The dark side of the force Dim Mak
Dim mak (death touch) is an ancient martial art that consists of striking certain points on the body to cause illness or death. The points are usually called dim mak points, but they are also referred to as vital points and pressure points. The majority of these points correspond to the same locations as acupuncture points. Dim mak is an extremely dangerous martial art, which can cause a great deal of damage to the human body. The effects of attacking the dim mak points include knockout, death, and a delayed death. Many have seen videotapes and seminars where a subject looses consciousness after being struck on certain points. Although this is a very dramatic demonstration method, it could have dangerous consequences.
Dim mak was created centuries ago by the same man who is believed to have developed the original tai chi form. Some have postulated that this form contained the founder's methods of attacking the most dangerous dim mak points. According to legend, this knowledge spread rapidly and influenced the development of many Chinese martial arts. These martial arts then influenced the ancient Okinawin martial art called karate. It is believed by many that the traditional katas of the Okinawin martial arts also contain the secrets of striking the dim mak points. This is interesting because Okinawin karate has had a major impact on the martial arts of Korea and Japan. Thus, it is conceivable that the traditional katas of these other martial arts could also contain the secrets of dim mak.
In the past, this knowledge was only taught to the most advanced and trusted students. As the martial arts spread around the world, the knowledge of dim mak (pressure point fighting) remained in seclusion. Thus, the true nature of many martial arts remained shrouded in secrecy. Recently this tradition of secrecy has been broken and there are martial arts masters who teach the methods of attacking the points to the public. This information is now available at seminars, in books, and on videotapes. Although this has had a positive effect on the martial arts, it does raise the issue of safety.
In most instances, dim mak is explained and taught using ancient theories based on acupuncture. Although this has been the tradition for many years, it has led to a great deal of skepticism and confusion. Because of this, many have disregarded the warnings about dim mak and started to experiment with the points. This practice could have tragic consequences. If the dangerous effects of dim mak could be explained scientifically, the warnings about the points might have more credibility. There is a definite need for a reference on dim mak that is based on modern medical science.
DIM MAK "THE DEATH TOUCH"
The Dim Mak or "Death Touch", as it is typically referred, is a part of several Chinese Martial Arts. White Eyebrow and Eagle Claw, for example, teach "Dim Mak" striking techniques as integral parts of their systems. These styles are not particularly popular or wide-spread because knowledgeable "Dim Mak" masters take only a few students and only after a long screening process. These are dangerous techniques and the moral integrity of the student is of the utmost importance. Tai Chi Praying Mantis and Choy Li Fut also teach "Dim Mak" which is referred to as pressure point training by some. These techniques are reserved only for students of good character who have reached high levels in these styles.
The effectiveness of "Dim Mak" strikes is in direct relation to Chinese Medicine's theory of blood circulation and energy balance. Circulation and energy must be balanced congruently throughout the entire body. The Chinese refer to the blood as being like a river--if its flow is not balanced it will flood, causing too much water in some places while there is too little in others. According to this theory, the body's energy source controls the balance of blood circulation. If circulation is not balanced the body can become damaged in those areas of incongruence.
Some of the principles of acupuncture as well as "Dim Mak" strikes are based on this theory. For example, an acupuncturist will attempt to release blocked energy by stimulating certain points or nerve centers along the body's 12 energy meridians. The "Dim Mak" expert will attempt the same procedure with one major difference--he prefers to cause a blockage by pressure point stimulation rather than release one.
Another theory of Chinese Medicine is that each of the 12 energy meridians corresponds to a specific time period or "hour" of the Chinese "12-hour" day. If, indeed, the "Dim Mak" practitioner strikes the correct point/meridian at the correct time he could cause greater injury to his opponent. But simply knowing the location of a certain "Dim Mak" point is not quite enough for the average person to perform "Dim Mak" successfully. One must know the exact location, depth and measurement of each pressure point. "Dim Mak" experts are trained in the internal aspects of these kinds of strikes and are very adept in focusing their own energy into the opponent via the "Dim Mak" strikes.
"Dim Mak" experts also practice extensively on external conditioning of the hands and fingertips in order to be able to strike as deeply as is necessary for each "Dim Mak" technique. In Choy Li Fut there are four principle hand techniques implemented for "Dim Mak" strikes-- Phoenix Eye Fist (Fong-Ngan Chui), Crane Beak (Hok-Juei), Arrow Finger (Jin-Ji) and Leopard Fist (Tsop-Chui).
Traditional "Dim Mak" training includes acupuncture and medicinal methods to counteract the damage inflicted by "Dim Mak" strikes. Each of the 12 meridians employs a different antidote and there are specific healing formulas that correspond to the exact time of day that the damage was done.
Do not take "Dim Mak" training lightly. True "Dim Mak" training is difficult to find and should be considered only as a life-saving defense.
| HOUR | ORGAN |
| 1:00AM - 3:00AM | LIVER |
| 3:00AM - 5:00AM | LUNGS |
| 5:00AM - 7:00AM | LARGE INTESTINES |
| 7:00AM - 9:00AM | STOMACH |
| 9:00AM - 11:00AM | SPLEEN |
| 11:00AM - 1:00PM | HEART |
| 1:00PM - 3:00PM | SMALL INTESTINES |
| 3:00 PM- 5:00PM | BLADDER |
| 5:00PM - 7:00PM | KIDNEYS |
| 7:00PM - 9:00PM | PERICARDIAL |
| 9:00 PM- 11:00PM | TRIPLE WARMER |
| 11:00PM - 1:00AM | GALL BLADDER |
Dim Mak is NOT Acupuncture ... and
Not All Acupuncture Points are Dim Mak Pressure Points.
You would have seen charts of human bodies with big dots marked on them. These charts are acupuncture charts. They are not Dim Mak pressure point charts. Contrary to popular belief, not all acupuncture points are Dim Mak points.
Some students are told by their instructor to just hit these dots as seen on the acupuncture charts. But all they are told is that these points can kill or cause serious injury. No further information is provided. As a consequence, students are using the wrong points and often miss their targets completely because they are not taught how to correctly locate the points.
Our research indicates that the Dim Mak knowledge of many instructors does not extend beyond those big dots on the charts. Some freely refer their students to these dots, others hide in the mystery and say nothing about Dim Mak Pressure Points. What's worse, some instructors PRETEND to know and continue to mislead their students.
Another important thing we have found is that students are not taught exactly how these pressure points work. They are not taught why certain points are targeted, and what the consequences are when these points are struck. Furthermore, students who are taught pressure points are still being taught points located in the wrong place! Now that’s dangerous. You must know that you put yourself at risk if you have incorrect information.
Furthermore, there are distinct differences in the theories of dim mak and acupuncture. One cannot just copy from acupuncture books and call it dim mak.
You must understand the theories of
Chinese medicine in order to master pressure points
To understand pressure point fighting, you must gain an understanding of the basic concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, and in particular, the flow of energy within the body. Other oriental medicines such as Japanese or Korean medicine was based on traditional Chinese medicine. However, those cultures have evolved and have their own medicine called Japanese or Korean acupuncture, which is different to the original Chinese model.
Naturally, the greater the understanding, the more effective the pressure point fighter will become.
Keep in mind also that there are fundamental differences between acupuncture theories and dim mak theories.
As every martial artist knows, the flow and function of Chi (that is, vital life-force or energy) is fundamentally important in the martial and healing arts. Pressure point fighting can interrupt or even reverse the flow of Chi producing devastating consequences. Not only is it important to understand Chi but one must also know about the meaning and functions of points, their exact location, point combinations, the flow and stagnation of Chi, Jing, Zang Fu organs, meridians, Yin and Yang, development of trauma and the five elements.
There is nothing new about meridians and their function in the martial and healing arts. The ancient Chinese recognised the existence of meridians thousands of years ago. When ancient tombs were recently excavated in the Hunan province in China, archaeologists discovered silk books about meridians. Modern traditional Chinese medicine speaks of 12 meridians and eight vessels with about 1000 pressure points located on the human body, many of which are not located on these meridians and vessels. I teach you which of these 1,000 points are used and why!
Both Chi and meridians are critically important in pressure point defence
Meridians connect with one another, with organs and with all other body parts. They are an intricate network of pathways for the transportation of Chi, blood and essential fluids around the body.
Pressure points lie on those meridians. A blow to a pressure point affects the flow of Chi, blood and other bodily fluids, which in turn affects the organs or other body parts to which that particular meridian is connected. Other related or linked organs or body parts may likewise be affected. Chinese Tui Na massage and Japanese Shiatsu massage make use of the meridian system as does Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine.
It is therefore important to know which pressure points lie on which meridians, and which organ is affected by a blow to a particular Dim Mak Pressure Point. For example, pressure point liver 14 is located in the intercostal space between the sixth and seventh ribs. It is called a liver point to indicate that the organ involved is the liver. Here, pressure point liver 14 is numbered as the fourteenth point on the liver meridian. A blow to this point interrupts the flow of energy on the meridian, and its associated organ, the liver.
Here’s another example. I have chosen this one because it is an example where a pressure point is used in both Dim Mak Pressure Points and for healing.
Stomach 36: A healing and a Dim Mak point you can use now
pressure point Stomach 36 is located below but near the knee. It is called a stomach point because it is on the meridian that is linked to the stomach. Some people may be surprised to learn that a point which affects the stomach is located nowhere near the stomach itself. The ancient Chinese learned that manipulation of this point causes a reaction which, depending on the form of manipulation could be favorable or adverse. It is reliably documented that soldiers in Chinese armies hundreds of years ago would gently manipulate that point and thereby invigorate the soldiers to enable the army to continue to march or do battle after they were exhausted.
The translation of the Chinese name for the point is "Leg 3 miles." It is told that soldiers could march a further three miles when they were fatigued following manipulation of this point. On the other hand, when a front or sidekick strikes stomach 36 with force, not only is damage done locally at the point, but also other bodily functions, mainly those relating to digestion are impaired. Paralysis of the lower leg is the usual consequence of a kick to this point. A blow to stomach 36 will also cause abdominal pain, gastritis, diaphragmatic spasm, diarrhoea or constipation. A skilled pressure point fighter knows that a blow to a certain pressure point will cause localised damage as well as damage to bodily functions and organs.
How you can improve your health with Stomach 36
To improve your energy and boost your immune system, massage this point with your thumb every day for three minutes. This can be done anytime, for example while sitting or watching television. Do not massage the point while eating or drinking.
SECRET NUMBER 5:The Counter flow Technique
The Counter flow technique not only describes the technique used to cause injury to a meridian but it also describes the Death Touch and the Delayed Death Touch. Its effects are deadly yet the method used is deceptively simple. It is one of the more sophisticated skills used in pressure point fighting.
Essentially, the Counter flow technique causes serious injury or death (whether immediate or delayed) through striking a particular meridian in a particular way so that energy is forced in the opposite direction to which it naturally travels. The results are devastating. To master the technique, the practitioner must know in which direction energy naturally flows along any given meridian. For example, the stomach meridian runs from head to toe sending energy downwards. By applying the Counter flow technique, a strike to the stomach meridian in an upwards direction using, say an uppercut, will result in damage to the stomach meridian, the stomach itself and organs and tissue associated with the stomach.
Take another example.
The spleen meridian has 21 points on it. Energy flows upwards along the meridian from the big toe to the chest. By applying the Counter flow technique, a downwards strike to some selected points along the spleen meridian will cause adverse consequences to the proper functioning of the spleen thereby producing symptoms such as vomiting, feverishness, hemorrhage, yellowing of the skin and a prolapsed of the spleen.
Here’s another example.
Energy flows in a downward direction along the heart meridian. Nine pressure points are located on the heart meridian, the first of which is near the armpit and the last is on the little finger. An upward blow to any one of the nine pressure points along this meridian, in other words a blow which sends the flow of energy in the opposite direction to its natural flow, will cause cardiac pain, palpitations and heart attacks.
The key of course is to know which Dim Mak Pressure Points are used in the Counter flow technique. Not all points are used. In the latter example, only Heart 2 Qing Ling, which means "Green Spirit" is used.
The midday-midnight law in pressure point fighting
Accidental injuries to these points are more common than a Dim Mak hit
At different times in any 24-hour cycle, each organ in the body is at its peak or its low point of activity. As a result, energy flows into and out of that organ either at a rapid rate (at the high point) or at a slow speed (at the low point).
In every 24-hour period, energy in the body makes one full cycle of the 12 main meridians and takes two hours to pass through each of the 12 meridians. This is relevant to the martial artist because he or she should aim to strike the meridian corresponding to the organ in which activity is at its lowest point in the 24-hour cycle.
A skilled pressure point fighter knows which organ is at its peak or at its low point of activity at any given time in the 24-hour cycle. Thus, a blow along the heart meridian at midday or at midnight will cause maximum damage. That is because the organ is at its weakest when the energy level in that organ is at its lowest.
Too much force is counter-productive when hitting a Dim Mak Pressure Point
There is no hard and fast rule, but the severity of the injury, whether physical or energetic, will depend on the accuracy of the strike and the degree of force which is used. The injury can occur at martial arts training, while doing odd jobs at home or during sports.
A strike may cause an external physical injury, that is an injury which is visible to the eye, or an internal injury to the energy systems which is obviously of greater concern to the victim. The strike may cause an acute injury manifesting itself in redness, pain, swelling, loss of function, impaired mobility or even shock. If the strike is accurate and made with full force, the result will be a chronic or severe injury.
A chronic injury is one which lingers for a prolonged period such as arthritis caused by a blow, say, to the knee by a cricket ball. A severe injury is one where, for example, internal organs or the natural flow of Chi and blood are so badly damaged by the strike or blow that instant or delayed death results. So it is important to understand the traumatology of pressure point fighting, its effects, at least in traditional Chinese medical terms, of various injuries which occur in pressure point fighting.
You cannot ignore the oriental concept Yin and Yang in pressure point fighting
If you already have studied pressure points, I'll expand here, just a little bit, on Yin and Yang. And if you are a complete beginner, don't worry because you will still enjoy discovering the deeper secrets of the Art and Science of Pressure Points. So read on.
The concept of Yin and Yang is one of the underlying foundations of the martial arts. Perhaps more than any other concept, it defines and distinguishes the martial arts way of life because practitioners of martial arts believe that in everything, in every part of the Universe is Yin and Yang.
Yin and Yang are two complementary forces that interact and join to form the Universe. Yin represents energies that are cold, watery, heavy, hidden, night, female, weakness or internal. Yang energies represent the opposite of these states such as hot, dry, light, revealed, day, male, strength or external. Yin cannot exist without Yang and vice versa. For example, night cannot exist without day, hot without cold, shadow without sun.
Apart from these universal Yin Yang energetic manifestations, the human body as a whole is also a carefully balanced representation of Yin-Yang. The front of the body is considered Yin while the back is Yang; the lower body is Yin and the upper body Yang. Certain organs such as Heart, Liver, Kidney are Yin organs whereas others such as Small Intestine, Bladder or Gall Bladder are Yang organs. Of particular importance to Dim Mak Pressure Points, blood is classed as Yin while Chi is classed as Yang.
Blows to certain pressure points destroy blood (blood energy not blood substance) and blows to certain other pressure points destroy chi. Traditional Chinese medicine states that once both blood and chi are destroyed; death results because Yin and Yang are destroyed. Once Yin and Yang are eliminated, our very existence ceases.
Being complementary opposites, Yin and Yang combine as much in pressure point fighting as in any other aspect of life which calls for balance and harmony (the Taoist theory of the duality of Yin and Yang and also of chi also need to be studied alongside this subject). But in pressure point fighting, the strike which upsets the body’s balance of Yin and Yang or which scatters Yang will cause the maximum destructive effect leaving the opponent drained of energy and the eventual collapse of Yang thus death. No one can function effectively with an imbalance of either Yin or Yang. Successful pressure point fighting causes an imbalance of Yin and Yang by damaging the meridians through which energy flows thereby damaging the organs which we need to live.
Consequences of a Dim Mak hit
Balance, harmony and a smooth flow of Yin and Yang energies are required to maintain good health. Otherwise, illness or death occurs. One of the causes of disruption in the harmony of Yin and Yang is when various master points that control Yin, Yang, Chi and Blood are intentionally struck. Dim Mak uses 14 specific powerful pressure points to directly destroy Chi, Blood, Yin and Yang.
Whilst one point may only destroy one of these four energies, other points such as Liver 13 may destroy a multiple number of these energies. For instance, a strike to one or more points that control Chi in order to disseminate Yang in the body. One of the effects is to scatter Yang leaving the opponent weak and drained of energy (Yang is strength-energy) leading to eventual collapse of Yang, hence death.
In self-defense or combat where full contact is made to the body, Dim Mak Pressure Points intentionally cause violent imbalances in the flux of Yin and Yang. When one of these 14 Dim Mak Pressure Points is hit, illness develops through an excess or deficiency of either Yin or Yang. This disrupts harmony, which is then unable to correct itself. Note that if either aspect is out of balance, it will eventually cause disruption in the opposite aspect.
Consequently, the production and movement of Chi and blood are impeded. For example, too much of Yang type of energies creates heightened organic activity and produces symptoms of dryness, thirst, fever or headache. If a fever develops, one may become lethargic, agitated, disorientated or even delirious. On the other hand, too much of Yin type of energies (excess cold for example) creates a blockage in the movement of Chi and blood. This may result in shivering, joint pain, spasms, or contractions.
It can be seen that when a Dim Mak Pressure Point is hit to affect Yin and Yang, one or more pathologies result. Often one pathology leads to the rise of another. The following scenarios explain, very briefly, how the mind and body are damaged when a Dim Mak Pressure Point is struck.
Obviously, the forces of Yin and Yang influence our physical and mental aspects. Our emotions, for example, can fluctuate between excitement or anger (Yang) to lethargy or sadness (Yin).
What is Dim Mak and What Is Not
A lot of people talk about dim mak pressure points but they do not really know dim mak or pressure points.
There are also a lot of misconceptions being taught about dim mak, for example "set-up" points, "knock out" points, 5 elements cycle of destruction, diurnal cycle of chi flow, attack left and right side of body to represent yin and yang .... and others. These are partly true but they represent only about 10 percent of the answer. There is a lot more to dim mak than what is written in acupuncture books.
There are a number of strategies used in Dim Mak and the calculation of the Death Touch. As I have explained Yin and Yang in more detail, let's continue with Yin and Yang and reveal to you just how one of the strategies work.
If your aim is to destroy Yin or Yang, you may choose to strike one, two or three points in succession. The points are chosen from the list of 14 points that destroy Chi, blood, Yin and Yang. Once these points are struck, collapse of Yin and-or Yang occurs. This is due to the close relationship and interdependent nature of Yin and Yang, so collapse of Yin leads to collapse of Yang, and vice versa. This collapse leads to death. Below are just two examples of Dim Mak Pressure Points strategies used:
So how does this blow work in the Death Touch?
The effects on the body's Yin or Yang energies are not absolutely separated from each other. Due to the relative mutual consuming and supporting relationship between Yin and Yang, Dim Mak Pressure Points causes a confusing series of symptoms to arise when one of these two aspects is hit. In other words, when Yin or Yang collapse, a series of symptoms that reflect the other occurs. In some severe cases, symptoms for both Yin and Yang collapse may be present. This is an example where the Dim Mak Pressure Points master requires experience and professional qualifications in clinical acupuncture in order to teach the entire dim Mak knowledge proficiently.
One example is that when Yin is struck to cause it to collapse, Yin becomes deficient and symptoms of Yang hyperactivity occur. One can be easily fooled because this apparent hyperactivity of Yang gives off symptoms that are an illusion of excess rather that true excess. The final decision will rest with the Chinese medicine doctor who is skilled and experienced in uncovering these complex pictures, as the reading of the tongue and pulse require expertise. There is no tolerance for those who pretend to know. For the casualty, this is the difference between life and death.
Collapse of Yin and Yang are serious life-threatening situations, as they can quickly transform into each other to confuse the observer. When both Yin and Yang collapse, death is immediate.
You’ve learnt much more than 10 secrets and you should use these skills wisely.
As every martial artist knows, you and you alone are responsible for the consequences of your actions. The ancient Chinese have given us a gift — knowledge, and the skills of pressure point fighting techniques. That gift is given on condition that we use the skills wisely and not in breach of the law. The consequences of pressure point fighting can cause death or very serious injury. Use the skills wisely.
contact me at
kalikring@hotmail.com
home
