Have you come accross the idea of “Doyo”. It is from the Japanese tradition. the Water Energy of Winter gives way for nine days on either side of the solstice to Earth Energy for the Doyo period. This is their explanation why the New Year and the last part of the year feel a bit different.

I liken it to a hibernating animal that awakens briefly to stock up on carbohydrates before continuing with the hibernation

Kind Regards
Ray

Paul Pitchford’s “Healing with Whole Foods” also gives a load of useful information on how to heal the body and follow the seasons using food and herbs, with a Chinese medicine take on it all. There are hundreds of healthy vegan recipes at the back of the book for those who want to take control of their diets and cook up meals that essentially heal the mind, body and spirit. He also has a section on various fasts that can be done.

Hans – look up Bruce’s qualified instructors on his website – there may be one near you that teaches the Opening the Energy Gates Chi Gung.

The animal for Winter is the Deer.
It focuses on massaging the Kidneys. The Deer: 1. Rising; 2. Stretching; 3. Running; 4.Ramming; 5. Entwining.

Grade-school kids love the Five Animal exercises (especially the Monkey).

thanks for open your knowlegde.
I am reading your book Opening the Energy Gates of your Body in German and like your profound insights. I have not still practice in concrete your exercises, because i am doing similar qi qong from other ramifications of the same origin. I am asking me if your dvd video about ” Opening the Energy Gates of your Body” can help me to experimentate your exercises?

Maybe it is better to wait that you teach in Germany. Have you a course about the excercises “Opening the Energy Gates of your Body” ?
Also i would like know more about your views of Zhan Zhuang? Zhan Zhuang are not one of main exercises, but i feel very much, when i do the variations i know. In your book i found a basic form of Zhan Zhuang.

I started Qi Qong since i start round about 1994 with traditional chen style tai chi chuan in the tradition of Chen Xiaowang. In Hamburg is Jan Silberstorff, a master disciple from him. But after three years i stopped tai chi chuan, focusing at qi qong, since 8 years daily.