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How can substantiality and insubstantiality be distinguished between left and right or between top and bottom parts of the body?

The muscles, the skeleton and the nerves are parts of the body system. When practicing the movements, the use of consciousness to sink and relax the body is most important. The centre of gravity is moved while preserving the uprightness of the central axis of the body. It is important to focus on steadiness, tranquillity, relaxation and rootedness. The movements propel the external movements in a continuous or uninterrupted fashion. Internal force is generated with turning movements. After a long time, the whole body is in balance. When left and right is distinguished, one is substantial and the other insubstantial along the pattern of “cross alignment”. For instance, together with the distinction between top and bottom parts of the body, when the left upper part of the body is substantial, the left lower part is insubstantial and similarly when the right upper part of the body is substantial, the right lower part is insubstantial. This pattern of cross alignment is used in shifts of the centre of gravity from one leg to the other. This is similar to the “cross-roads” of the nervous system. When moving Qi, therefore, one must separate substantial from insubstantial, move the step without moving the body or moving the body and not the hand. If in moving a step, the body also moves, then it is not separating substantial from insubstantial. If in moving the body, the hand also moves, then the shoulder and the hands are not relaxed. It is important to follow the principles of using consciousness to propel movement. The top and bottom, left and right portions of the body must be coordinated. A rounded grinding stone may move but the centre is not moving. All parts of the body become one system characterized by lightness and agility, roundness and smoothness, even respiration, alternate opening and closing like that of the sea where with movement from one part of the sea, all parts are also moved. The movements are guided by consciousness and are properly regulated like the regular movements of the waves in the sea.

Reference: Interview with Master Huang www.paulrenalltaiji.info

Links: Yin Yang

The cobra breath is a tantric breathing exercise. In essence, it is an energy-building breath. One uses breath to move kundalini energy up from the root chakra, at the base of the spine, to the crown chakra which lies at the crown of the head.The particular form cobra breath outlined below is used to expand consciousness, and it can lead to states of bliss and joy. Moving kundalini energy through the body is also rejuvenating for organs and aiding cellular processes. Follow the steps below to experience the cobra breath.

Instructions

1. Sit on the edge of a chair, with the edge your buttocks resting on the seat. You may put your hands on your knees if desired.You can also sit with your back against the wall and use a pillow to support your lower back.

2. Press your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Squeeze your anal muscles, or perineum, and hold.

3. Breathe in. As you breathe in, first feel the energy come up from the base of your spine and up your spine. It should progress to the back of your head and around the top to the crown of your head. Keep your tongue pressed on the roof of the mouth, and make sure your anal muscles stay contracted.

4. As you breathe out, keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

5. Slowly, breathe out and make a hissing noise like a snake. Your facial muscles around your jaw and lips should be contracted, almost as if you are smiling, when breathing out.

Reference:How to Do the Cobra Breathing Exercise ehow.com

Links:
Ujjayi breath wikipedia.org

Reference:
Wing Chun Australia

A few recipes from the straight forward, very practical and ingenious food branch of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) to cure hangovers from drinking to much alcohol.

a. 15 g tea infused in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink a large cupful.
b. Put 15 g of withe sugar in 30 ml vinegar. Dilute with hot water, and when the sugar has completely dissolved drink.
c. Take 60. g black soya beans. Add a suitable amount of water and heat until boiling, then drink.

Reference:
Eating Your Way to Health: Dietotheraphy in Traditional Chinese Medicine
P. 66
ISBN 711901885X

My personal tips in order to avoid a severe hangover after a drinking binge:
(water, protein, sugar, salt, vitamins)

Drink a large amount of water
Eat a protein rich snack (ex. eggs and bacon, herring or salmon)
Spice with salt
Take a vitamin pill or a vitamin C
Drink Orange Juice

The body should of curse rest (sleep) to be able to recuperate properly. Drink 2 big glasses of water before going to bed.

The day after. Some light exercise and appropriate massage to relieve tensions may be in place after the circumstances. Some people feel that a walk helps. My girlfriend recommends a warm bath for the feet with herbs – against colds and others symptoms of discomfort!

Links:
Hangover wikipedia.org

易筋經; Wade-Giles: I Chin Ching; literally “Muscle Tendon Change Classic”

Litterature:
Yi Jin Jing: Tendon – Muscle Strengthening Qigong Exercises (Chinese Health Qigong Associat)
Foreign Language Press
ISBN 9787119047782

Qigong, the Secret of Youth: Da Mo’s Muscle/tendon and Marrow/brain Washing Classics
by Yang Jwing-Ming and Jwing-Ming Yang
ISBN 1886969841

14-series Sinew-Transforming Exercises by Weizhen Chang
ISBN 7119006363

Links:
Yijin Jing wikipedia.org
Yi Jin Jing Qigong egreenway.com by Michael P. Garofalo