A site visitor from Australia wrote to inquire about qigong and mudras. Her question was how to go about learning more. She didn't say how much or little she already knew, so I couldn't give her very much guidance. But here is what I did say, and a little more for you.

First, you should read several books on the subject, not necessarily by the same author. I'd recommend my book of course, The 18 Mudra System of Qigong [preview], and also two other books. Acupuncture Without Needles by J.V. Cerney D.C., A.B., D.M., D.P.M.published by Prentice Hall offers great insight into the self-healing aspects of qi. Then there is the book I picked up in China when I visited entitled, 300 Questions on Qigong Exercises by Lin Housheng and Luo Peiyu published by Guangdong Science and Technology Press. Second you should use your basic knowledge from reading to seek out a qualified instructor. Then you should learn it, practice it, claim it, and one day begin teaching it.

tobi alakoso

June 14, 2004: Steve wrote:

Question 1. What is the Triple Warmer? I am aware of the other parts of the body
mentioned in the System/Meridian chart on page 5, but not that one. [Steve is referring to information in the 18 Mudras book.]

The Triple Warmer is a historically ambiguous Meridian in the Chinese Meridian System. Originally it was believed to be one of the six hollow viscera of the body (gallbladder, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, urinary bladder, and Triple Warmer - also called the Triple Energy Heater). In the contemporary literature, it is the general term for the Upper Heater, Middle Heater, and Lower Heater. These heaters are generally used to refer to the three sections of the torso, that above the diaphragm, that between the diaphragm and umbilicus, and that below the umbilicus. The Triple Warmer controls the functional activities of the viscera and tissues, and commands the activities or the mechanisms of Qi in the human body.

Question 2. That chart recommends Mudras for all of the Body Systems/Meridians; however the chart on page 96 (summary chart) only shows those Meridians that are directly related to the 3 Yin and 3 Yang Channels of the Hands. I am confused. It makes sense to me that mudras that deal solely with the hands would be the only body parts impacted, yet the chart on page 5 suggests otherwise.

It makes sense only if you perceive the various meridians and systems of your body to be somehow separate. They are not! If you are doing Mudras, you are stimulating the entire body and being, with special emphasis on certain parts of the interrelated, interconnect, interdependent network, depending on the particular system you are using.

Questions 3. If indeed the chart on pge 96 is more accurate, is it safe to assume that other Qigong systems, such as the Fire Flower System would be used to aid problems with Yang and Yin Channels of the Feet and the Conception and Governing Vessels?

Yes and No! Hopefully, my answer above helps to answer this question as well. Mudras are simply one of a wide range of qigong (or mind-body energy manipulation) disciplines. When performing these disciplines, your entire field of energy is being affected. Systems range from very little body movement to a great deal of body movement. From low intensity to high intensity. But, the entire field is always being affected. Additionally, the fact that you are using mudras does not mean that your intention, and therefore your vital energy can not be directed to some other part of the body, or to something or someone outside your body for that matter.

tobi alakoso