Hi everyone,
I recently came across a fascinating segment from the renowned Chinese medicine master, Ni Haixia, in a conversation with Liang Dong. They discussed a strikingly simple method he claimed could prevent heart attacks and address issues like arterial blockages and coronary heart disease.
Master Ni presented this not as a complex medical formula, but as a direct application of Chinese martial arts wisdom. Given our community's interest in the practical, health-giving aspects of these internal arts, I thought it was worth sharing and discussing.
He called the practice "Zhuang Qiang" or "Wall Tapping/Tapping the Wall."
Here's the essence of the method, as he described it:
The Action:
Use your back to tap a solid, sturdy wall (he emphasized a concrete wall, not a thin one you could damage).
The point of contact is the area between your shoulder blades, specifically around the 4th and 5th thoracic vertebrae (T4-T5) on your spine.
The Sound:
As your back makes contact with the wall, you must forcefully exhale and vocalize the sound "HE!" (pronounced "Huh!").
This sound should, he said, originate from the heart. The ability to produce a strong "HE!" is itself an indicator of good heart function.
He joked that if you live on the first floor and everyone up to the 7th floor can hear your "HE!" and the "thud," you're doing it correctly.
The Principle:
The powerful physical impact, combined with the explosive exhalation, is believed to create a shockwave that can help dislodge minor blockages in the arteries and, through the consistent mechanical stimulus, help soften hardened vessels by promoting metabolism in the vascular walls.
The exhalation ("Tuo Qi") is a fundamental martial arts principle for absorbing impact without internal injury.
Frequency:
Master Ni suggested doing this every morning. You can start with 20-30 taps, and if it feels good and energizing, you can even build up to over 100.
A Personal Note & Safety First:
I've been experimenting with this myself as a supplement to my standing practice. I start gently—never use force—focusing more on the exhalation and the alignment of my spine. The sensation is definitely invigorating and seems to shake loose tension in my upper back.
However, a huge word of CAUTION:
Consult Your Doctor: If you have any pre-existing heart condition, osteoporosis, spinal issues, or are on blood thinners, please, please consult a healthcare professional before trying this.
Start Gently: This is not about brute force. It's about a percussive wave. Begin with light, gentle contact. The wall doesn't move; you do. It's your body creating the impact, so you control the intensity.
Never Use Your Head: As Master Ni said, this is for the back, specifically the upper/mid-back. Do not hit your head against the wall.
It's a powerful idea that a ancient martial arts corrective could serve as a modern preventative health measure. It reminds me that so much of this internal work is about creating movement and vibration where there is stagnation.
What are your thoughts? Has anyone else heard of or tried this "Zhuang Qiang" practice? Do you know of any traditional forms or Qigong sets that incorporate similar principles of percussive impact for health?
Looking forward to the discussion.
I recently came across a fascinating segment from the renowned Chinese medicine master, Ni Haixia, in a conversation with Liang Dong. They discussed a strikingly simple method he claimed could prevent heart attacks and address issues like arterial blockages and coronary heart disease.
Master Ni presented this not as a complex medical formula, but as a direct application of Chinese martial arts wisdom. Given our community's interest in the practical, health-giving aspects of these internal arts, I thought it was worth sharing and discussing.
He called the practice "Zhuang Qiang" or "Wall Tapping/Tapping the Wall."
Here's the essence of the method, as he described it:
The Action:
Use your back to tap a solid, sturdy wall (he emphasized a concrete wall, not a thin one you could damage).
The point of contact is the area between your shoulder blades, specifically around the 4th and 5th thoracic vertebrae (T4-T5) on your spine.
The Sound:
As your back makes contact with the wall, you must forcefully exhale and vocalize the sound "HE!" (pronounced "Huh!").
This sound should, he said, originate from the heart. The ability to produce a strong "HE!" is itself an indicator of good heart function.
He joked that if you live on the first floor and everyone up to the 7th floor can hear your "HE!" and the "thud," you're doing it correctly.
The Principle:
The powerful physical impact, combined with the explosive exhalation, is believed to create a shockwave that can help dislodge minor blockages in the arteries and, through the consistent mechanical stimulus, help soften hardened vessels by promoting metabolism in the vascular walls.
The exhalation ("Tuo Qi") is a fundamental martial arts principle for absorbing impact without internal injury.
Frequency:
Master Ni suggested doing this every morning. You can start with 20-30 taps, and if it feels good and energizing, you can even build up to over 100.
A Personal Note & Safety First:
I've been experimenting with this myself as a supplement to my standing practice. I start gently—never use force—focusing more on the exhalation and the alignment of my spine. The sensation is definitely invigorating and seems to shake loose tension in my upper back.
However, a huge word of CAUTION:
Consult Your Doctor: If you have any pre-existing heart condition, osteoporosis, spinal issues, or are on blood thinners, please, please consult a healthcare professional before trying this.
Start Gently: This is not about brute force. It's about a percussive wave. Begin with light, gentle contact. The wall doesn't move; you do. It's your body creating the impact, so you control the intensity.
Never Use Your Head: As Master Ni said, this is for the back, specifically the upper/mid-back. Do not hit your head against the wall.
It's a powerful idea that a ancient martial arts corrective could serve as a modern preventative health measure. It reminds me that so much of this internal work is about creating movement and vibration where there is stagnation.
What are your thoughts? Has anyone else heard of or tried this "Zhuang Qiang" practice? Do you know of any traditional forms or Qigong sets that incorporate similar principles of percussive impact for health?
Looking forward to the discussion.
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