Self-healing : Introduction

Self-healing is natural healing. This article should rightly be called How to self-heal naturally. There is nothing more precise
than self-healing to ascribe to any other methods in natural healing. Usually natural healing takes the form of prescribing
herbs and other natural concomitants. Self-healing is quite different in that one undertakes to heal oneself by natural means
without any herbal medication.
Sounds like a big order. Yes it is. Not only is it possible to heal oneself by self-healing, it is also surprisingly the easiest
method I have ever come across. You can learn this self-healing posture in just one minute. And it is FREE! It is almost a
dream come true to find something easy that works for ones health and at the same time, FREE!
This is not a sales gimmick. I dont sell you anything here. All my articles on wellness are FREE! They are also very practical
and easy to follow. What I ask from you is to read this self-healing posture article with an open-mind, and then try this selfhealing posture for FREE without any side effect. Sorry, correction; there are definitely two side effects; you will feel
healthier and therefore happier in the process! To put you in a more comfortable frame of mind, this self-healing posture is
not mine. You can find this self-healing posture in Youtube. I am only sharing with you what I found from my full-time search
for wellness in the internet. My philosophy is that All good things should be shared for FREE!. At the end of this article I
shall give you the links to read in more detail, this wonderful and fantastic self-healing system, together with demonstration
videos.

Self-healing : The man behind this wellness system

At the end of this article, you will be shown 3 Youtube presentation. They are taken in three parts of about 10 minutes each,
for easy viewing. Before you proceed to view them, please let me introduce the man behind this self-healing posture.
The person responsible for this set of self-healing techniques is a Chinese from China by the name of Hongchi Xiao. In fact
the correct placement of his name should be Xiao Hongchi. You see, Chinese names have the surname in front. So he is Mr.
Xiao, or more rightly Master Xiao.
Master Xiao is a very versatile and brilliant person. He also speaks flawless English. That makes him more universal. With
the two widely-spoken languages, Mandarin Chinese and English, one can consider oneself a universal person as one can
travel the world without much communication problem.
Master Xiao has written several best-selling books in Taiwan. The latest book is about this subject of wellness incorporating
topics on Chinese medicine, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. He has been repeatedly invited to demonstrate his
wellness techniques on Chinese television in both China and Taiwan.
Master Xiaos philosophy is that we dont have to wait for someone to heal us. We must take full control of our health and
live in harmonious relationship with nature. The Tao way. The natural way in which one adjusts ones body to match with
natures way. In this manner, each of us will be our own doctor.
Master Xiao was once a successful financier in Wall Street and Hong Kong for more than a decade. Following the advice of
a Buddhist monk , he embarked on an adventurous journey across China to learn ancient techniques of healing. Master
Xiao has mastered the art of self-healing and other ancient Chinese healing systems which include acupuncture,
acupressure, point therapy, orthopaedics and moxibustion.

Self-healing : The Tao of life

Tao can be loosely translated as The Way. The WAY of nature. Our physical bodies are made from nature. When we die
we go back to nature as bones and dust. If we dont follow natures way, our physical bodies are going against nature which
they depend on to survive. The ultimate result is having health problems. Taos principle of Yin and Yang is based on this
natures way. Yin is the softer side of nature, or we can refer it as having female attributes. Yang is the harder side of
nature, or we can refer it as having male attributes. At first glance, they seem to be opposing attributes. But if you consider
further, when both are in harmony or are balanced, the condition is perfect. Take for example, cold and hot water. Cold water
is Yin, and hot water is Yang. Too much cold Yin will freeze us to death. Too much hot Yang will scald us to death too. But if

we balance the two, then we feel comfortable and live on. The principle of Yin Yang is like this. Tao, is the principle of The
Harmony Of The Opposites.
A very good example is the tree. The tree takes nourishment both from the ground (Yin) and from the atmosphere (Yang).
Too much water or too much sunlight will eventually kill the tree. With proper balance of Yin and Yang, the tree grows and
bears fruits.
We humans are just like any other thing that comes from nature. You go against natures way, you suffer. So we need to live
a balanced life-style in accordance with natures wayThe Tao. Take a look at the life-style of birds, for example. When
dawn breaks, they wake up and start flying off to begin their activities. When dusk approaches, they return to their roosting
place and rest for the night. This is the life-style set by nature for them. They live in accordance with natures principles.
We, foolish humans are the only species that goes against Nature! We should also follow the rules set for us by nature in
order to live a long and healthy life.

Self-healing : La-jin Therapy

Master Xiao asserted that in order for a technique to be useful, it must have five criteria:
1. Must be effective.
2. Must be simple and easy to learn.
3. Must be safe.
4. Must be able to cure many ailments.
5. DIY : Must be able to do it yourself.
And may I add a sixth criterion : Better still if it is FREE!
The first technique is called the La-jin posture. In Chinese, La means stretch and jin means ligaments and tendons. So
La-jin means stretching the ligaments and tendons.
In Chinese medical text, there is a main strip of jin running from the top of the neck down from the back to the waist, the
thighs, the calves, the heels and ends at the center of the soles. When the ligaments or tendons are not functioning properly,
they will affect many parts of the body, creating pain and inhibiting movements. This ailment is called Jin suo in Chinese,
meaning, contraction, atrophy, or degeneration of the functions of Jin or the ligaments and tendons.
The symptoms of Jin Suo are as follows:

Neck stiffness and pain

Lumbar stiffness and pain

Inability to bend down

Back stiffness and pain

Leg pain and paralysis

Inability to squat down

Uneven length of the legs

Radiating pain in the heels

Short walking steps

Stressed ligament at the hip joint

Inability to raise the thighs forward or sideways

Difficulty in turning around

Contraction or atrophy of La-Jins

Inability to extend or bend the elbow

Distention, numbness, pain or inflexibility in the arm, leg, elbow and knee

Self-healing : How La-jin works

La-jin relieves body pain, expels toxin, and even enhances sexual ability. Amongst other benefits, la-jin therapy may relieve
or even cure problems in the urinary system and reproductive system; stomach problem; gastroenteritis; numbness, pain
and swelling in the hands and feet; cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems; liver and gal bladder problems; dermatitis;
and diabetes.
In simple language, there are meridians along the Jin route. Any dysfunction of the meridians will also affect the functioning
of the Jin and will cause body pain. La-jin will restore the tenderness of Jin and reposition the affected spots so that the
framework of the body is corrected and the vitality flows smoothly and healthily. Pain and discomfort in the body will
gradually diminish. La-jin will also strengthen the kidneys and the bladder. A strong pair of kidneys will enhance human
energy and sexual ability.
Imagine that this body is connected throughout by a flexible hose enabling circulation of chi or inner energy. If you have
difficulty understanding this Chi, then imagine blood circulating through the veins and arteries. This flexible hose may be
blocked for two reasons; one, the hose is twisted or bent; and two, sediments have accumulated in the passage. What will
happen? There is restriction to the flow of Chi, and every part of the body is affected, and in time the system gets stuck. This
is what happened to most people who suffer body and joint pains. The remedy is to straighten the hose, and also to clear the
sediments stuck inside the hose. La-jin is to straighten the hose, and Pai-da (patting and slapping, as will be explained
below) is to clear the sediments.
Once the Jin is straightened and unblocked, the flow of Chi runs smoothly, and the whole body system will be in harmony
with Yin and Yang. The body will be rejunivated and the immune system strengthened. Any virus or negative impediments
will immediately be flushed out, just like a very swift stream flowing through where all impurities and debris will be flushed
out through the river-mouth into the vast ocean. The body will be maintained in perfect health.

La-jin posture #1 : Lying down

Self-healing : Learning La-jin posture #1 in 1 minute

One Taoist axiom assures : the extension of one inch in Jin results in the extension of ten years in life. In fact it is observed
that a person who live a long life always displays a flexible body. It is therefore pertinent that one must practice la-jin posture
at least once a day to maintain ones healthy posture. La-jin posture is so easy that it only takes 1 minute to learn. It is that
simple that I need not have to describe in words, the La-jin posture. Just take a look at the pictures on the right and the one
at the top right. See its so easy that you dont need any description! You can do it lying down, literally!

There is a special La-jin bench but I dont think you can get it in the West. You can improvise by placing 2 or 3 chairs
together as you can see from the third Youtube video (@ 0:15) at the end of this article and also the two photos below on the
right, showing me doing lajin.
Just to assure you on two points. Most people will not be able to raise the leg to a 90 -degree angle initially, without
assistance. So for a start, just lift you leg to the best possible angle; even 45 degrees will do. In due course with constant
practice you will be able to do so in perfection! Also your arms may not be able to fully stretch to the back. Its ok. Just
stretch the best you can. In time, you will be an expert as you regain your perfect health which you are entitled to, in the first
place.
The second point is that different people will experience different levels of pain depending on the conditions of the ligaments
and tendons. The advice is to start off gradually. Stretch to the limit that you can persevere and for the duration that you feel
comfortable with. For a start, 5 minutes will be an achievement. Ideally, it should be at least 10 minutes for each leg.

Me doing posture #1

After a few practices, better posture!

Me doing posture #2

My personal testimony : La-jin posture #1

This is my personal testimony. Of late, my health has not been up to mark. I felt lethargic and was always sleepy, despite
following my daily wellness regime. Then I tried the La-jin posture #1 for 5 minutes each leg. After only two sessions, I could
feel the vast difference in my physical condition. No more tiredness and sleepiness! I used to have black-out spell when I got
up after bending down. Now it's gone. This is fantastic! In my years of practising the various types of qigong, never had I
experienced such immediate and effective results. This is great!
I strongly recommend that you try this fantastic self-healing La-jin posture. Remember, it's free. You only need two chairs for
support. Initially, I used three chairs, which was more comfortable for my arms. Now I only use two chairs as suggested; and
this way I could feel the stretch on my diaphragm, chest and shoulder joints as well. You may also feel "pins and needles" or
tingling sensation on both your palms and the fingers during the stretch, which should subside after a few practice sessions.
This sensation is an indication that the qi (chi) is moving and circulating.
When I first started, I could only raise my leg to about 45 degrees; but after a few days I was able to touch my calf against
the wall. Now my whole leg and buttock are able to rest against the wall. Believe me, when you can rest at least your calf
against the wall, you will feel more relaxed and more comfortable. From then on, it's smooth ride all the way, and you can
easily extend the duration while you close your eyes and relax! Now I stay for 10 minutes each side. Don't worry about the
position of the other leg. Just let it dangle down naturally. If you have flexible joints then the foot will touch the floor. If you are
like me, the joints are not that flexible, and the leg just dangles in the air. Take a look at the first photo of me on the top right,
doing the Lajin. Quite comical, isn't it? My right thigh was not able to bend lower. Please remember, the mission is to do the

exercise for improvement of our health, within our own levels and abilities. We are not competing in the Olympics! However,
after a few practices, the legs can become more flexible. Take a look at my second photo on the right.
When you are able to relax while doing the Lajin stretch, you can try some deep breathing at the same time. Take a deep full
breath, breathing in slowly from your nostrils. Let the air intake fill the whole lungs and feel the stomach extending. Hold your
breath for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly through your mouth. This is to exercise your lungs and stomach and at the
same time you will feel your Lajin position improving as the pressure from your extended lungs and stomach push your
buttocks forward.
This breathing method is also a type of qigong breathing technique. The in-breath is supposed to draw in positive qi (or
positive fresh air) into the base of the body which is the center of gravity of the body. The exact location is 2 inches below
the navel (or 3 finger-widths below the navel) and in Chinese this location is called the lower "Dantian"or simply "Dantian".
This location is supposed to be the storehouse of "qi" or life energy. It is so vital that lower Dantian is considered to be "like
the root of the tree of life". When you breathe out through your mouth, imagine that you are expelling negative or "used" qi,
or toxic air from your body. With a complete cycle of breathing in and breathing out, you are replenishing positive life energy
to your body, and expelling negative toxic air (negative qi) out from the body.
Before I forget, I do this lajin stretch with my eyes closed, which enables me to really feel completely relaxed. While doing
the breathing exercise, I also practise visualization. Visualizing the in-breath slowly filling up my lungs and strengthening my
stomach and abdomen. Then I visualize the breath staying put for a few seconds, and slowly empties through the mouth.
I also do two extended exercises after the 10-minute stretch. With both hands pressed on the thigh of the raised leg, I do the
"cycling" exercise on the other leg. After that, another exercise, with both hands holding the thigh of the "free" leg, I stretch it
sideways.
This is an update: From my consistent Lajin practice, I found that one of the most effective results is the strengthening and
maintaining the straight posture of my spine.

La-jin posture #2 : Standing

Source

Self-healing : La-Jin posture #2 - standing posture

This is also very easy. Take a look at the picture on the right and follow the instruction below:

Stand in a doorframe, raise both arms touching both sides of the doorframe; stretch your arms as much as you
can.

Stretch one leg forward slightly bent; and stretch the other leg behind as straight as possible.

Keep your upper body upright; eyes looking straight ahead.

Stay in this position for three minutes and then switch the legs and repeat the exercise for another three minutes.

Self-healing : Caution
People with hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, or are physically weak for a long time, or pregnant must consult their
doctors on whether they can do La-Jin. My personal opinion is that pregnant ladies should avoid practising La-Jin.

Self-healing : Pai-da therapy

Now we come to the second part of self-healing therapy. You can watch the demonstration at the end of the third Youtube
video. In Chinese it is called Pai-da therapy. Pai means patting, and Da means slapping. For those not used to Hanyu
Pinyin pronunciation Da should be pronounced as Ta (without aspiration). Just like Dao is pronounced as Tao.
This system of patting and slapping is quite common in qigong practice. It is done usually after the end of the qigong
session. You can see this practice in the last video of my other article titled Relaxing-qigong.
It is believed that patting and slapping the skin and the joints will activate the flow of Chi or inner energy that gives life
and vitality to the body. This technique draws out the bad chi (Yin Chi) and invigorates the body with the positive chi
(Yang chi), and stimulates the meridians with the powerful flow of positive Chi, thereby energizing the body with vitality.
The sequence of Pai-da is from top down. Generally starting from the top and back of the head, down the chest, shoulders,
arms, waist, thighs and the legs. Along the way, all the joints are slapped as hard as possible. Although it is patting and
slapping, I also do circular rubbing massage especially on the knees and around the stomach and lower abdomen.
Another complementary massage is doing light rubbing by sliding the palms down the body following the same sequence as
Pai-da, from the top of the head (including the face and ears) down to the ankles.
This concludes the self-healing system as taught by Master Xiao.
If you are interested, i also have my own version of simple massages :

Frequency of practice
As for how often we need to practise this therapy, Master Xiao has this to say,
"If you want more health benefits, practise more often,
If you want less health benefits, practise less often,
If you don't want any health benefit, then don't do it."

Paida & Lajin Facebook

You can join "Paida & Lajin" Facebook here.

Self-healing : Now the video presentation

You would have to spend some time to finish watching the 5 videos presented below. Perhaps you need to visit this site a
few times to be able to finish watching these 5 videos. However, you can even skip the videos and be able to practice Lajin.
By just reading my article and following the instructions given, you will not have any problem practising Lajin straight away!
But I would strongly recommend that you spend some time watching all the 5 videos in due course.
Below are the five videos. Three videos from Youtube. It was an interview with Master Xiao by Anne Margrethe of the
Home Planet Network at the Beyond 2012 conference in the Newton Hotel, Nairn, Inverness, Scotland. The first two parts
are introduction of Master Xiaos journey of discovery and his philosophy of Chinese self-healing. The third Youtube video
shows the La-jin and Pai-da demonstration.