I just saw the reply to this inquiry. I learned Soaring Crane Qigong from the video/dvd and book by Master Zhao, Jin Xiang, originator of the practice. It is available from Amazon. Make sure you get the most recent video/dvd from 2006.
I have practiced it alone and also at times with others who know the practice.
In addition to the five basic exercises, there is a standing meditation which should be learned only after having shown sufficient competency in the five basic excercises. Someone should teach you the standing meditation. The book also has instructions for learning other remedy routines.
I practiced an Okinawan gojuryu karate style 30 years ago and sustained a back injury because I had a severe spinal deformation that I was born with but did not know about. I did not continue with martial arts. My husband became a black belt and an international instructor and then studied tai chi with Cynthia Ming. About 14 months ago, after I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, I began studying Soaring Crane Qigong. Between western medicine and eastern practices and energy work I was cured. I do 45 minutes of Soaring Crane in the morning (two sets of the five basic exercises) and 20-25 at night (one set). I do standing meditation two or three times a week. Although I started Soaring Crane specifically to boost my immune system and fight cancer, I immediately began to experience other health benefits. The arthritic pain in my knees and hips totally disappeared. Trigger fingers in both my left and right hand stopped triggering. Constant muscle and joint and bone pain from the medication Arimidex (which I take because I had breast cancer five years ago) disappeared. I continue the medication pain-free.
When I underwent months of chemo for the lung cancer I was told I would be unable to work, I would be too weak and too nauseous. I was given anti-nausea pills (and suppositories, in case I threw up the pills). I worked full-time throughout treatment, never took the anti-nausea medication, never became nauseous, and never felt overcome by weakness (although I was not as strong as I usually am). Afterward, I was even stronger. I attribute this to the qigong and to energy work.
I know martial arts practitioners sustain contact and stress injuries. Moving blocked qi through the meridians through a practice like Soaring Crane might help with bone, muscle, and joint pain, as well as developing
over-all health.
Blackbird
