Chi-Gong for Mad Chi(mps)

Chi-Gong is an ancient martial art that originates in China, widely used for centuries to maintain overall health, mindfulness and spiritual connection.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, also referred to as TCM, it is believed that there are channels that run through our bodies that conduct ‘Chi’ or life-force energy. These channels are important for each of us to maintain, otherwise the chi cannot flow through the body and cannot express itself and thrive.

It is for this reason the discipline of Chi Gong was created. The word Chi Gong, translates as Life-Force Training. It consists of a series of movements and stretches that ensure these vital pathways remain open and clear of blockages. These exercises are intended to train you to move in ways that are conducive to good energy flow through your body.

There are many different modalities and versions of Chi-Gong with different purposes and approaches. Some are very heavily focused on health and wellness in a physical sense, others are more focused on the meditation or mindfulness aspects of the practice. There is one modality in particular that is particularly interesting as it is strongly centered around the spiritual aspect. This is the modality known as Falun-Gong or Falun-Dafa.

Falun Gong is a very gentle yet very powerful version of Chi-Gong. It’s practitioners claim amazing health benefits and transformational properties. Though the exercises are extremely easy and gentle, they are reported to yield amazing results. In China, where Falun Gong originated, it’s practitioners are persecuted by their local government. It is actually ILLEGAL to practice Falun Gong in China. It is rumoured that not only do the practitioners get sent to jail, but because their organs are so healthy and superior to regular folks, their organs are harvested. This is rumoured to be the reason that organ transplants are so much cheaper and available in this part of the world. The sheer fact that a government would be so reactive to a practice of stretches and movements, makes you wonder if there is something more to it.

You can learn all about Falun Gong and these issues at the Friends of Falun Gong website.

The Metaphysical,Magickal and Healing Properties of Bananas

Bananas are known to many, as the ‘good mood food’. This brightly coloured, smile shaped food is universally known and accepted to make you happy whether you are a monkey or not. This is reflected in the scientific literature. One of its components; the electrolyte, potassium – one of the most important minerals in the body, is vital in keeping a good fluid balance in the body.  Potassium carries a small electrical charge that activates various cell and nerve functions and is essential to the healthy functioning of the body. Without this good fluid balance that potassium facilititates, your heart and kidneys will have a rough time supporting you and everything else becomes much harder.

In magickal practices, bananas are often used to represent and/or invoke good luck, prosperity, and masculine energy, and virility(due to its phallic shape). It is associated with the planet Mars, the element of Air, and the solar plexus(yellow) chakra.

In Hinduism the banana is significant too. To them, the entire banana plant is thought of as sacred…

• In Hindu Mythology, Rishi Durvasa whupped up his magical power on his wife and turned her into a banana tree. She begged him then, that if he was to turn her to a banana tree, to at least treat her as a sacred plant. Rishi Duravasa fulfilled her wish and since that day, the leaves of banana trees are thought of as sacred in Hindu culture.

• According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, the banana tree is equivalent to ‘Devaguru or Brihaspati’. folks believe that if you can’t afford yellow sapphire gemstone, the next best thing is to wear banana tree roots.
• The banana tree is an ultra-religious symbol, that represents Lord Vishnu.

• The banana fruit is used as popular offering to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Some say Vishnu and Lakshmi love the fruit and they bless those who offer it with a happy relationship, tons of cashflow wealth and extreme happiness for the whole family.

• During the festival called Durga Puja, the form of a Goddess is created with banana plantain. This Bodacious Banana Goddess is known as Kola Bou.

Anyways, these are just few fun facts about the amazing and wonderful banana plant.