Does our chi-kung-fu make longevity herbs superfluous

[AlexBaranosky]

Hello Wahnam Family,

I have a question, especially for those of you who are well-versed in Chinese Medicine.

I am aware that Chi-kung is considered the most effective "medicine" above herbs and food and acupuncture.

Does our chi-kung-fu make taking longevity herbs such as He Shou Wu, Ginseng, or Reishi mushroom superfluous? Do any of you who are trained Chinese Doctors take longevity herbs such as these ones?

All the Best,
Alex

[Zhang Wuji]

Well, I am not personally well-versed in Chinese herbal medicine, but I come from a family of herbalists, so I have lots of counsel.

While not strictly necessary, I would definitely not say that such herbs are superfluous. There are a number of reasons for my view.

First, although our qigong is of a high level, many students may not be able to practise it at the correct level (or are not ready to do so). Novice students should practise at a relatively low-level and not over-practise. In the meantime, complementary aspects of Chinese medicine are helpful.

Second, and following from the first, other aspects of Chinese medicine are not redundant simply because qigong is the highest of all therapies (this is incidentally only our opinion confirmed by our experiences - others may not agree). Qigong is holistic, it is not exclusive. Why cut off other methods simply one is too arrogant to consider so-called inferior alternatives? (Alex, I am not not implying you are arrogrant - this is a general statement)

Third, having the idea that qigong is the be-all and end-all leads to very questionable lifestyle practices. Some qigong practitioners or martial artists, thinking they are great masters (some of them indeed are) live sinful or decadent lives thinking that their internal force will protect them against all kinds of abuse. Jou Jung Hwa recalls how Zheng Manqing's student mourned the death of his teacher who drank so much that he died very early in life, despite being a great master. Ditto for Master Yang Chengfu. I always tell my students that they need to watch what they eat and do with their lives. If they smoke, drink hard, or sleep 3 hours a day, the qigong they practise will only keep the damage caused at bay, but will not take them to the next level. It is like a hamster running as hard as he can in a wheel just to stay still. Longetivity herbs tend to be taken by people who are serious about their holistic health in the first place, and avoid negative lifestyles.

I remember when I twisted my ankle, I went to a Taijiquan master who is also a die-da master (he is my Taijiquan Sisook), and he was pleased, though not surprised, at the speed of my recovery which he knew was thanks to my qigong practise. But the primary treatment was still to set the bone and tendons back in place before qigong could work its wonders. So, there are times that qigong must play only a supportive role.

[Geoff]

Master Yang Chengfu

A bit off topic but I was wondering what exactly Master Yang Chengfu died of? I think he died (left?) at the age of 53. Thanks.