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Yoga & Tai Chi/Questions Answered by Expert Jonathan Gaines
| Subject | Date Asked |
| the chi | 11/27/2011 |
| Q: What is the purpose of developing your ki? What are the aplications of it? Is it possible to create ... A: Aloha, What is the purpose of developing your ki? A/ Chi, or Ki, is the energy that is basic to ... | |
| breathing techniques | 10/6/2011 |
| Q: I have been trying to get the hang of my breathing for some time now in my meditation. I am not ... A: Sitting upright with the spine straight is classic for yogi's and meditators in general. Slumping ... | |
| sex&martial arts | 7/4/2011 |
| Q: I just wanted to ask, does abstaining from sex have any effect on your performance in Martial ... A: Regarding your question if abstaining from sex is useful for your martial arts practice; I sent my ... | |
| Tibetan Medicine | 6/21/2011 |
| Q: May I ask you: what was the outcome of your efforts to start a Tibetan Medicine (& Oceania Health) ... A: Q. May I ask you: what was the outcome of your efforts to start a Tibetan Medicine (& Oceania ... | |
| "presence" and "chi" | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: Please: How do you understand the relationship, if any, between spiritual "presence" and the flow ... A: Malcolm, Excellent question showing you are going deep into the subject(s). Spiritual presence as ... | |
| Easing out anxiety | 3/13/2011 |
| Q: Is it possible to do away with a spirit of anxiety? Do you teach online? Thanks A: It is possible to reduce and perhaps eliminate anxiety with meditation, exercise such as Yoga and ... | |
| want your views on my problem | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: i have a great interest in bodybuilding i want to gain proper size and then want to maintain it, i ... A: I would recommend doing 1/3 body building and 2/3 yoga, the latter for suppleness and for a calm ... | |
| seeking instruction | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: I am hoping you can help me. I have, in the past, taken Tai Chi and Chi Kung classes, some I greatly ... A: Al, Good question. In the West, as you know, the main martial art is boxing and street fighting. ... | |
| Is Muscle building bad for body | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: i heard many times from yoga instructors that body building is bad for body and have bad effect in ... A: My experience is that using light weights and many reps vs. heavy weights that can only be done a ... | |
| tai chi and yoga | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: I have chronic fatigue and I tend to get very stressed especially on days where I'm feeling more ... A: Melissa. Chronic fatigue can be caused by a less than robust physical constitution that came with ... | |
| heartbroken | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: I am writing in again after my first question on breathing a few months ago. This time i need your ... A: Aloha Priya, This, Priya, is the experience of Samsara, the suffering in life that is the starting ... | |
| meditation query | 6/18/2010 |
| Q: sir i want to ask that despite of hard motivation i see so many people doing aasan and pranayama its ... A: meditation;" ....i want to know that and be strong in that area" Everyone is unique, some have ... | |
| tai chi effects | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: sir may it be seem odd to you but i want to take karate results by doing tai chi cause karate is not ... A: Tai chi is for use with living beings so it is useless in breaking bricks which depend on binding ... | |
| your experience on tai chi | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: 1.to know self defence 2.to develop good meditation state 3.to develop chi and make my body powerful ... A: You can achieve the mentioned targets in the practice of Tai Chi Chuan; 1. Self defense is based on ... | |
| New York 60's | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: Do you know the name, Will Rayle? ANSWER: Aloha Jeff. Yes, Willis is an old and great friend from ... A: I live on the Big Isl in Hawaii, in Kohala, in a small rural area and town called Hawi.....very nice ... | |
| New York 60's | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: Do you know the name, Will Rayle? A: Aloha Jeff. Yes, Willis is an old and great friend from the Village in the 60's and early 70's. We ... | |
| Deep breathing | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: Before anything I would like to let you know how impressed i am. I have read some of your other ... A: This is a follow up to see how you are doing, and if your are progressing in areas that are ... | |
| breathing | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: I only would like to ask you how I should breathe? Should I breathe through the nose or mouth? ... A: Do I believe in levitation? Well if you have a teacher and practice hours and hours a day you ... | |
| Tai-Chi/Gym/Yoga, or a combination of any two | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: I am 26 yrs old male, want to increase my stamina, energy, strength and also concentration (which i ... A: The low energy syndrome was my difficulty as well which is why I learned and still practice Tai Chi ... | |
| Starting a regular routine | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I have already become familiar with some of the yoga postures through videos; and I have found to be ... A: Aloha Erika First I suggest you look for a qualified Yoga instructor who you feel is a good ... | |
| transforming sexual energy | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: i am 17 years old.i want to transform my sexual energy ..what is the process?whether to adopt yogic ... A: GREETINGS. SO FORTUNATE ARE YOU TO BE YOUNG AND INTERESTED IN YOUR SPIRITUAL PRACTICE. My advice ... | |
| reconnecting Tai Chi | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: I studied with you in Evergreen Co. in the early 80's. I was searching for tai chi in denver since I ... A: Aloha Susie Wow, a blast from the past. How are you and what's happening? I live in rural Hawaii ... | |
| Tai chi:Price and style. | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I'm 20yrs. old and extremely interested in Tai Chi. I was looking around and found a place that ... A: Aloha Let me start with this; The main styles of Tai Chi Chuan are Yang family and Cheng family ... | |
| Chen Man Ch'ing | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: It is with extreme embarrassment and humility that I write to tell you that at one time in my life I ... A: Aloha Bruce, In the 80's I had a school on Clofax Ave across from Together Books....did you study ... | |
| Tai Chi | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: I am interested in doing tai chi. I am also trying to lose weight. I have already lost 45 pounds ... A: Aloha Brittney. Ho, That 45 lost is a good start. Frankly I recommend lot's of walking....lots and ... | |
| Tai Chi in Denver | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: I was a student of yours in Denver in the 80s and have not been able to find a teacher teaching the ... A: Aloha Wanda, I am now living since I left Colorado in rural Hawaii. The only person who I know is ... | |
| tai chi and lotus posture | 7/11/2008 |
| Q: i can meditate sitting in the lotus posture or half lotus posture comfortably for ten minutes. Now ... A: Aloha. The first rule in any practice is the same as in medicine, i.e., 'Do no harm'. Take care ... | |
| stammering | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I have stammeing at the age of 3. I tried a lot to over come this problem. Can u suggest any therpy ... A: Aloha Nixon. Here are some thoughts and ideas on clear flowing speech. 1'st, notice that I am ... | |
| Raising Chi | 5/21/2008 |
| Q: Greetings- I was hoping to study Tai Chi, but career induced scheduling constraints have made that ... A: Aloha. I replied to you a few days ago...perhaps you did not receive it. Please let me know if you ... | |
| Tai Chi | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: I have often heard people talking about the benefits of Tai Chi. I had a chance to watch a dvd ... A: Aloha Wendy, Email my classmate Bill Phillips and ask if you can study via DVD with him. He has a ... | |
| Tai Chi or something else for me? | 1/16/2008 |
| Q: I won't ask the "solve all" question of what is best, since it depends on one's expectations, ... A: Aloha Beau. Well kiddo, you have some problems, but don't we all. The first thing I suggest is to ... | |
| which style of yoga is right for me? | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: I am looking towards yoga to help me with the following problems...1) Quitting smoking 2) Body ... A: ..when i find a hatha yoga studio how can i tell if it is a legitimate place or not...i want to make ... | |
| which style of yoga is right for me? | 12/29/2007 |
| Q: I am looking towards yoga to help me with the following problems...1) Quitting smoking 2) Body ... A: Aloha Nicole. AllExperts tells me I did not reply to your question last week and I tell them I did. ... | |
| Healing, travel, study... | 12/9/2007 |
| Q: I am experiencing a clicking and misalignment in the base of my skull around the first cervical. I ... A: Jake By 'Sharp' I mean it drives the chi out of the area vs. gentle smoothing exercises such as ... | |
| Healing, travel, study... | 12/6/2007 |
| Q: I am experiencing a clicking and misalignment in the base of my skull around the first cervical. I ... A: Aloha Jake. The clicking in the neck sounds like not enough chi there. This can be caused by ... | |
| tai chi teacher trainings in NYC area | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: i am a yoga teacher living in NYC. i've become very interested in tai chi and enjoy practicing it. ... A: Aloha, Regarding certification, the tradition of Tai Chi is to learn well, very well, the form and ... | |
| pranayam abortion | 8/30/2007 |
| Q: I underwent an abortion 2 months back, when can i start practising pranayam again ?. Als when I do ... A: Pranayama is not a principle practice of mine. One really needs a qualified teacher who has many ... | |
| Tai Chi practice | 7/6/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Gains I have two questions: 1. I have recently started practicing Tai Chi and wanted to know if ... A: Aloha Shay. 1. I have recently started practicing Tai Chi and wanted to know if there is a need, or ... | |
| Becoming a Tai Chi Teacher | 5/1/2007 |
| Q: I would like your advice on the best Tai Chi Teacher Training Programs available in Toronto. Is ... A: Aloha Dawn. As I live in Hawaii I am out of touch with TCC training opportunities in Canada. My ... | |
| Yoga and Pranayama for OCD and panic attacks | 3/1/2007 |
| Q: Can you please prescribe the best yoga asanas for a person suffering from reactive hypoglycemia and ... A: Aloha. All I am able to suggest is to try some yoga class's until you find a teacher and a group of ... | |
| yongquan---Bubbling Well | 11/2/2006 |
| Q: what about the youngquan in the big toe,out side edge?thankshi there could you please tell me what ... A: Professor Cheng Man-ching said to 'Walk like a desert traveling camel', meaning the foot relaxes and ... | |
| practise time | 8/25/2006 |
| Q: Hey, I attended to a qigong class in Sweden three times. The teacher said that he practise 5 ... A: Aloha Daniel. I agree that 20 minutes is a minimum and 60 to 120 minutes is necessary if one is ... | |
| External And Internal | 7/3/2006 |
| Q: can i do wushu with tai chi both? my wushu class is medium to hard style and now i want to teach ... A: I assume you meant to say '...learn Tai Chi rather than ....teach tai chi.... Yes, you can do both, ... | |
| Tia chi | 6/2/2006 |
| Q: I want to know how to do tia chi and All the benifits of it. A: Ryan. First, attend some classes and see if the teacher is really qualified, meaning is his or her ... | |
| Tai Ch'i and Christianity | 5/30/2006 |
| Q: I am examining the art of Tai Ch'i Chuan to see if it is suitable for me as a martial arts ... A: Aloha Shawn. Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a wonderful martial art and really in harmony with Christ ... | |
| Steve/Love | 2/2/2006 |
| Q: Does Steve want to be with me? Will I see Steve when I am in Los Angeles this month? Will I be ... A: Aloha Arlene. It sounds like you are asking for some spiritual guidence to help make the good ... | |
| basics of tai chi | 2/1/2006 |
| Q: My husband and I were considering joing a beginners yoga class, and I noticed a listing for Tai Chi ... A: Aloha Tai Chi and Yoga class...it all depends on the teacher you study with. A few are highly ... | |
| tai chi and yoga | 1/30/2006 |
| Q: could you tell me what is the difference between taichi and yoga? thanks A: Aloha Kami. In general, we see these points; Tai Chi Chuan is a 'Internal style' martial art ... | |
| illusion and phenonoma | 12/16/2005 |
| Q: i was thinking about this and the thought of a young child with no toys playing came to mind. why ... A: Joseph. Re; The Man(child) Meditates to see the oneness to create Happiness/Suffering again. ... | |
| illusion and phenonoma | 12/13/2005 |
| Q: i was listerning to the dali lama about illusions and the mind. i wondered since all things are of ... A: This question goes to the basis of Buddhism and I will do my best to answer. A highly ... | |
| yoga and heart rate control | 9/9/2005 |
| Q: I've read reports that some yogis can significantly speed up or slow down their heart rates at will. ... A: Max, Why would you want to do this? The reason may be more important than the accomplishment. In ... | |
| Simple and easy Qigong | 2/1/2005 |
| Q: I was reading your profile and I must admit your reference to your simple and easy qigong method ... A: Aloha Justin, The DMCK system consist of three routines, stretching, chi kung and meditation. Very ... | |
| Chen style Tai Chi and yoga. | 10/30/2004 |
| Q: I am seeking to create for myself an integral body mind spiritual practice. This includes exercise, ... A: Aloha Damon. Since you live among some of the best traditions of TCC then I suggest Chen style as ... | |
| im so scared of aging and... | 9/16/2004 |
| Q: im so scared of aging and death ...im 50 and i feel like my life is over...how do i lose these fears ... A: Aloha Helen. Thiis is good information; ... | |
| Realizing my self. | 9/8/2004 |
| Q: My name is Darryl Goudreau and I live in Sudbury ,Ontario,Canada. I am a seeker of the truth and ... A: Tashi Delek Darryl. This is a very open and generalized question. Essentially we are all seeking ... | |
| Tai chi | 8/25/2004 |
| Q: Sir, Can Tai chi be practices as aerobics like for about 10/20 minutes What could happen if I do ... A: Tai chi is a very profound 'Taoist' martial art, difficult to learn and demanding committment. It ... | |
| yoga books | 8/16/2004 |
| Q: My mother is interested in getting into yoga; she is what you would classify as a complete novice in ... A: Augusto, I suggest that you and perhaps with you mother visit some of the yoga studios in her area ... | |
| Tai Chi Chuan | 7/29/2004 |
| Q: Jonathan, Thank you very much for answering my question. I am familiar with Master Cheng's (and his ... A: Aloha Jeff. Currently I an in Dharamsala, India for Losar and for meetings with officials of ... | |
| Tai Chi Chuan | 7/28/2004 |
| Q: I believe in the importance of opening the shoulder joint. I have read that Chen Man-ching stressed ... A: Aloha Jeff. Actually there are the Nine Joints that must be opened, and in sequence; Wrist, elbow, ... | |
| feeling chi | 7/15/2004 |
| Q: Jonathan. and yes, I enjoyed studying under Eric immensely. One quick followup question tho. you ... A: Professor Cheng said this; Cory, Tai Chi Chuan is a Taoist art. It's purpose is to help one ... | |
| feeling chi | 7/14/2004 |
| Q: I practiced tai chi years ago and am just returning but with more of a focus on building up and ... A: Aloha Cory. I have to be breif as I am on the road on business. Eric learned from your's truly and ... | |
| IQ | 5/5/2004 |
| Q: I hope the person on the other end of the web who recieves this email recieves this well. This is a ... A: From a Tibetan Buddhist view we are while alive we are all manifesting with 'Human perception' which ... | |
| Yoga body openers | 4/22/2004 |
| Q: Are there any books that take you through different asanas to open your shoulders, back, hips? A: Aloha. Books can be found through reccomendations from area Yoga teachers. The teacher if qualified ... | |
| Finding the YOGA what is it really!! | 4/13/2004 |
| Q: I know somewhat YOGA is really the best exercise and very benefical to mankind for physic, mind and ... A: My experience is in Tai Chi Chuan and Dzogchen. For yoga best to consult other teachers. To learn ... | |
| Tai Chi for more energy / less sleep | 3/20/2004 |
| Q: I am currently a student with little time and energy, but big goals. I would like to hear whether ... A: Aloha Brian. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is excellent for physical and energitic health. However finding a ... | |
| heart domination | 2/29/2004 |
| Q: how can i dominate and rule my heart? when i talk for alot of people or when i talk to a girl my ... A: Regarding "Subject: heart dominationhow can i dominate and rule my heart? when i talk for alot of ... | |
Yoga & Tai Chi
Answers by Expert:
Jonathan Gaines
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
T`ai Chi and meditation. I am a 30+ year student and teacher of T`ai Chi Ch`uan. My teacher was the late Grand Master Cheng Man-ching with whom I studied for seven years. I am knowledgeable about the principals, practices and the applications of Tai Chi as well as the many benefits and some of the pit falls of practice. I am also knowledgeable about Chi Kung and have developed my own `simple and easy` method. The benefits of T`ai chi Ch`uan and Chi Kung include health and wellness as well as self defense based on principles of yielding rather than resisting. Fascinating! As a life long spiritual seeker I am also knowledgeable about meditation and contemplation. My principle practice is Dzog Chen which I am learning from Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. The benefits of Dzog Chen are the potential to discover your own mind stream and master it. The point is to enter into the non dualistic state of `no thought` and then learn to be aware of this state while entering into thought. Self liberation from samara and for the sake of all sentient beings is the purpose of Dzog Chen practice.
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