Thursday, August 13, 2009

Aches, pains, and Bruises

Given most of the guys in the dojo are old - I mean at the age where if they were Scotch whisky, they would be very expensive and appreciated- it's not surprising most everyone has some nagging chronic aches, bruise a bit more easily, and need a bit of help for recovery at times.

Massage, ice, heat, ibuprofen, all help. But for us untraditional traditionalists, we have been making our own Dit Da Jow and Tendon lotion. Using formulas from Tom Bisio's book- A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth - these are surprisingly effective for slow to heal injuries(tendon) and new injuries(Dit Da Jow).

While a lot of people claim these don't work at all, we have had very good results, especially with the Tendon lotion for those chronic aches and pains that take longer and longer to stretch out and don't heal. I personally have had a problem shoulder pain go away, and not return, with use of the tendon ointment. Another friend has had his inflamed thumb, a problem for years, return to normal after 2 weeks of use. And most everyone in the dojo has a similar story.

Our new batch of Dit Da Jow has yet to age enough for use. We are currently working through the last of my 15 year old batch of Dit Da Jow made from a formulation I was given that came from Ark Wong, the 5 animals Gongfu sifu who was based in LA. That batch has helped me through numerous bumps and bruises healing faster than would be expected without. I made a 5 gallon batch, takes a long time to use that much, even giving it away to people.

If you have not tried any of these for your chronic aches and pains, give them a try. Plenty of sources of information online if you want more info or want to buy ready made versions by e-commerce. Or head to your local Asian herbalist and buy a ready made version or get the herbs there. And if you are local or a friend of the TNBBC, too busy to make it yourself, and want to buy some of ours, we can put you in touch with the keeper of the ointments.

Pain is just weakness leaving the body, this stuff makes it go away a bit quicker.

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