Bodhidharma (Da Mo) is credited as the author of two remarkable classics which have become the "standards of reference" of qigong for martial artists, meditators, and medical therapists alike. One is called the Tendon Changing Classic (Yi Jin Jing) and the other the Marrow Cleansing Classic (Hsi Sui Jing). These two ancient manuals go hand in hand, and together they lead the adept from the most basic stretching exercises up to the most advanced techniques of internal energy alchemy. Chinese Master, Dr. Yang Jwing-ming has written an excellent English translation and commentary on both classics under the title Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Chi Kung, and is available from the YMAA (Yang's Martial Arts Association) in Jamaica Plains, MA (Boston).

The forms of qigong taught in the Tendon Changing Classic and Marrow Cleansing Classic are different but complementary. The Tendon Classic focuses mainly on toning and energizing the muscles, tendons, and fasciae, on circulating energy through the twelve major organ meridians, on moving energy to the surface to enhance the guardian shield of wei-qi, and on cultivating postnatal Fire energy. The marrow-cleansing exercises direct energy inwards into the bones and marrow and upwards into the spinal fluids and brain, build up reservoirs of energy in the eight extraordinary channels, and cultivate prenatal Water energy by transforming the original essence of hormones.

Traditional students of qigong usually begin their training with exercises derived from the Tendon Changing Classic, which builds physical strength, enhances health and vitality, increases energy resources, and forms a firm foundation for the more advanced practices derived from the Marrow Cleansing Classic. The term 'tendon changing' refers to the significant increase in the power, flexibility, and resilience of muscles and tendons brought about by these exercises, which pack and store energy into a condensed form of connective tissue called 'fasciae'. Fasciae are flat, slippery, flexible tissues which envelop and lubricate all muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Thanks to their concentrated content of electrolytes (mineralized fluids which conduct electric energy in ionic form) fasciae have the capacity to absorb and store the electrically charged ion energy of Qi.

The term 'marrow cleansing' refers to the rejuvenation of marrow effected by the practice of exercises from the classic of that name. In The Root of Chinese Chi Kung, Master Dr. Yang explains the importance of marrow-cleansing exercises as follows:

According to Chinese medicine, your body deteriorates mainly because your blood
loses its ability to feed and protect your body. Your bone marrow produces the red
blood cells and one type of the white blood cells, but as you grow older, the marrow
becomes 'dirty', and produces fewer and fewer useful blood cells. However, if you
know how to 'wash' the marrow, it will start once again to produce fresh, healthy
blood. Your body will begin to rejuvenate itself, and restore itself to the glowing
health of youth. To keep the marrow fresh and alive and functioning properly, Qi
must be plentiful and continuously supplied. Whenever there is a shortage of Qi, the
marrow will not function properly.

In traditional Chinese medicine as well as Taoist alchemy, the brain is regarded as a form of marrow, since it too is a soft, secreting tissue encased in bone. Therefore, the marrow-cleansing exercises are also designed to guide and sublimate energy upwards through the fluid into the brain, thereby stimulating the secretion of neurohormones and enhancing all cerebral functions. Marrow-cleansing exercises also stimulate the entire endocrine system to produce abundant supplied of vital hormone essence as fuel for internal energy alchemy.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

Food is most important for people. That is to say, eating well can cause one's energy to be healthy. Food can increase energy to a high degree. This is the meaning of the fact that the spleen and stomach are very important organs. The four great Confucianists of the Song and Min dynasty periods all knew a great deal about Qi Gong and recuperation methods. What they emphasized was to practice silent Gong Fu. The main method was to sit calmly (Zazen) and do nothing, absolutely nothing.

The four great Chinese medical scientists, Liu Yuan Su, Zhang Chong Zhen, Li Guo, and Zhu Zhen Xiang, were all great MASTERS in Qi Gong and recuperation. In the book, Essay on Preserving Life (She Shen Lun), Liu Yuan Su emphasized a way of exercising for vigour, energy, and spirit, using internal visualization, Qi-induction, and Saliva-swallowing, adjusting one's breathing, guarding one's energy, and exchanging breath in a way that irrigates the internal organs and balances the Yin and Yang.

Zhang Chong Zhen, in his book, Self-Practice in the Confucian Tradition (Ru Men Shi Qin), mentions a Qi Gong practice that involves using thought and blowing air to cure disease.

YOU ARE HOW YOU THINK!

Li Guo pointed out in his book, Ten books of Dong Heng (Dong Heng Shi Qin) that those who experience an excess of joy or those who are angry, worried or frightened, ruin their vitality. He considered Qi to be the root both of spirit (Shen) and essence (Jing). If a person stores up energy (Qi), it will become Jing (essence). Stored up Qi together with Jing will become Shen (spirit). If one wants to have Shen, one must have quiet. One who masters this method can become an excellent person who is truly at peace with themselves.

From extensive research by a large number of eastern and western medical specialists and professionals since 1990 alone has produced documented studies in which the following physiological mechanisms are enhanced by regular Qigong practice:

• Initiates the "relaxation response" which decreases the sympathetic function
  of the autonomic nervous system (triggered by an form of mental focus that
  frees the mind from its many distractions). This decreases heart rate and
  blood pressure, relaxes and dilates the blood capillaries, and optimizes
  the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.

• Alters the neurochemistry profile (neurotransmitters, also called information
  molecules, bond with receptor sites on tissue, enzyme, immune, and other
  cells to excite or inhibit their function) moderating pain, depression, and
  addictive cravings, as well as optimizing immune capability.

• Enhances the efficiency of the immune system through increased rate and
  flow of the lymphatic fluid.

• Improves resistance to disease and infection by accelering the elimination
  of toxic metabolites (metabolic by-products) from the interstitial spaces in
  the tissues, organs, and glands through the lymphatic system.

• Increases the efficiency of cell metabolism and tissue regeneration through
  increased circulation of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the brain, organs,
  and tissues.

• Coordinates right/left brain hemisphere dominance promoting deeper sleep,
  reduced anxiety, and mental clarity.

• Induces alpha and , in some cases theta brain waves which reduce heart rate
  and blood pressure, facilitating relaxation, mental focus, and even paranormal
  skills; this optimizes the body's self-regulative mechanisms by decreasing the
  activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

• Moderates the function of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and pineal glands, as
  well as the cerebrospinal fluid system of the brain and spinal cord, which
  mediates pain and mood and potentiates immune function.