17/02/2025
You may have noticed that I wear my hair in an unusual style. Many Daoists grow their hair long and gather it into a topknot. This seemingly simple tradition carries deep cultural and spiritual significance, offering insights into Daoism and Chinese heritage.
Daoism teaches harmony with the natural flow of energy that permeates all things. By allowing our hair to grow naturally, we honor the body’s intrinsic processes. However, while Daoists traditionally maintain long hair (or beards), they do not let it grow unkept. Instead, the hair is gathered into a topknot. This practice reflects the belief that hair is an extension of the body’s energy. Binding it in this specific way helps focus the heart and mind on spiritual cultivation (收心). The topknot also serves as a distinctive marker, distinguishing Daoists from laypeople and Buddhists.
The placement of the topknot is intentional. It sits over Bai Hui (百会), or “Hundred Meetings” (GV20), a critical acupuncture point. Five meridians pass through this spot, making it one of the body's most vital energy centers. Acupuncturists use Bai Hui to enhance mental clarity, calm the mind, expand awareness, and promote inner balance.
In recent years, more people have adopted the Daoist topknot, especially as part of the global resurgence of Wudang arts. However, traditionally, the topknot was reserved for those formally accepted into a Daoist lineage. A newcomer entering a Daoist temple would typically undergo a three-year probationary period, performing various tasks while being observed by the temple community. During this time, they would stop cutting their hair. If accepted as a disciple, a formal ceremony would be held in which their master would style their hair into a topknot for the first time and gift them a set of the master’s old robes.
The most common topknot style is formed by wrapping two sections of hair around a hair-stick, resembling a cow’s nose—hence its playful nickname, the “cow-nose style” (牛鼻头). Buddhist monks have been known to tease Daoists by calling them “cow-noses.” Interestingly, the cow is a revered symbol in Daoism. According to legend, Laozi, the author of the Dao De Jing, journeyed westward on the back of a cow. Because of this story, Daoists regard cows as fellow travelers on the path of the Dao. Just as a bull wears a ring through its nose to guide its movements, Daoists secure their topknots with a hair-stick (簪子, zan zi), symbolizing how their connection to the Dao leads them through life.
More than just a hairstyle, the Daoist topknot embodies profound spiritual meaning. It marks one’s acceptance into the Daoist community, channels and refines energy, enhances mental focus, and serves as a visible sign of dedication to the Dao.
27/08/2024
See you in Perth this weekend xx
Qigong Perth Western Australia
09/07/2024
As I have been asked this a few times I will now add this in our course under the Earth element phase. I hope you all find this useful. In good Qi Fay xx
The Importance of Feet in Qigong
In Qigong, the condition and alignment of the feet are crucial for various interconnected reasons.
Correct Alignment
Proper posture is essential, focusing on how the soles of the feet contact the ground, weight distribution, and the condition of the foot muscles and ligaments. The relationship between the feet and the rest of the body also plays a significant role. Correct alignment ensures the effective functioning of the physical body and supports smooth qi flow through energy channels.
Energy Roots and Yongquan Points
The feet are vital in building energy roots, a key aspect of Taoist Qigong practice. The Yongquan points (K-1) on the feet allow the Earth's healing energy to enter and nourish the body.
Feet and Whole Body Alignment
Recognizing the interconnection from the soles of the feet to the head highlights how the condition of the feet affects whole-body alignment.
Foundation and Stability
A solid foundation is essential for any structure. Similarly, the human body, though adaptable, relies on the feet's condition for stability. Poor foot alignment can lead to issues like scoliosis or joint problems. Conversely, other body conditions can affect the feet, as seen in Traditional Chinese Medicine where flat feet are linked to weak Kidney energy.
Ideal Foot Contact with the Ground
For optimal body support, the feet should contact the ground at nine points:
.The five toes,
.The big ball (under the big toe),
.The small ball (under the little toe),
.The outer edge,
.The heel.
Pressure Distribution
Uneven contact increases pressure on certain points, potentially leading to deformities and misalignments. Observing wet footprints can reveal how well your feet support your body.
Developing Foot Awareness
In Qigong, learning to "read" the body through feeling, rather than sight, is emphasized. This includes connecting with the soles of the feet.
Exercise for Re-aligning Feet
Basic Posture: Stand shoulder-width apart, eyes closed, with calm breathing.
Awareness: Focus on the feet's contact with the ground and imagine all nine points touching the ground.
Micro-corrections: Allow the body to make small adjustments without physically moving the feet.
Mind-Walking Exercise: Move your awareness through each of the nine points, then unify your awareness to all points together.
Integration: Perform this exercise at the beginning or end of your daily Qigong practice or anytime during the day. Over time, this can significantly improve foot alignment and ground connection.
With regular practice, you should notice improvements in foot alignment and overall body stability.
All Qigong forms require a firm knowledge of this practice from standing tree posture to other iron shirt postures as it gives you a firm stance that connects you to mother earth. I liken a firm stance to a tree with deep roots rather than a tree with shallow roots that can be weak and fall over with a strong storm.
10/04/2024
Hi Qi friends, we are having a Zoom catch-up for this year's live immersion.
This is the perfect opportunity to catch up and meet your roommate, ask questions, and feel the buzz as we get close to lift off. I hope you can make it on 17th April at 7.30pm. Here is the link.
Fay Savage-Winter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Fay Savage-Winter's Zoom Meeting
Time: Apr 17, 2024 07:30 PM Perth
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85060618770?pwd=60WD6Y3daM0242dXaUhCa1OvVeVzAb.1
Meeting ID: 850 6061 8770
Passcode: 998163
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19/02/2024
Hmmmm sound familiar?
Yesterday was a clear demonstration of a movement gathering power and momentum. 💥 Instructors from Pink Belt Supporter Clubs across Australia and overseas met online for our third annual Trauma-Informed Martial Arts Workshop. The discussion, led by our resident expert Georgia Verry from Conscious Combat Club was lively, thoughtful and positive. 🙏
Our workshops upskill martial arts instructors on providing a contemporary trauma-informed approach to their coaching and operations. This is about amplifying the already positive and evidence-backed benefits of martial arts for both the prevention of, and recovery from violence.
More information about becoming a Pink Belt Supporter Club is available on our website ⬇️
https://www.pinkbelt.com.au/for-clubs
14/01/2025
10/09/2024
25/08/2024
09/07/2024
19/02/2024