Singing Dragon and Handspring Blog

Singing Dragon at the National Qigong Association’s 18th Annual Conference

Singing DragonAugust 1, 2013 1 Comment

The National Qigong Association held its 18th annual conference in Valley Forge, PA, last weekend. This is always a fun conference to attend, and Singing Dragon got a great welcome, not least because Damo Mitchell (author of Daoist Nei Gong, and the new Heavenly Streams) was Saturday night’s keynote speaker, and he spent a lot of time hanging out with the attendees on the Singing Dragon stand over the weekend.

Damo’s keynote on the fundamentals of Nei Gong

There were lots of interesting things going on. Damo’s keynote on the fundamentals of Nei Gong (simple but not so simple) was extremely well received, and followed up by an excellent workshop the next morning which took attendees through the first principles of Nei Gong – learning by doing and giving a strong grounding in how to take the first steps towards enlightenment…

Damo Mitchell and NQA President Mark R. Reinhart holding a copy of Damo’s book, Daoist Nei Gong

The conference workshops always offer a vast range of approaches and styles, so attendees were as usual spoilt for choice. Old hands know that Daisy Lee (Friday’s keynote) always does a wonderful workshop, and this year it was open to men as well as women. Amongst many other highlights, Solala Towler, author of Cha Dao, and editor of The Empty Vessel, taught the Great Spiraling Dragon Qigong from Wudang, while NQA Chair Mark Reinhart ran a workshop on Qigong for addiction. Singing Dragon publisher Jessica Kingsley flew over from London for the conference, and had a great time trying to learn how to paint bamboo in Maryann Charmoz’s excellent workshop on Chinese Brush Painting, and refreshing a dim memory of the fan form in Mary Sturtevant’s popular workshop.

Attendees ranged from Masters with decades of learning under their belts to the newest of practitioners, and as we’ve seen from previous conferences, the emphasis is always on openness and enthusiasm.

Damo Mitchell speaking with a NQA conference attendee during his book signing

The Singing Dragon reception (any excuse for a party) on Saturday evening following Damo’s keynote allowed everyone to let their hair down and chat informally to the conference big names, who are always generous with information and advice – good fun. In summing up at the end of the conference, Mark encouraged everyone to bring a friend new to Qigong next time. It certainly seems they would have a good time if they came.

All five of the sales and marketing staff from the Singing Dragon Philadelphia office made it out to the conference at various times over the weekend and really enjoyed it.

Fundamental qualities of the Eight Extraordinary Channels – extract from Eight Extraordinary Channels – Qi Jing Ba Mai

Singing DragonJuly 24, 2013 0 Comments

In this extract from Eight Extraordinary Channels – Qi Jing Ba Mai, David Twicken outlines the key qualities of these channels, and how understanding and use of them has changed over the centuries.

Click here to read the extract

‘Eight Extraordinary Channels is an insightful and eminently practical presentation of the core meridians in the human body that hold most of life’s potential. It covers the eight channels in theory, clinical application, and Daoist self-cultivation. Clear and systematic, the book is a potent resource for anyone involved in Chinese medicine.’

– Livia Kohn, PhD, Professor Emerita of Religion and East Asian Studies, Boston University

‘Twicken illuminates the missing link between Chinese medicine and Taoist spiritual practice, making it essential reading for both healers and adepts.’

– Michael Winn, founder www.HealingTaoUSA.com and co-writer with Mantak Chia of seven books on Neidan Gong

David Twicken, DOM, L.Ac., is a licensed practitioner and professor of Chinese medicine. He teaches Qi Gong, Tai Chi Chuan, Nei Dan, feng shui and Chinese astrology. He has studied Chinese healing arts for 30 years. He resides in Los Angeles, California.

Summer reads 2013

Singing DragonJuly 22, 2013 0 Comments

Beach, mountain or garden reading. Adventurous personal journeys, imaginative historical fiction, and self-aware wisdom, all available in hard copy or to download to your e-reader.

Ten Methods of the Heavenly Dragon by Robert Sheaffer

This book explores the author’s experiences on a journey towards spiritual enlightenment. However, this journey is not without its challenges, and the author has to look to his very core to overcome the obstacles that block his way.

“In the ordinary world we don’t often go to the ends of the earth to seek the extraordinary. Fortunately for us, Robert Sheaffer did, and wrote this book so that we could all travel the journey with him. I was captivated from his very first words, and felt like I was right there with him every step.”

– Amazon reviewer

The Valley Spirit by Lindsey Wei

Lindsey Wei, a young American-Chinese woman, is drawn to the Wudang Mountains on a quest to understand her ancestral roots and discover the hidden knowledge of Daoist martial arts and spiritual wisdom.

“Very well written and insightful, a true glimpse of another world while at the same time facing issues common to young people everywhere, especially women, and the answers she finds. I highly recommend this book to everyone seeking answers or for those who thought they have found their way.”

– Amazon reviewer

I Send a Voice by Evelyn Eaton

A gripping account of Evelyn Eaton’s experiences participating in Native American Sweat Lodge healing rituals, and being eventually deemed worthy of carrying a healing Pipe herself.

“A beautifully written, unique and deeply touching account of the author’s transformative spiritual journey into the sacred ways of Native American sweat lodge ceremonies, rituals, teachings and shamanism… A page turner, written by a remarkable woman describing a remarkable journey.”

– Christa Mackinnon, author of Shamanism and Spirituality in Therapeutic Practice

Go Ask the River by Evelyn Eaton

The haunting story of the female Chinese poet Hung Tu, tracing her rise from Flower-in-the-Mist to Official Hostess at the court of the governors of the Silk City, against the backdrop of the scholars, poets, officials, and warring factions of ninth century China.

“There are many good novels about the trials and courage of Chinese women in various historical periods, but Eaton’s book is outstanding, in that as well as a tense and dramatic narrative, it also provides a most insightful but easily readable insight into classical Chinese poetry, and a thoughtful approach to life’s hardships through a Taoist philosophy. Not to be missed!”

– thebookbag.co.uk

More on these books, and many more, can be found at intl.singingdragon.com.

Japanese Holistic Face Massage – More than a facial, by Rosemary Patten

Singing DragonJuly 18, 2013 2 Comments

The face reflects who we are, reflects our personality, state of health and our spiritual balance. We pick up a lot of information about a person just by looking at their face. To the ancient Japanese and Chinese, a beautiful face was the ultimate prize as it was a reflection of optimum health and of course with good health comes a long life. Longevity achieved through preventing ill health was, and still is, the aim of traditional Chinese medicine.

Japanese face massage became popular in the Far East during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, especially among the Geisha, for its health-giving benefits and its ability to reflect inner calm on their porcelain-like faces. Not much was known of this unique massage in the West until after the Second World War but today it is practised all over the world.

Many facial routines focus on cleansing and may include a basic massage designed to relax the recipient. The Japanese face massage is much more than a massage or facial. From the very beginning of the routine, the recipient experiences a glorious sense of release within the first two movements as the flowing but firm touch sets the scene for an experience of peaceful tranquillity and healing. There is a feeling of liberation as the neck and shoulders are massaged, lifting tension and allowing calm to descend. These opening movements pave the way for the deep healing experience you get from the Japanese face massage.

Unlike basic facial routines, the techniques in Japanese face massage focus deeper to achieve more than a cleanse, tone and moisturise. Acupressure points around the face and head are gently manipulated and the meridians are traced to access the body’s bio-energetic flow to bring balance.

The massage pushes oxygenated blood and nutrients to penetrate the deep layers of the skin to nourish and renew cells. The gentle flowing effleurage movements are not only relaxing but also encourage the release of cellular matter and the removal of de-oxygenated blood via the lymphatic system. The effect is instantly visible as circulation to the face is improved, bringing a lustre to the skin which manifests as an inner glow of calm and vitality. Fine lines are diminished and the contours of the face become more defined, especially noticeable around the eye area.

All bio-energy pathways or meridians either start or finish in the face. As the acupressure points are accessed there is a deep sense of comfort and nurturing. Additionally, the sequence of the movements and the tracing of the pathways or meridians encourages Ki (universal life force energy) to flow where it is most needed. Ki energy is responsible for correctly functioning bodily fluids and the smooth running of body organs such as the kidneys and the liver.

There has been a myriad of research on the effects of stimulating the acupressure points over the past fifty years as Western scientists slowly realise what Eastern medicine has known for over 4,000 years. Acupressure points on the face react instantly to touch, releasing endorphins and bypassing the central nervous system due to the close proximity to the brain. There is a prevailing sense of well-being when the hormones are stimulated. The autonomic nervous system is calmed and peace descends as healing on all levels takes place. The Japanese face massage is truly holistic as it not only improves the appearance of the face but also helps the body function better. A truly wonderful combination of benefits that leaves the recipient feeling mentally and emotionally revived.

Rosemary Patten is a naturally gifted holistic therapist with over 23 years’ experience in helping people feel better. She began her professional career within the NHS, in hospital settings, where her extensive contact with those in rehabilitation gave her an invaluable grounding in understanding the nature of disease. A master Reiki practitioner, aromatherapist, reflexologist, qualified beautician and in many other holistic therapies, Rosemary founded Rose Health and Well Being Natural Health Centre, which has now evolved into Equinox Rose. This is a combined holistic services consultancy delivering various natural therapy workshops, consultations on business development for therapists and a clinic specialising in energetic healing. Japanese Holistic Face Massage is among the range of therapies Rosemary uses to help her many clients make a breakthrough physically or emotionally. Rosemary believes passionately in a holistic approach to diagnosing root causes of illness, especially the impact of stagnant energetic flow within and around the body. She lives in Kent, UK.

Be taught by Master Zhongxian Wu – Taiji, Bagua and Sound Healing Workshop in Oxford, UK

Singing DragonJuly 4, 2013 1 Comment

Master Zhongxian Wu is a lifelong Daoist practitioner and the lineage holder of four different schools of Qigong and martial arts, he has instructed thousands of students, both Eastern and Western, and is the author of several books published by Singing Dragon. Master Wu is teaching a two day Taiji, Bagua and Sound Healing workshop in Oxford on the 13th-14th July 2013. The workshop is open to all and will be accessible and extremely interesting to internal arts students of any level.

The workshop will focus on the Bagua, which are the building blocks of Daoist philosophy, internal arts, and classical Chinese medicine, and are used to represent the fundamental principles of the universe. The practice will cover:

Zhen Xun – Opening the spiritual gates and accessing the Qi
Gen Dui – Strengthening and moving the Qi
Kan Li – Fire-Water internal alchemical transformation
Qian Kun – Tranquil sitting and healing with harmonious sound

This is a rare opportunity to learn from a true Daoist Master and deepen your practice.

For more information and to book your place in the workshop, contact info@rupertlander.co.uk

Date: 13-14 July 2013
Location: Botley Women’s Institute
North Hinksey Lane
Oxford
UK, OX2 0LT
Cost: £195

For more information about Master Wu, please visit his website www.masterwu.net

If you can’t wait for the workshop, you can purchase a Master Wu book before you attend:

For beginners:
Vital Breath of the Dao, an excellent introduction to Daoist thought and the principles of qigong with the 24 movement Tiger form explained and illustrated in the book.

For advanced practitioners:
Chinese Shamanic Cosmic Orbit Qigong, an advanced form of Qigong from one of China’s esoteric traditions never before written about in the West.

New Resources for Practitioners of Oriental Medicine

sdusaJune 28, 2013 0 Comments

Singing Dragon’s publishing program in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine continues to expand. Here we have posted a collection of useful new books and resources for practitioners in these areas. To see a complete listing, click here.

Eight Extraordinary Channels – Qi Jing Ba Mai
A Handbook for Clinical Practice and Nei Dan Inner Meditation
Dr. David Twicken, DOM, LAc

“Eight Extraordinary Channels is an insightful and eminently practical presentation of the core meridians in the human body that hold most of life’s potential. It covers the eight channels in theory, clinical application, and Daoist self-cultivation. Clear and systematic, the book is a potent resource for anyone involved in Chinese medicine.”
– Livia Kohn, PhD, Professor Emerita of Religion and East Asian Studies, Boston University Find out more…

Gold Mirrors and Tongue Reflections
The Cornerstone Classics of Chinese Medicine Tongue Diagnosis – The Ao Shi Shang Han Jin Jing Lu, and the Shang Han She Jian
Ioannis Solos
Forewords by Professor Liang Rong and Professor Chen Jia-xu

“A fascinating look at the ancient theoretical underpinnings to Chinese medicine tongue diagnosis, with great relevance for today.”
– Steven Clavey, Editor of The Lantern Journal of Chinese Medicine and Chinese medicine practitioner, Melbourne, Australia Find out more…

Pocket Handbook of Particularly Effective Acupoints for Common Conditions Illustrated in Color
Guo Changqing and Zhaiwei Liu Naigang

This book provides a practical guide to the key acupuncture points that aid the treatment of many common conditions. It covers the most important acupuncture points located on the fourteen meridians, from the five-shu points to the confluence points of the eight extraordinary vessels. With full color illustrations, it offers practical information on the locations, functions and indications for the points and how they should be needled or otherwise treated. Find out more…

Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches — TianGan DiZhi
The Keys to the Sublime
Master Zhongxian Wu and Dr. Karin Taylor Wu

This set of study cards decodes some of the fundamental messages from the 22 GanZhi symbols. The Chinese character and key characteristics of each Stem or Branch are shown, providing invaluable insights into their symbolic and numerological meanings. This accessible learning tool will help deepen understanding of classical Chinese medicine, Qigong, Neigong, Taiji, and other inner cultivation practices. Find out more…

The Great Intent
Acupuncture Odes, Songs and Rhymes
Richard Bertschinger

“If you love Chinese medicine, read this book. You will actually feel that you are part of a centuries-old tradition. In a way, it’s a bit like having the handouts from a Ming dynasty college. But it’s more. Richard, in a labor of love, conveys across centuries some of that ineffable ‘stuff’ called wisdom.”
– John Hicks, joint principal and co-founder of the College of Integrated Chinese Find out more…

Heavenly Streams
Meridian Theory in Nei Gong
Damo Mitchell
Foreword by Rob Aspell

“Damo’s explanations and insights are indispensable. Whether you are just beginning your journey of personal development with an interest in philosophical and spiritual thought, or even if you are a fully qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine, Heavenly Streams will certainly enrich your practice.”
– from the foreword by Rob Aspell, Practitioner of Chinese Medicine and the Daoist Arts Find out more…

Also of interest . . .

I Ching Acupuncture: Clinical Applications of the Ba Gua and I Ching
by David Twicken
Acupuncture for New Practitioners
by John Hamwee
Illustrated Chinese Moxibustion Techniques and Methods
by Professor Chang Xiaorong et al.
Chinese Medical Qigong
Edited by Tianjun Liu, OMD
Daoist Nei Gong: The Philosophical Art of Change
by Damo Mitchell
Principles of Chinese Medicine
by Angela Hicks
Principles of Chinese Herbal Medicine
by John Hicks

Click here for a complete listing of our titles in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

See Damo Mitchell at the National Qigong Association Conference, July 27, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA

sdusaJune 25, 2013 2 Comments

Damo Mitchell, author of the bestselling books Daoist Nei Gong and Heavenly Streams, will deliver the keynote address at the National Qigong Association’s 18th Annual Conference on Saturday, July 27, 2013 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. This event represents Damo’s second excursion to the US, following a series of successful lectures in the fall of 2012.

Damo’s keynote at the NQA conference is entitled Nei Gong: A Union of Qigong, Philosophy and the Dao.

This talk will focus on the Daoist transformational teachings of Nei Gong. Like a conduit for the forces of Yin and Yang, human beings can learn how to connect with and utilize the Qi of the environment to gain better health and psychological well-being. For any process there must be a catalyst, a pivotal factor which leads to progression; Nei Gong is the study of this process. Firmly built upon a foundation of philosophical teachings, Nei Gong provides a systematic way to experience the essence of the teachings of the Dao. In this address, Damo will discuss the meaning of Nei Gong, the philosophy which underpins it and lift the shroud on much of the secrecy surrounding its teachings.

Following his keynote, Damo will be signing copies of his books, Daoist Nei Gong and Heavenly Streams, at a reception hosted by Singing Dragon.

To attend, please register for the conference: NQA Conference Registration

Damo Mitchell has studied the martial, medical and spiritual arts of Asia since the age of four. His studies have taken him across the planet in search of authentic masters. He is the technical director of the Lotus Nei Gong School of Daoist Arts, and teaches Nei Gong in the UK, Sweden and the United States.

Purchase Damo’s books in advance by clicking the links below.

Heavenly Streams: Meridian Theory in Nei Gong
“Heavenly Streams not only provides a truly comprehensive introduction to Nei Gong and Chinese medicine from the point of view of Daoism but offers the reader an effective way to understand this information within themselves.”
– Nick Lowe, practitioner of Chinese Medicine and Daoist Qigong Instructor More…

Daoist Nei Gong: The Philosophical Art of Change
“This book drills down into the golden core of the ancient Chinese art and science of internal self-cultivation known as “Chi Gung” or “energy work”, and after reading it, you’ll understand why Chi Gung is the best way on earth to protect your health, prolong your life, and clarify your awareness of both aspects of the “Three Treasures” of life – mortal body, breath, and mind; and immortal essence, energy, and spirit.”
– Daniel Reid More…

Learn more about Damo:

Relieve tension headaches with these facial massage techniques – extract from Vital Face by Leena Kiviluoma

Singing DragonJune 25, 2013 0 Comments

Taken from Vital Face, this selection of quick and easy exercises designed for the forehead will enable you to remove stiffness, eliminate tension headaches, and smooth out facial lines.

Click here to read the extract.

Feel the difference? Read the book for more exercises to relax and rejuvenate the whole face, head and neck.

‘Leena Kiviluoma has done trailblazing work in developing her ingenious, easy-to-use facial muscle care technique. I use her book when I teach anatomy, physiology and skin care to trainee beauty care professionals. With the help of this book clients of beauty therapists can also practice effective self-applied beauty routines at home which will help to maintain a youthful appearance.’

-Anna-Liisa Halsas-Lehto, Master of Health Science, Vocational Teacher, Beauty Therapist

‘I tried this programme developed by Leena Kiviluoma. Both the relaxedness and the capacity of my jaw increased noticeably.’

-Fitness and Health Magazine, Finnish edition

Leena Kiviluoma is a physiotherapist working as a teacher and consultant in the fitness, beauty, health and rehabilitation industries. Her clients have included the Finnish National Opera, the Finnish National Theatre, The Parliament of Finland and many other companies, and she has contributed to numerous articles on fitness and beauty in magazines and newspapers. She began to develop her medical-based, facial muscle care technique and therapy in 1990 and her two books on the subject have been translated into many languages. She lives in Helsinki, Finland.

As above, so below: Astrology and medicine – extract from Culpeper’s Medicine by Graeme Tobyn

Singing DragonJune 21, 2013 0 Comments

In this extract from Culpeper’s Medicine, Graeme Tobyn traces the ancient Greek and Egyptian philosophy on medical astrology, showing how this informed the work of Nicholas Culpeper, the noted 17^th Century herbalist, physician and astrologer.

Click here to read the extract.

‘This book presents an invaluable account of the principles and practice of the renowned 17th century herbalist and astrologer Nicolas Culpeper. Graeme Tobyn has masterfully encapsulated and interpreted the philosophies and empirical knowledge preserved within Culpeper’s writings which are still highly relevant to modern herbalism. Whether you are a scholar of herbal medicine or are just interested in herbs or traditional medical practice, this book is a must read.’

—Dr Julie Whitehouse, Principal Lecturer of Herbal Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster

Graeme Tobyn has been a practising medical herbalist for over 20 years, including two years working for the NHS. He is currently the Course Leader on the Herbal Medicine degree at the University of Central Lancashire and is an external clinical examiner for other herbal training programmes in the UK. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Herbal Medicine and lectures internationally. Graeme lives in Lancashire, UK.

Singing Dragon Complete Catalogue – Spring/Summer 2013

Singing DragonJune 19, 2013 0 Comments

Featuring all of our titles, including books on Chinese medicine, qigong, martial arts and complementary therapies, the Singing Dragon catalogue has something for everyone. Feel free to browse, share and email the catalogue to anyone you think might be interested. Click on the catalogue to view full-screen. You can find out more information and order the books by clicking on the titles.

If you would like any physical copies of the catalogue please send an email to post@intl.singingdragon.com

Singing Dragon’s publishing program in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine continues to expand. Here we have posted a collection of useful new books and resources for practitioners in these areas. To see a complete listing, click here.

Also of interest . . .

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