pondering a bit of numbness

[Anonymous]

For a while now I have noticed that my middle toe (left) goes a bit numb when exercising. Now doing the full kwa squat it was stronger, so I split the number of squats in two with a break and was extra careful to heed the rule of thirds.
Not wanting to jump to conclusions, I have observed if I can track tension or back to certain movements but for now I have not found a trigger for this. Perhaps it is some tension releasing, or a movement that my body is not used to? Maybe you could offer some tips what to look out for, that could be linked to this?

I might add that I was born with hip displacia, which has affected hips, knees and feet to varying degrees. I find that Qi Gong has greatly strengthened my lower body, reducing weakness or pains I could get due to the above. Perhaps there is a link, hence why I add it here.

Many thanks for the supportive guidance through these empowering energy work.

[Anonymous]

Generally, body parts going numb when doing qi gong means you are exerting too much pressure on the body. This closes some joints or soft tissues and restricts nerve flow. So I suggest doing less with each movement and reducing the number of repetitions you do in any particular practice set. Also, feel for the parts of your body that might be closing down. And, when you find places where you are tensing, adjust your practice to keep those areas open.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I have been reducing where needed and monitoriing the possible origin. I have noticed that standing on a hard floor (stone or wood) brings this on. At least I have never noticed it when on a carpeted floor. So I am guessing I might be pushing /tensing in my feet, where a hard fllor gives less way.

As for reducing the practice time: on occsaion I have noticed this developing during standing practice. I have found that widening the horizon to drop energy further down into the floor helps to counter what I assume is building tension in the feet area. However, if this still happens what is the best way to proceed, when the discomfort sets in halfway through sinking Chi? Is it better to scan downwards to bring the energy down before taking a break, or rather to take a break and then pick up in the body area where I left off?

[Anonymous]

If in the middle of standing, do a few squats to release the
pain. Then, do your best to keep your mind (to the best of your ability) at the
height that you are currently working. If you feel you must move off the spot
then, before you do, spend half a minute or so dropping your qi down to the
floor to complete the circuit.

When you return to standing, start again at the
crown of you head and spend a couple of minutes sinking qi down to where you left
off. Continue to work slower and deeper down the body.

Kwa squats are one answer to releasing tension that compounds
from standing. Two additional exercises that may help:

• Shift 100% of your weight from one leg to the
  other a few times.
• Shift your weight forward to the balls of your
  feet, then back to the heels a few times.

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for the suggestions. I will experiment around with them, when and if this occurs again. At the moment things are going well, and no numbness has occurred, which I hope continues like that. But it is good to know what to do in a future case.

[Author]

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