Heal Like a Master… Energy Work You Can Do Right NOW to Feel Your Best | Lao Shi Dean Keller
The Science of Self-Healing Hosted by Dr. Sharon Stills With Lao Shi Keller
About Lao Shi Keller
Lao Shi Keller began his martial arts training over 30 years ago in the Bai Lung Kung fu / Tai Chi system of Grandmaster Daniel K. Pai. This opportunity served to build a strong foundation and understanding of Martial Arts, Taoist Energetics and Meditation which he has enjoyed sharing with thousands of students.
In the late 1980’s Lao Shi Keller expanded his studies in China where under Grandmaster Wang Pei Sheng he studied Xingyi, Yin Style Ba Gua, Wu style Tai Chi and Chi Gong. Master Wang’s vast knowledge of Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese Medicine served as a pivotal time for Lao Shi Keller. He came to realize that all of the Great Masters that he encountered knew both martial arts and various types of healing practices.
In 2005, Lao Shi Keller received his Masters of Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College. He continued to refine his studies of classical TCM when traveling and practicing in hospitals in China. He also began incorporating ancient Taoist healing principles that he learned from Sifu Share K. Lew of the Yellow Mountain Monastery into his private practice where he treats patients with various types of illnesses.
Following his studies, Lao Shi Keller was asked to teach at Paul Bergner’s, Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism where he taught Traditional Chinese Medicine. Lao Shi continues to seek how to bridge esoteric Taoist theories to modern science. In this, he continues to research the applications of quantum physics to consciousness and biology.
Based on Lao Shi Keller’s exposure to different amazing Masters through the years he has drawn upon their knowledge and experience to refine his teaching and practice. His strong desire to continue their lineages in Ssu Tao Pai Kung fu expresses itself in numerous ways. The carefully constructed curriculum within his school provides his students with a clear and solid path to develop themselves fully over the course of their training.
Links & Resources Mentioned
Check Out Lao Shi Keller's School here
My Message
"Taoist ideas are about the Path, and everybody has a 'Way' - as long as we are finding ways to be healthy mentally, physically, and spiritually, and finding ways to do that for others, that is my wish."
-Lao Shi Keller
Episode Highlights with Lao Shi Keller
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The basis of Tai Chi / Qi Gong is learning to control the mind.
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Tai Chi enforces sustained discipline of the mind, slowing one down enough to focus on bodily structure, patience, and clarity of thought.
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Learning to healthily process emotion is also a byproduct of Qi Gong/Tai Chi
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Focusing the mind on breath releases endorphins, as well as brings oneself to the present moment.
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Observing infants, when a baby has been crying and finally calms down, they have a specific “sigh” where they inhale rapidly 2-3 times, then let out a long exhale. Recent studies have shown that this “infant’s sigh” actually resets the nervous system.
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Yin breath = a cooling, calming breath. This is an inhale through the nose.
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Yang breath = a heating, moving breath. This is an exhale through the mouth.
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A simple breathing exercise you can do right now: Inhale slowly through the nose. While inhaling, very slightly tighten the muscles in your core (slightly!) Then exhale slowly while relaxing all muscles. The image is that of a bellows gently stoking a flame. There are many effects to this simple breathing exercise, to include a gentle massage of the internal organs, moving and tonifying the chi, and reducing mental anxiety/stress.
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Tai Chi was developed as a martial art – the movements are intended as self-defense, but it is also a balance-practice, as well as a mental and energetic practice. It can be considered as a movement meditation.
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Tai Chi is also a strength practice which uses the small muscles in the body that often atrophy as we age. These muscles are responsible for our stability and balance.
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Qi Gong is an energy-building practice.
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To begin experimenting with chi, try holding your hands close together, and slowly pull them apart. See what you feel, with no judgment. There are several chi sensitivity exercises one can do.
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A simple Qi Gong exercise that can be done from home:
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Sit comfortably (or stand comfortably) and cup open hands one on top of another, resting slightly below the navel and practice the breathing technique mentioned above. (Yin inhale, yang exhale)
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Learning to train the “monkey mind” is akin to teaching a child… A child cannot focus for hours on end. They learn, and need a break to have some fun. The mind is similar – it can focus for a minute, maybe two or three, then needs a break. Do not judge the mind when you start to wander during meditation… acknowledge it, and gently bring it back to the breath.
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Infant’s Cave Meditation is an active mind-meditation that focuses systematically on the upper dan tien (head space/third eye,) middle dan tien, (heart chakra area,) and lower dan tien (a few inches below the navel.) During this meditation, one uses the breath to “stretch” the energetic space around these areas of the body.
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Sometimes we believe that self-healing must be complex, “sexy,” or expensive. But there is profound power in a simple breathing exercise, a good conversation, an invigorating hike in nature, or anything that brings joy to one’s life. These moments heal us body, mind and soul.
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Giving gratitude for the things in life actually changes our DNA, hormones, and neurotransmitters!