The Taoist meditation practices are less abstract than their similar counterparts that evolved in India (the Hindu and Buddhist systems) and traveled to China as the teachings of Monks. One of the central focuses of Taoist meditation relates to the circulation of internal energy (called deh-chee). It can be used to promote a healthy lifestyle and extend life expectancy by improving spiritual relationships with the world. Practical aspects of Taoist meditation may relate to interests and activities such as self-knowledge, concentration, and spiritual healing. This concept is vital to the mental and spiritual development of true warriors.

According to the high monks of Shaolin and masters of meditation there are two elements making up meditation: the “jing,” which means calmness and stillness, and the “ding,” which stands for concentration and focus. Calmness is directed towards cutting off external factors of disturbance and enabling you to direct your attention toward your inner self.

By focusing on the breathing and allowing your mind to concentrate, you should achieve a state called “one-pointed awareness.” This state allows you to achieve a deep concentration, allowing you to get a better understanding of any elements that you are focusing on. There should be none, or very limited, distractions during this heightened awareness state. This technique may be used efficiently to find solutions to problems presented by the outside world. It also prepares you to deal with these difficulties.

The first steps of practicing Taoist meditation as a martial artist are often difficult as your mind is not willing to cooperate in the process. It is tough to tap into the high potential of the subconscious mind. Out thoughts tend to fly away, increasing confusion when we need clarity the most, bringing mental chaos when order is desired. There are six ways that enable you to recover your inner concentration and increase your ability to focus your mind.

1. Focus on the flow of energy throughout your body. Do this by paying special attention to your breathing, to the air going in and out of your lungs.
2. Take this a step further and focus on the contractions of your abdominal area as you breath in and out.
3. Imagine a candle, with your eyes shut. Shift your focus on the center of the flame, but don’t loose sight of the edges. At this stage, it is vital to eliminate or ignore all outside interferences.
4. Practice mantra, the ‘sacred syllables,’ which lead to a harmony of the mind and relaxation of the body. The three most effective syllables are ‘om’, which brings equilibrium to your body, ‘ah’, which balances your vital energy, and ‘hum’, which brings the spirit to a heightened state of awareness and focus. Chanting of the syllables should be done in a deep, low-pitched tone and with a long exhale of the air.
5. Allow your breathing to create a rhythmic “drumbeat” which will increase your energy and help you ignore outside interferences.

6. Focus on a symbol that is very important to you. This can be a loved one, a deity or a place or notion. When you feel relaxed and focused, switch back to the meditation.

About the author: Richard Hackworth is a multi-arts grand master , author of more than forty books and host of “The Richard Hackworth Show” at www.actionradio.net  .Get $300 worth of free bonuses when you subscribe to his e-newsletter at http://www.richardhackworth.com  .

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Here are 8 of the best for supreme health and wellness.

1. Avena sativa
   Also known as oats, this herb has a variety of uses. It prevents nevous exhaustion, decreases ongoing anxiety and stress and acts as a tonic for the nerves. Avena sativa contains high levels of vitamin B and other minerals and nutrients. These are important for the optimum functioning of the nervous system.
2. Calendula
   More commonly known as marigold, calendula is capable of curing acne and glandular fever. It also acts as a great herb for detoxing the body. Calendula increases the flow of bile which makes it ideal for conditions that involve the swelling of the lymph nodes. This makes it ideal for treating skin conditions, especially acne.
3. Echinacea
   Also known as purple coneflower, echinacea can do a lot for your health. It can cure colds and flu, minor infections, heals wounds, decreases the presence of acne and reduces allergies. It works by balancing the immune system so that it can work at its optimum level.
4. Eleutherococcus
   Also known as Siberian ginseng. The root of eleutherococcus is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances which helps the body’s metabolism to cope with changes in levels of physical and psychological stress. Note: should not be taken by diabetics, epileptics or schizophrenics.
5. Helianthus
   Also known as Jerusalem artichoke, this herb is native to North America and can be used for controlling weight and controlling the appetite. It works by slowing down the rate at which sugars are broken down in the body meaning food will give you energy for a longer period of time. This reduces hunger.
6. Kelp
   Also known as macrocystis pyrifera, kelp is capable of increasing metabolism and also as a detox herb. Kelp contains a vast quantity of iodine. When the body has higher levels of iodine the thyroid gland will become more active which raises the body’s metabolism.
7. Milk Thistle
   Also known as silybum marianum, milk thistle aids liver health, detoxing the body (especially hangovers) and increasing fat metabolism. Milk thistle can also reduce the appearance of psoriasis. This herb contains a high quantity of a substance named silymarin which is able to prevent liver cell damage by stimulating the regeneration of liver cells. The liver is the most important organ when it comes to detoxing, which is why this herb is so advantageous when performing a detox.
8. Passiflora
   More commonly known as passion flower. Passiflora is a fantastic herb for assisting with a number of psychological problems, including mild depression, nervous exhaustion, nervous tension, anxiety and stress. Passiflora attach selectively to benzodiazepene receptors which helps to calm the nerves.

About the author:
Master Chang Kyo Oh is a Hapkido and Sword Master in Chollanamdo, South Korea. He is the Technical Director of the World Sword Arts Federation and is currently completing his studies for a degree in Natural Medicine. He can be reached at World Sword Arts

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Natural medicine and herbal remedies have existed as long as humankind. They include the use of leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums, stems and flowers. One of the earliest herbal texts was written at the time of Nero by Pedanius Dioscorides, a Greek physician serving the Roman army. In it, he listed many plants to treat each symptom, probably in hopes that readers might find at least one medicinal plant in their own locality. As humankind progressed through the centuries, many other texts of “herbals” would follow. Yet as an industrialized society developed, along with pharmacy and medicines, the use of herbs declined – until now.

Herbal Remedies Today:

During the past 20 years, interest in medicinal plants and herbal remedies has increased dramatically throughout society. Today we find herbal products used in a variety of ways. The general public uses herbs for self-medication and as natural cosmetics. The scientific community carefully studies the biological & pharmacological effects of herbal preparations. Today, over half of the top 250 pharmaceutical companies have researched programs involving herbal plants, something that was unheard of as little as 15 years ago. In fact, most perscription medications are derived from natural products.

Herbal Remedies and Their Benefits.

Doctors have found herbs to be useful allies in treating their patients. Natural products have become useful alternatives to established therapies, mainly because they act at different stages in the disease and can be useful in combination therapy. Lets discuss some of the more popular herbs and other natural products and their uses. Most can found over the counter at any drug store or health food store.

Black Cohosh – Used as an astringent, expectorant, diuretic, sedative and an antispasmodic, it helps in treating nervousness, fatigue, sore throat and arthritis. It is also useful during menstration. Because of its estrogenic effects, it’s been used by women going through menopause. It should be avoided by pregnant women and those advised not to take birth control pills.

Cranberry – Helps stop bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract to help prevent bacteria infection. Regular use may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Echinacea – Helps increase production of infection-fighting white blood cells. Can help reduce inflamation, fever and mucus. However, for best effect it should not be used regularly.

Evening Primrose – Helps form prostaglandins which help reduce inflamation in the joints, regulate blood vessels, salt and water balance, insulin secretion, nerve function and natural resistance. It helps keep skin, hair and nails healthy and protects the liver from toxins.

Garlic – Acts as a natural antibiotic and helps lower serum cholesterol. It’s also been known to kill harmful diarrhea causing bacteria.

Gingko Biloba – Several decades of clinical tests have shown this extract to promote mental activity, concentration, memory and overall cognition.

Ginseng - Helps increase endurance, overall vitality and the libido.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Is a unique combination of ingredients for joint support. Glucosamine is a basic building block for cartilage, synovial fluid and other connective tissue. It is needed for healthy structure and function of joints for optimum mobility. Chondroitin Sulfate protects existing cartilage and serves as a building block for healthy new cartilage.

Kava Kava – Used to reduce anxiety, relax muscle tension and produce analgesic effects, a reason for its popularity as a sleep aid today. It has also been used as a local anesthetic and is said to have a potential antibacterial benefits.

SAM-e - (S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM or SAM-e; pronounced “sammy”) is an amino acid. It is a natural compound present in all living cells and is involved in many important biochemical reactions in the body. SAM-e helps promote healthy cartilage formation which may enhance joint comfort and mobility.

St. John’s Wort - Has a sedative and pain reducing effect, helping with stress, headaches and very minor depression. An oil or lotion made from it can be used externally on burns, wounds, sores and bruises. The FDA warns about severe drug interactions with HIV drugs, Coumadin, Digoxin and others.

Saw Palmetto – Used mainly to treat conditions associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland). It helps to shrink an enlarged prostate, protects it from testosterone irritation and improves urinary function. A natural expectorant, it can beneficial in treating colds, asthma and bronchitis.

Of course there are countless more herbs that can be beneficial if used correctly. Maybe we will discuss more at a later date.

About the author: Master Chang Kyo Oh is a Hapkido and Sword Master in Chollanamdo, South Korea. He is the Technical Director of the World Sword Arts Federation and is currently completing his studies for a degree in Natural Medicine. He can be reached at World Sword Arts

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