfit is ideal. However, finding a deal on handbags can pose a challenge.









Step
1



Decide if you want to find specific handbags to match a particular pair shoes or an outfit, or versatile handbags that look good with everything you wear.




Step
2



Decide if wearing original bags or knock-off bags is an issue for you. Many times, people prefer wearing original name brand handbags rather than knock-off bags. Since there are often little differences in the two, buying a knock-off designer bag can save you money.




Step
3



Shop at high-end consignment shops for great deals on handbags. There are secret treasures to be found at these consignment shops. Handbags that are typically high-priced in department stores can be found for half or even three-quarters less than they are brand new.




Step
4



Go to garage sales and yard sales to find discarded, gently-used designer bags.




Step
5



Shop online at websites that offer discounts on designer handbags like designerhandbagsonsale.com. Websites like this will show top-quality discount bags, or will point you to retailers that offer discounts.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2072932_find-deal-handbags.html