Traditional healing practice.

[michaelw]

What form of medicine or healing would have traditionally been used in a Zen monastery?
Is any form of holistic practice used within Zen other than the lifestyle? I see some of the European sangha advertise workshops for Qi Gong, Shiatsu and Do-In at their Sesshin together with calligraphy and Kesa sewing.

At Tai Chi last week, we were doing a Qi Gong exercise for grounding that was not unlike Kinhin. The teacher is always banging on about Chi energy flows and how to breath. Is there any healing practice unique to Japan or is it all derived from Chinese practice?
Gassho
MichaelW

satlah

[Jundo]

What form of medicine or healing would have traditionally been used in a Zen monastery?
Is any form of holistic practice used within Zen other than the lifestyle? I see some of the European sangha advertise workshops for Qi Gong, Shiatsu and Do-In at their Sesshin together with calligraphy and Kesa sewing.

At Tai Chi last week, we were doing a Qi Gong exercise for grounding that was not unlike Kinhin. The teacher is always banging on about Chi energy flows and how to breath. Is there any healing practice unique to Japan or is it all derived from Chinese practice?
Gassho
MichaelW

satlah

Well, in the days before modern medicine, it was traditional Chinese medicine and folks remedies. That is probably why the average life expectancy in old Japan was 30 to 50 years.

I do not put much credence into "chi energy flows," and believe that do do not really exist (I say that having lived in China and Japan most of my life), and I do not believe that accupressure or shiatsu message work any particular physiological healing beyond simple massage. Tai Chi (which our Washin teaches) is helpful for physical strength and flexibility, not more. Same for yoga.

That is just my opinion. I do not wish for alternative medicine approaches to be taught through this Sangha because, for every one that may have some worth, there are 10 that are questionable. I believe in science based medicine and vaccines (although I also believe that "Big Pharma" and for profit medicine can be evil.)

Many Sangha have some courses because it attracts participants. I do not want to attract participants to our Sangha in such a way.

Gassho, Jundo
stlah

PS - There are some Japanese breath practices similar to Qi Gong, and some Zen teachers teach that. I do not believe that the techniques work any special effect on health.