Chi Gong
Chi (Qi) is the Chinese term that refers to permeates the body and gives us life.  Qi Gong (Chi Kung) refers to the ‘’ability’’ or ‘’techniques’’ to cultivate Chi and freely circulate it through the body for good health and long life.  ‘’Tao’’ refers to ‘’Way’’ or ‘’Path’’ that nourishes life.  The ancient Taoists developed extraordinary abilities through the practice and perfection of methods to cultivate Chi.  They could cultivate a healthy, energetic lifespan, with some living to be from 100 to 150 years of age.  By practicing the internal arts every day a person can strengthen their internal organs and reduce stress on the nervous system.  Daily practice will greatly improve your overall health. 
The following is a short list of some of the many exercise taught at the Little Nine Heaven Internal Kung Fu and Tai Chi School Chicago.  All are authentic chi gong exercises developed by the ancient Taoists, and passed down through the centuries. 
Tiger playing with the Ball, Reaching for Heaven and Earth, Shaolin Three Exercises, Cloud Hands, Eagle Grasping, Eight Sections Brocade (Eight Pieces of Brocade), Iron Hand Meditation, and the ‘’Cooking’’ method of our Advanced Iron Hand, the Six Healing Sounds, and Bone Marrow Washing Iron Shirt or Shih Shui  (Xui Sui Gong) taught by Lao Tzu James W. McNeil.) Each of these exercises offers different types of health benefits that each contribute to health, sexual health, and longevity. 
Shih-Shui
(Bone Marrow Washing)
Classes offered at Little Nine Heaven Chicago taught by Lao Tzu James W. McNeil

Where does Shih-Shui come from?
The origins of Shih-Shui (pronounced she-sway) can be traced back to the time of Huang-Ti the Yellow Emperor of China (2698 BC).  The lineage of the Little Nine Heaven system which includes Shih-Shui was handed down from generation to generation until it reached the Taoist priest Lushan Daoren who established a new Little Nine Heaven temple in China in the early 1800’s.  This temple was located in northeastern China on Yi Wu Lu Mountain.  In the early 1900’s Lushan Daoren taught the system to Chiao Chang-Hung who instructed James McNeil from 1984-2003.  Master instructor James W. McNeil is one of the only qualified teachers  of Shih-Shui in US.  Shih-Shui can not be learned without a qualified instructor.

“…While a young man in China, Chiao's grandfather gave a portion of his land to the Taoist priests which their sacred temple was on. Throughout his childhood, young Chiao would watch the priests and monks perform kung fu and would spend hours imitating their moves and gestures.  Years passed by and young Chiao visited the temple many times and always noticed that one door was always locked. Then one day, a more curious and daring Chiao climbed the final locked wall putting him in the forbidden temple grounds. 
A bold 18 year old, he was approached by a high priest who asked
him his intentions. Chiao replied that he was practicing his kung fu.  Doubting the validity of Chiao's claim, the high priest held out a single finger, asking Chiao to move it.  Chiao tried first with one hand, then with both and finally used his whole body to try and move the finger without success.  It was then that Chiao realized that he did not know kung fu and asked to be a disciple of the priest.  The priest put his hand on young Chiao's head, and said; “You are the last son of a great family, making priesthood impossible.” But young Chiao persisted, and the priest recognized the youth's eagerness and keen desire to learn the ancient art of kung fu.  The priest said Chiao could become a disciple, but only with his grandfather's permission. Chiao's grandfather, realizing the honor of his grandson being asked to be a disciple of the master, gave his consent immediately. Thus, young Chiao Chang-Hung became the first non-bloodline bestowed such an honor.  He moved into the temple and studied under the high priest to learn the ancient art of kung-fu named Hsiao Chiu Tien  (Little Nine Heaven) which consists of three different skills: Ju-Kung (boxing), Chian-Kuan Jen (swordsmanship) and Shih-Shui (chi-kung). This made Grandmaster Chiao Chang-Hung the 33rd generation of Shih-Shui Kung-Fu…”*
“The Study of Health and Longevity Through Personal Hormones” -Master Chiao Chang-Hung, 1955.

What is Shih-Shui?

Shih-Shui (pronounced she-sway), also known as ‘Bone Marrow Washing’ or ‘Iron Shirt Chi-Kung,’ is a component of the ancient Taoist Little Nine Heaven system which originated in China almost 2500 years ago.  Shih-Shui is an advanced form of chi-kung that focuses on strengthening the internal body and increasing sexual energy with a goal to optimize and preserve the health of the body, mind and spirit.  It consists primarily of a series of special breathing and strengthening exercises along with specific energy circulation techniques.  Shih-Shui can be practiced alongside and will enhance any other discipline. Any adult man or woman can learn and gain the benefits of Shih-Shui. 

What are the Health Benefits of Practicing Shih-Shui?
Shih-Shui promotes feelings of youthfulness and clearer sharper thinking.  A robust immune system, strong bones and supple ligaments are among the results of regular practice.  Shih-Shui tones and invigorates the entire body, but most importantly the bone marrow, prostate, testicles, kidneys, vagina and ovaries are stimulated to noticeably increase vitality and overall health.  Shih-Shui enhances the strength and integrity of the physical body, in many cases eliminating old aches & pains and even sexual difficulties.  Many practitioners report dramatically enhanced sexual experience and ability.  Improved confidence & self-esteem are perhaps the most significant benefits of all.  Many feel that they have discovered a veritable fountain of youth in Shih-Shui!
“Adequate food is better than good medicine, flourishing chi is better than adequate food”  –Master Chiao Chang-Hung

Why is Shih-Shui so Effective?
Shih-Shui works directly on areas of the body that are often neglected or ignored completely.  Shih-Shui is a holistic discipline that can help the practitioner to attain elevated functioning and harmony of the body and mind.  Benefits are usually felt within the first week of training. 
“Russian scientist Meixxx stated that by appropriately adjusting the production of hormones, which in turn regulates our body metabolism, ailments could be cured and our life span increased without the help of external medication.  Since the human body produces the hormones internally, it means that we can actually seek cure and longevity from within ourselves.  This discovery of Meixxx supports the legendary Taoist philosophy that there are “medicines” within ourselves that can be extracted to heal and extend life.”* 
What Equipment do I Need to Practice Shih-Shui?
You will need a private area free of distractions where you can train daily.  Each session will typically last 30–60 minutes.  Equipment is provided by your instructor and included in the training fee.
Shih-Shui is always taught on a personal and private basis so that instruction can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual thereby maximizing the trainings potential benefits.
How Long Does it Take to Learn?
The training itself will require 2 to 3 weeks of daily sessions with your teacher.  An initial commitment of 100 consecutive days
of training will be required after which Shih-shui should be integrated as a regular aspect of one’s health and fitness routine. 
 
Testimonials:
“…Every time I perform the exercise I feel changed –more balanced, coordinated and fluid in motion –more connected and aware.  Shih-Shui is a MOST profound system for self-development and total transformation…”-Gary Doty.  D.C., Lic. Ac.,Herbalist