Can flat-feet hinder my progress

[Marko]

Hello to everybody,

I was on both November Intensive courses in Malaysia (kung fi and chi kung) . My practice was OK. But 10 days ago I noticed that the most diffucult part of the training was when I was standing (doing the chi kung exercise or in chi flow.) All muscles around my shinbones were really tensed. I have to note that after stance training I always do leg stretchening exercises. Even after the training the tension did not dissapear. The consequence is that I stopped the training, but pain is still here: even my knees and feet became painful. I went to masseuse and she told me that I have flat-feet. If I add also that I have "footbal" bent legs, is it possible that actualy I was not able to distribute my weight equally on my feet and this caused my problems? Are there any exercises which can help me to heal my flat-feet? Should I start practice again or should I wait that the pain will go away. (I have already bought un instep -raiser

thanks

Marko

[Hubert]

Hi Marko,

I would not worry too much about "flat feet", or "football bent legs". At some point in my training, I started wondering if my legs were really straight, my knees perfectly aligned, my feet inline, etc... Sifu told me straightaway "aahh, unnecessary worries!" (which, of course, doesn't mean we don't care - but we don't worry)

As long as you train in the most "natural" way for you, which you do if training in a chi kung state of mind, then you are fine.

As for the knee and feet pain, I will let more qualified people comment, but slowing down your training or stopping for a short while is a safe and wise option. It could well be some rubbish being flushed down your legs (yeah, ok, put this way it doesn't sound very nice ) - Or maybe some accumulated tension that will go away in due time.

I have a feeling you're doing well, so take it easy for some time, and it will all go back on track
(I've been there, trust me!)

[Marko]

re

Dear Hubert,

thank you for your answer. Now, I am more optimistic.
PS Is in London also so hot? In Ljubljana we have 38 degrees.

[Andrew]

Good comments from Hubert.

I would maybe add the following

....I noticed that the most diffucult part of the training was when I was standing (doing the chi kung exercise or in chi flow.) All muscles around my shinbones were really tensed.

First of all ... congratulations on noticing the tension -- many do not notice it until later on. So now you have found the tension let it go. I am sure you received this advice before "relax, don't ask how, just relax". So now, release the tension.

If, for the time being, your flat feet are hindering your practice then I would suggest 2 measures:
1. Train wearing shoes which FIT correctly. Not just the size and shape is important here but also the instep i.e. the form inside the shoe. Later this will be less important for you.
2. Practice "Deep Squatting" from the 18 Lohan Hands. I believe there are instructions for this in one of Sifu's books. Unfortunately I do not have a reference for you with me so maybe someone else could point you to it.

Hope this helps,
Andrew

[Ray]

It may be in "The Complete Book of Shaolin"


Best!

[Michael Udel]

Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands

Sifu has provided pictures of the 18 Lohan Hands on his website.

Another thread on the forum mentions some things about the 18 Lohan Hands. Anthony noted that "Three Levels to the Earth", aka "Deep Squatting" is described in The Complete Book of Shaolin on p. 29 - 30. That book can be purchased here.

Enjoy!
Michael

[Darryl]

"Three Levels to the Earth", aka "Deep Squatting"

This may be somantics, but I've not heard 'Three Levels to Ground' referred to as 'Deep Squating' before. I initally thought Andrew was referring to the pattern 'Deep Knee Bending' as 'Deep Squatting' but since he's currently leaping and frolicing in Malaysia, we'll have to wait a while to find out.

Marko,

Two quick solutions - stop practicing your stances for a few weeks and instead, carry on with your cleansing as normal. If your flow is clearing your shins, then your flow is clearing your shins - don't worry about it, don't think negative thoughts about it, just accept it as a sign of successful practice and carry on. As always - be mindful of 'good pain' and 'bad pain' and if in doubt - slow down your flow or your practice. Enjoy

If you are finding your practice really awkward, you could sit in a chair and practice 'Lifting The Sky' instead. It would still work, but your best benefits are from standing when performing the pattern.

[Michael Udel]

shortened name, maybe

The picture that Sifu posted showing "Three Levels to the Earth/Ground" has the words "7 Deep Squatting" hand written on it. I wouldn't want to disturb Andrew from his frolicing

Darryl, thanks for posting that "Lifting the Sky" can be done while sitting. Not sure if it's come up before, but I didn't know that was a suitable posture. Good to know.

Michael

[Andrew]

I'm currently in transit on my way home from Malaysia. Just popping in to see what's going on so to speak.

I meant "deep knee bending" as Darryl noted. It's really great for the feet (amongst other things )
Andrew

[Chiahua]

This may be somantics, but I've not heard 'Three Levels to Ground' referred to as 'Deep Squating' before.

3 levels to ground is referred to "deep squatting" on this web-page, #9. But #17 is deep knee bending:

http://shaolin.org/chikung/lohan.html

[Darryl]

I stand corrected .

However, if someone asked me a question about 'Circulating Arm' I would still look at them blankly and wait. Then again, if they asked me in Mandarin I would also wait - nothing beats the universal language of practical demonstration.