Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ Spring Forest Qigong women & Qigong

I have been talking to lots of people about SFQ and a couple of people have asked about whether or not there are any restrictions on doing SFQ by women when they are menstruating. Are there any?

I highly doubt it, if their were I'm sure Master Lin would mention it in one of his manuals.

Soli,
I know this is late, but I wanted to address this post. In the level II manual, it is mentioned in connection with working on someone else, and I did some research, and found some related information that harmonizes with Master Lin's information in level II. Funny,,,,I knew of this qigong master who learned from a master who was a women, and I thought this might be addressed more specifically in his material , and it was...
In general, practicing qigong can help your circulation during a period, and so ease headaches, stomach cramps and any emotional problems. However, for some women who have heavy periods, you should change your meditation from concentrating on the lower dan tien, to the middle dan tien. This is because the lower dan tien is related to the womb area, and concentration there may overstimulate the area during a period, making it heavier. The specific accupuncture point mentioned in reference to concentration on the middle dan tien is the Shanzhong point(midpoint, between the two nipples), which is related to the heart and lungs. This information , as I said, harmonizes with Master Lin's suggestions in the level II manual concerning pregnancy and menstrual period in regards to working on someone else:
-never pull the energy down the body. Instead, go to the sides...
-Instead of giving energy to the lower dan tien, give energy to the middle dan tien, which is the heart center.
-Have your friend focus in her heart during the healing session, if possible..
As you can see, for the most part, you can practice as usual,and lessen the side effects, but, take this info into consideration, as to how it applies to you, and different active exercises and meditation techniques. I wouldn't go to the extreme of staying completely away from the lower dan tien, say in an exercise like small universe, where you move through that center. I would interpret it as more elongated focus/time on the lower dan tien, maybe not being desirable, and of course, the literal suggestions by Master Lin regarding level II healing techniques. I hope this gets to you!
love,
gallen

Hi Gallen. Speaking as a woman, I don't much feel like any kind of exercise during that time. I listen to my body. It requires rest, and that's what I give it. I personally, have problems if I try to do any kind of exercise. I believe Soli should listen to her body and let it tell her if it's ok to practice during that time.

[This message has been edited by Mayflower (edited October 07, 2003).]

Hi D,
I totally agree with you about listening to your body. There is though, great wisdom within qigong practice, and one can find activity to pursue if the will power,or desire, is there. Not all exercise is 'active', and meditation is as easy as closing your eyes and breathing. It does take physical energy to do active exercise, and 'feeling' like doing the exercise is better than forcing anything. I think if you continually practice qigong in your life though, you tend to , as habit, find ways to actively involve yourself, in whatever you are experiencing, and take an active role in making it as good an experience as possible. This is the 'work' part, but also, has its rewards. The least one can do, is put out a prayer, and let the master's energy take over. You are still practicing qigong in the sense of your continued awareness, and your connection to the master's energy may take you to further activity you didn't think you feel like doing.
love,
gallen

Contact with me causes menstration in women who have irregular periods. It's one of the weirder Wild Talents. While menstral blood is Taboo in many cultures, there's really not much to worry about as far as SFQ is concerned. Above all, listen to your body and if you need to stop, then stop.

Good luck to you.

I'm staying away from you Kaiden
I have enough trouble! HA! HA! HA! BTW, how's the diet going?

Well said Gallen dear, right on as usual.

Much Qi

Gallen - thanks for the info. It is very helpful. I had almost given up on a meaningful reply from anywhere, but it was worth the wait. I had been told by an acupuncturist from China that "exercise" during menstruation was a no-no, so I wondered. Thanks again.

Soli, it's also in Ayurvedic medcine that women should not practice certain yoga exercises during that time.

Much Qi

Also remember this ~
In certain practices "moon time" is sacred.

By all means, however, avoid over-exercising during these days. And above all else, do what you feel is right for you personally.

*A* fellow traveler