University study proves that Tai Chi can improve heart health
As reported in the Daily Mail-London and the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology; a Hong Kong Polytechnic University study proves that Tai Chi significantly improves heart health, lowers blood pressure and increases strength among the elderly when practiced regularly.
The participants, 65 people from Hong Kong, also had improved arterial compliance and increased knee-muscle/ligament strength.
“Arterial compliance is an important indicator of heart health in the elderly because stiffness in the arteries is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. (Qi Journal, Summer 2012)”
Dr. William Tsang also noted:
“the Tai Chi subjects scored better in almost all medical observations, including blood pressure, vascular resistance and pulse resistance. (Qi Journal, Summer 2012)”
Many Tai Chi practitioners are not surprised by studies that confirm its many health benefits as they are aware that as a branch of Qigong, Chinese Medicine and the Tao of Revitalization; Tai Chi when practiced correctly, following its original Taoist principles, is a highly effective and beneficial form of cultivation.
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The Taoist approach to caring for the breasts
Taoism views the body as a complete system that is interconnected through the organs, nerves, circulation (blood and fluids including hormones), energy, mind and spirit. When the different systems are functioning properly and the blood and energy are able to circulate freely, then the body is in a state of “health”. When one kink appears in the system, however, many problems will develop as symptoms of the underlying cause.
For instance, when the body is eliminating dead cells and waste through the lymphatic and eliminatory systems, if there is a blockage or weakness in the system, the dead cells will become stuck in that location. Over time more and more dead cells will accumulate until hardness develops. Since the dead cells contain waste material if the hardness/ blockage remains the dead cells are able to secrete toxic substances which in turn causes more cells to become diseased and die, resulting in more blockages and areas of hardness etc… This explains why hardness and tumors grow and why “cancer” spreads to other areas of the body.
According to Dr. Chang, “breast lumps are the result of blockages. When the circulatory flow in breasts is blocked for any reason, the consequences will be the appearance of soreness or lumps in the area. The deer exercise eliminates any existing blockages to facilitate energy or blood circulation. In this way, future blockages or breast problems will be prevented. (Tao of Sexology, p. 111)”
Blockages and weakness can also occur from injuries, the breasts are especially vulnerable to injury due to its very delicate tissues. This is one reason why the nipples and breast should not be pinched, bitten or pulled and why the breast in general should not be squeezed or compressed. These actions cause blockages in the breasts and can cause many problems. Breast feeding is an exception as the breast tissue goes through temporary changes allowing the mother to feed the child without harming the breasts and nipples.
Women need to make sure during lovemaking that their nipples are only caressed, cupped and lightly kissed, again avoid pinching, biting and pulling the nipples.
“In Taoist Sexology, the breasts, along with the vagina, uterus and ovaries, are regarded as essential parts of the reproductive system. From foreplay to pregnancy and nursing, the breasts are closely tied to the genital system, through nervous impulses, hormones etc… (Tao of Sexology, p.89, Dr. Stephen T. Chang)”
Fortunately, there is an ancient Taoist technique, where a woman can massage her breasts thus ensuring the reproductive system remains healthy and encourages the proper elimination of waste through the lymphatic system. The Tao of revitalization encourages all of the systems to function properly.
The female deer exercise involves massaging the breasts and vagina in a particular manner along with squeezing the anal and vaginal muscles. Regarding the breast massage, make sure you do not touch the nipples as the over stimulation can cause blockages. Keep this important point in mind as there are many versions of this exercise in other books and on the internet that are done improperly. The exercise will completely energize the entire reproductive system as well as all 7 glands thus improving the overall immune system as well.
In addition to helping to prevent or improve lumps and blockages in the breasts and reproductive system the exercise will also: regulate hormone levels, strengthen the uterus to help prevent cysts and fibroids and more. There are several Taoist herbal teas/formulas that greatly enhance the benefits of the female deer exercise for those with blockages in the breast.
Feel free to contact the National Taoism Examiner and refer to the Tao of Sexology: The book of Infinite Wisdom by Dr. Stephen T. Chang, for further information or questions regarding the Female Deer exercise.
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Official groundbreaking for Shaolin Temple’s museum
Any martial artist or fan of China’s Kung Fu movies knows that the Shaolin Temple is one of the most important and influential, universities and training grounds in the world. The temple, built between 477-495 C.E., has a very long history of producing some of the best martial artists in the world. Throughout its history the Shaolin Temple attracted people from many different countries and from practically every religion in the world as well.
Contrary to popular belief (historically) you did not need to be a Buddhist or practice Buddhism in order to train there. There are records of Taoists, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and members of other faiths attending and studying at the Temple.
It is with this historical importance in mind that the Chinese government has renewed their interest in preserving their ancient culture and cultural buildings, and to encourage the world to visit and experience this amazing heritage.
According to the Qi Journal (Summer 2012 issue), “The foundation of Shaolin Kung Fu Museum was laid…in Shaolin Tagou Kung Fu School, three kilometers northeast away from Shaolin Temple in central China’s Henan province. With a total investment of 36.5 million US dollars, the privately funded museum covers 135,540 square meters. It will be the first of its kind in the world…The museum will demonstrate the development and evolvement of Chinese Kung Fu with texts, pictures, films and other exhibits. It also plans to hold international Kung Fu competitions and state live performances.”
The museum is expected to open sometime in 2014 and has the expectation to not only promote foreign tourism but also to further the study and development of Kung Fu.
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Ancient exercise is propelling China to Olympic greatness
If this were a fairy tale, the story may start with: Once upon a time in a distant land, a sleeping dragon began to wake as it moves its limbs and shakes its tail to disperse the remnants of its deep slumber.
There is definitely evidence that this fairy tale is reality, and the sleeping dragon is China. We are not addressing the economic or social impacts of this awakening; rather, the phenomenal impact China is having on the global athletics arena, in particular the Olympics, and what is the root cause of this awakening.
China participated in the modern Olympics for the first time in 1932 as the Republic of China and competed in only one event. The People’s Republic of China sent an Olympic delegation for the first time for the 1952 games in Helsinki, Finland. The delegation consisted of only one athlete competing in one event.
After boycotting the Olympics for almost 30 years, China re-emerged for the 1984 summer games in Los Angeles, CA, USA. The Chinese delegation consisted of 216 athletes competing in 19 events. China came in fourth for the overall medals total, finishing with 32, 15 of which were gold.
Over the course of the next few decades China’s Olympic performance would wax and wane from fourth to eleventh for overall medals. During this time period (and prior) their approach to physical fitness (as was the case with most of their societal functions as well) was decidedly Western or “modern”. The Chinese athletes trained in the same manner as any European, American or Russian teams, often recruiting coaches and trainers from those very same countries.
This approach lasted until after the 2000 Olympics’. Over the course of the next 8 years, China made a dramatic decision to change their training programs for all Olympic and sports training. This dramatic change was initiated by top officials in the government, when they came to the realization that instead of chasing the Western nations, China should lead by example as they did throughout history, with the exception of the last 100-150 years. The official government policy was to embrace their heritage and history (all 8,000+ years of it), instead of destroying it and replacing it with the “ways of younger nations”. China would now embark on an ambitious strategy to once again become the world leader in health & fitness among many other things.
Qigong and the Tao of Revitalization
After much research the Chinese government declared that coaches (Olympic and non-Olympic) would have to receive training in the ancient Taoist art of Qigong. Along with the coaches, physical therapy would also primarily be based on Chinese Medicine, Chinese Massage (Tui-Na), Qigong, Tai Chi and Taoist Philosophy. This new training regimen would integrate the ancient arts with some western training components.
What were the results?
In the 2004 summer Olympic games in Athens, Greece, China sent a delegation consisting of 384 athletes competing in 26 sports. They shocked the world with 32 gold, 17 silver and 14 bronze medals, for a total of 63 medals and second place in the overall medal count.
After these impressive results the Chinese increased their pursuit and training in the ancient arts of Taoism. Training was increased exponentially leading up to the Amazing 2008 Beijing Olympics (which will be discussed thoroughly in a separate article). In the 2008 games, the host country had an impressive and massive delegation consisting of 639 athletes competing in 28 sports. The results speak for themselves: 51 Gold, 21 Silver, 28 Bronze, for a total of 100 medals and First Place in the overall medal count.
What can we expect for the 2012 London Games?
China wants to build on what they achieved in the 2004 and 2008 games, they are even more motivated and determined to prove that they made the right decision in getting back in touch with their ancient roots and the arts that made them famous throughout history. The 2012 games will see a streamlined, focused and dedicated delegation that includes 396 athletes competing in 23 sports. The Chinese goals include maintaining their dominance in gymnastics, diving and table tennis to name a few and to expand into and shock the world with their performance in other events as well.
No matter what country you are from, or whom you are cheering for, let us all pray for a safe Olympic Games, where no harm comes to the athletes or spectators. An Olympics that features the world’s finest athletes doing what they do best, and proving to the world that we can come together and compete in ways other than war and politics.
The National Taoism Examiner also prays that after experiencing the tremendous physical benefits of the Taoist Arts, the people will be inspired to rediscover and cultivate the mental and spiritual aspects as well.
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A simple, delicious and healthy smoothie with black sesame seeds
Smoothies are a delicious and simple way to increase the consumption of healthy and powerful food. It is an especially good method for stubborn kids or spouses (yes, that may include you), that might not otherwise eat a varied diet.
This is a simple recipe that is popular in Asia, especially China and Japan, and was recently featured on the award winning YouTube cooking channel “Cooking with Dog” with Chef and Francis (the poodle). Cooking with Dog is an extremely popular channel with over 44 million video views, and almost 250,000 subscribers. The National Taoism Examiner and his wife have enjoyed many of their recipes.
This recipe has just a few ingredients, but those ingredients provide plenty of benefits for men, women and children. You should definitely consider enjoying this recipe once or twice per week.
Recipe: serves 2
1 Ripe Banana
250ml Original Unfortified Soymilk (1.06 cups)
2 tbsp Ground Black Sesame Seeds
Honey (about ½ tbsp)
3-4 Ice Cubes
Place one banana into the blender with approx. 1 cup of soymilk and ½ tablespoon of honey. Thoroughly grind the black sesame seeds until they almost form a paste and then add the sesame seeds to the blender. Blend until all ingredients are smooth and mixed well. Enjoy.
Please note: Taoism does not recommend consuming food that is frozen or too cold; however, if you want to make a cool drink you could try 1 or 2 cubes. Food that is very cold may harm the spleen/stomach, weaken energy, cool the blood and harm the heart.
Health Benefits: according to the Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease
Banana: clears heat, lubricates lungs, lubricates intestines, lowers blood pressure, aids alcohol intoxication. Good for: constipation, thirst, cough, hemorrhoids, hypertension and alcohol intoxication
Soymilk (Soybean): clears heat, detoxifies, eases urination, lubricates lungs and intestines, provides an excellent protein food. Good for: lung and stomach heat, dry skin, ferocious appetite, stomach or mouth ulcers, swollen gums, diarrhea, constipation, general heat problems.
Black sesame seeds: tonify liver and kidneys, harmonize the blood, lubricate the intestines, restore hair color, nourish Yin, promotes lactation. Good for: chronic constipation, premature balding or graying, chronic arthritis, joint inflammation, cough.
Honey: nourishes Yin, lubricates dryness, tonifies weakness, harmonizes, antidote to drugs, strengthen spleen. Good for: diabetes (small amounts), constipation, ulcers, dry cough, hoarse voice, burns, cold sores.
Take time, especially during the hot summer days, to enjoy this delicious and simple smoothie! Make sure you post a comment and thank Chef and Francis from the Cooking with Dog YouTube Channel.
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The attack on organic food continues
Over the past few months there have been many articles and “news” coverage regarding organic food. Many people covering the topic for the mainstream news have an obviously slanted agenda against organic food. Viewing some of the articles headlines will suffice to expose this agenda: “Does organic food turn people into jerks?”, “Drug Resistant Bugs Found in Antibiotic-Free Meat”, “Antibiotic-Free Meat Not Free of Drug-Resistant Bacteria”, “The Problem With Organic Food” just to list a few.
Let us explore for a moment just what Organic and so called Conventional foods are.
Wikipedia provides a good starting point with their definition of organic food as: “… foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Organic Foods also do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. (wikipedia.org)”
Mankind’s food legacy
Basically, organic food consists of meat, fruit, vegetables etc… that are grown naturally without artificial or synthetic manipulation in any stage of the planting, cultivating, harvesting and production processes. To state it even more simply, so called organic food has been the agricultural method throughout human history, until the invention of synthetic and artificial manipulation processes.
If we count organic or natural food only through the time frame of the advent of agriculture; then mankind has consumed organic food for approx. 10,000 years as evident with ancient Chinese/Taoist rice cultivation. If, however, we consider even earlier time periods and take into consideration the vast time frames that mankind survived by hunting and gathering, we are faced with a daunting fact that “prehistoric” man was eating not only organic/natural meat & vegetables, but also free range, grass fed, cage free, humane and ethically grown as well, for hundreds of thousands of years.
What is conventional food?
For the most part, conventional food did not exist until the 1940’s with the conclusion of WWII. The large chemical companies that were created for mass production of chemical warfare campaigns were no longer needed on the same massive production scale. With millions of dollars in lost revenue quickly approaching, these mega companies shifted their focus from chemical warfare on human enemies, to the Great Enemy of agriculture: pests, parasites, mold, fungi, bacteria etc…
All without making any changes to the factories; requiring just a simple change of labels and reduction of potency, some would argue if this reduction actually occurred.
Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO is another major component of conventional food, especially in the United States. This has the potential to be the most dangerous component of conventional food, so dangerous in fact that dozens of countries have banned GMO food and some have gone a step further and are moving towards banning non-organic or conventional farming all together.
Is there even a need for a debate regarding Organic versus Unnatural food?
The answer will vary of course depending on who is asked this question; however, the facts cannot be disputed. What we are faced with, is a method of either growing & hunting for food that has existed for over 10,000 years, compared to a new and unproven method that has only 60-70 years of experience that is rapidly and constantly changing. The long term effects of which no-one can answer with any certainty. What we do know, is that over the same time period (last 70 years) there has been an incredible increase in disease, illness and infection, the likes of which has not occurred in recorded history.
Where is the controversy coming from?
Clearly, the same companies behind the unnatural chemical and GMO movement are the same parties funding the “research” and propagating the stories under the guise of scientific data that is trying to usurp and replace Organic and natural food.
Better questions
- Instead of asking “Does organic food turn people into jerks?” perhaps, we should ask: does lobbying, promoting and producing unnatural and harmful food full of dangerous chemicals make you evil?
- How do the unnatural/conventional food practices reflect on our society?
- What does our continued consumption of this unnatural food say about the consumer and society?
- Is conventional food, a further sign of the moral decay of modern societies? If so, where will it end?
- What will come of mankind if we allow our food to become completely synthetic, void of all energy, nutrition and life force?
From a Taoist perspective; the greater question is not how can man improve the food, rather how can man return to simplicity and naturalness and live as a part of the world. How can we return to our original state, our original nature? Surely, Adam and Eve were not eating GMO/conventional food in the Garden of Eden. Does modern man really think that Adam and Eve would have been better off if the forbidden fruit was a GMO apple full of pesticides and herbicides? Perhaps, in that regard they would be correct, for they surely would have resisted and refused to eat it. Now that is worth pondering!
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Top 10 longest living animals
The National Taoism Examiner was recently emailed a YouTube video regarding the top 10 longest living creatures. You will notice that the Taoism Examiner removed “human” from the list which did appear as #9, as Taoists view humans as belonging to their own kingdom or category, distinct from all other life.
over 100 years old
wikipedia.org: Samsara
wikipedia.org; Luc Viatour, www.Lucnix.be
Taoists have always been fascinated with longevity and since the time of Fu Xi, Nuwa (both approx. 8,000 B.C.E.) & Shen Nung (3,500 B.C.E.) have rigorously researched and catalogued all life that met the characteristics of longevity, i.e.: a life span of at least 100 years. The life forms studied included: minerals, vegetation, animals and humans, as these constituted the kingdoms that are “visibly living”.
Some of the minerals, vegetation and animals had such an extraordinary lifespan and contained a very high level of energy or Qi (Chi) that they were included in the Chinese Materia Medica as Forgotten Foods or Herbs. Shen Nung, the father of herbology, spent his entire life studying, testing and formulating many herbs or forgotten foods.
The ancient Taoists also created many Internal Exercises that would increase a person’s longevity, many of the exercises are named after animals with longevity; for example the turtle and crane exercises. Huang Di (over 5,000 years ago) in “The Classic of the Internal”, named the Internal Exercises: Yang Shēng Shù which can be defined as the achievement of a happy, healthy, and long life through the utilization of mental and physical movements to prevent and correct ailments, reverse the aging process, and improve all functions of the body.
It is in the Taoist tradition of studying longevity, that we explore this list of some of the animals with the longest life spans. Enjoy the list, ponder the possibilities and challenge for a moment your preconceived notions of: time, space and aging.
10) Tuatara lizard, over 100 years
9) Lobster, over 140 years
8) Red sea urchin, over 200 years
7) Bowhead whale, over 211 years
6) Koi carp, 226 years
5) Giant tortoise, over 250 years
4) Arctica Islandica, 405 years
3) Actarctic sponge, 1,550 years
2) Black coral, 4, 265 years
1) Immortal jellyfish, infinite!
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The human battery: the original energy theory
Taoists proved thousands of years ago that energy is the basis of all life in the universe. Energy is the foundation of everything; from the most distant star to the smallest grain of sand on earth.
Of particular importance, from the newborn baby to the baby boomers to society’s elders, is how energy impacts our body, mind, spirit and ultimately our health and longevity.
According to Dr. Stephen T. Chang: “…the body is endowed with a definite energy quotient at birth. While this energy is being dissipated through the vicissitudes of daily living, it is simultaneously being replenished by energy obtained from food and air (included within air is the all-pervading electro-magnetic energy). Energy imbalance either an excess or an insufficiency- is the root of all illness; total absence of energy is death. Energy…circulate[s] throughout the body in well defined cycles; moving in a prescribed sequence from organ to bowel via the meridians, it flows partly at the periphery and partly in the interior of the body. Energy within the body is considered to be a dynamic force in constant flux; this is a leading principle in Chinese medicine… (The Complete Book of Acupuncture, p.8)”
We are all born with a certain amount of energy, which differs from one person to the next. At birth, for most people, our energy is at its strongest. This is what accounts for a baby’s incredible flexibility, strength (try to remove their hand from your finger) resistance to injury and illness etc… Every day, from the moment we first open our eyes our energy is being drained. In fact, almost everything in our modern lives has the negative effect of draining our energy.
Sitting down and watching the moving pictures on TV also drain our energy. Did you ever notice how many people will fall asleep, get restless, and develop headaches etc… when watching a television program for more than 2 hours? Now you understand why most movies are less than 2 hours, and if they are over 3 hours usually have a break around the 1.5 hour mark.
To further understand how draining our energy affects our health; visualize that your body is a battery. When the battery is 100% full, you have perfect health and all the organs and bowels are working properly. At 75% you develop a cold, illness, beginning stages of disease and you go to your doctor or health care provider for assistance. When your battery reaches 50% you are admitted to the hospital as the problem has progressed to a deeper stage. The ICU is waiting for you when your energy level drops to 25%. Finally, when your battery reaches ZERO, you flat-line and are considered dead.
Viewing the body through the example of a human battery, will profoundly impact the way you choose to “use” your energy. Is the activity worth the energy output? Notice the above example is based on the scenario beginning with 100% energy. What is the impact if you were born with less, or your lifestyle does not permit 100% energy?
Our first step, is to make sure we keep our energy levels somewhere between 80-100%. This is part of the good news; you do not have to worry about achieving or maintaining 100% energy all the time, just keep it above 75% and ideally between 80-100%. Now you can take a deep breath.
There are activities and techniques that can increase a person’s energy level and begin to develop an energy “savings account” or energy reserves. In particular, the Taoist self healing exercises or Tao of Revitalization, Tao of Balanced Diet and Taoist Herbology will greatly enhance the energy levels of a person’s body, mind and spirit.
There is no better time than today to begin this process. If you are retired or nearing retirement, then now is definitely the time to start recharging those batteries.
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NQA’s annual qigong conference set for Vancouver, Washington
The National Qigong Association’s 2012 annual conference will be held at the Vancouver Hilton in Vancouver Washington, July 27-29. NQA describes their organization as the “premiere membership organization for Qigong. (NQA.org)” NQA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for people to learn about Qigong. They are well known for developing and distributing promotional information to the general public as well as promoting the workshops and seminars of their members, faculty and instructors. In addition to membership they also offer several types of professional membership certifications.
This is the 17th annual conference and this year the focus will be on Renewal-Realignment-Rebirth. There are several key note speakers scheduled as well as smaller workshops over the course of the weekend.
Solala Towler will speak about the Taoist Roots of Qigong. “Solala Towler has been editor/publisher of The Empty Vessel: The Journal of Daoist Philosophy and Practice since 1993. He has had eleven books published and his work has been translated into Dutch, French and Spanish. He is one of the founding board members of the NQA as well as past President. He has taught qigong and Daoist meditation for 23 years. Solala has been a student of the Eastern philosophy since 1969 and leads yearly tours to visit Daoist temples in the sacred mountains of China. He has also recorded four CDs of music for qigong, taiji, meditation, yoga and relaxation. (nqa.org)”
Master Zhongxian Wu is leading a workshop on Fire Dragon 12 Meridian Qigong. “Zhongxian Wu is the recognized lineage holder of various forms of classical Qigong, Taiji and martial arts. He synthesizes wisdom and experience for beginning and advanced practitioners, as well as for patients seeking healing, in his professionally designed workshops. He has authored 9 published books on Qigong, Taiji and other martial arts. Please visit www.masterwu.net for further details. (nqa.org)”
Ying Yang will present the Six Healing Sounds Qigong through a unique musical program. “Ying Yang was the featured solo instrumentalist for the Chinese National Song and Dance Ensemble, the premier traditional music troupe in China. A longtime qigong practitioner, Ying has taught Six Healing Sounds qigong at Kripalu Yoga Center, national tai chi events in the United States and at the May Clinic/University of Chicago Annual Conference on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (nqa.org)”
Other presenters and workshops include:
- Debra Lin Allen: A Healers Guide to Qigong Therapeutics
- Christopher Anderl: Integral Qigong & Taiji: Practices for Renewal, Realignment, Rebirth
- Chris Bouguyon: Smiling Heart Qigong – Elderly Care Renewal and Rebirth
- Vicki Dello Joio: The Three Gates of Enlightenment: Wisdom, Joy and Abundance
- Francesco Garripoli: Qigong: A Tool For Personal Empowerment
- Gary Giamboi: Realigning Your Breath to Your Purpose
- Jan Gyomber: Tai Chi (Taijiquan) as Qigong
- Gayl Hubatch: Extraordinary Vessel Qigong As A Continuum for Renewal
- Eric Imbody: Empowering Intention
- Mark Johnson: Integrated Qigong: Which includes Renewal, Realignment and Rebirth
- Rebecca Kali: Qigong: Path of Renewal, Transformation & Rebirth
- Jessica Kolbe: Ancient and Modern Animal Frolics
- Gary F. Paruszkiewicz: Therapeutic Tai Chi in-a-Chair
- Michael Rinaldini: Intensive Practice: Qigong, Meditation and Silence
- Sandy Seeber: 8 Energy Circle Walking
- Cari Shurman: Kids and Qigong = Focus, Self-Esteem and Peace
- Matthew Sweigart: Taoveda Qigong Yoga Flow
Several registration options are available including a full conference fee ($395) which includes: all workshops, Friday keynote address, demos & reception and the Saturday keynote address and entertainment/social. NQA members receive a $15 discount off the full conference fee and partial day registration options range from $25-$175.
You can find more information and register from the following links:
Online conference registration
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Robert Downey Jr. honored for his dedication to Chinese medicine & martial arts
https://youtu.be/xfSMn7DvwII
Recently, Robert Downey Jr. was honored with the 2012 Robert Graham Visionary Award by Yo San University. According to Yo San University President Larry Ryan, Yo San’s highest honor “is named after the late Robert Graham, an international artist and sculptor, and husband of Anjelica Huston. Mr Graham is best known for his work on the FDR Memorial in Washington DC, the Duke Ellington Monument in NYC and the great bronze doors of the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels in Los Angeles. Until his death Mr. Graham was a supporter and member of the Board of Trustees of Yo San University. [The] Robert Graham Visionary Award is conferred every year to an individual who is an advocate of Traditional Chinese Medicine and whose life is characterized by outstanding achievements. (January 2012 issue of Wellness Magazine)”
Robert Downey Jr. was chosen for this award because of his tremendous recovery over the last 10 years, in both his professional and personal life and to his commitment to Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese Medicine. Downey, overcame many hurdles, obstacles and dark days to achieve his current level of success and peace of mind.
In an interview with Men’s Journal Magazine (May, 2010), Guy Ritchie (Director of Sherlock Holmes), Eric Oram (Downey’s Wing Chun Sifu/Teacher) and Robert Downey Jr. describe how he went from not being able to get insurance companies to bond him for movies and how he could not get any roles, to his current phenomenal box office success with both the Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man franchises. Downey stated that Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese Medicine saved his life and he attributed both to his remarkable recovery. According to Downey, “this is all about focus…Wing Chun teaches you what to concentrate on, whether you’re here or out in the world dealing with problems. It’s second nature for me now. I don’t even get to the point where there’s a problem. (Men’s Journal Magazine, May, 2010)”
If you have been following the Taoism Examiner then you already know that Taoism is the root of Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese Healing/Medicine. Since Taoism has over 6,000 years of success perfecting the Body, Mind & Spirit it is no surprise that its “branches” would produce these dramatic changes.
Congratulations Robert Downey Jr. on this award as well as your dedication to self improvement and cultivation. May you become an example for others of how they can find hope even in their darkest days.
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