Comments and remarks

	TechGate: Han Kuk Mu Sul knowledge base Cheolsusul: An introduction to the "Iron Hand" conditioning method Hanbang in Cheolsusul training Hanbang: elementary theory Common Hanbang ingredients for conditioning training Conditioning Hanbang formulae Preparation of ingredients

Most of the ancient composition porcedure include:

• Highly dangerous components;
  
  
• Folk ingredients with no valuable phytochemical constituents;
  
  
• Difficult to find qnd/or expensive ingredients (having easy-to-find cheaper alternatives); and
  
  
• Endangered species from Flora and Fauna (as specified by CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna).

For that reason, after extensive consultation with several Hanbang experts in Seoul (in May, 2005), I am providing modified formulae, in accordance with modern knowledge and availability of ingredients.

Medioresinol 4' -O-B-D-glucopyranoside form Eucomia ulmoides.

Our formulae complies with the "Evidence-Based Medicines Platform", as specified by modern research and development pharmaceutical procedures, following scientific efforts at the Daejon University School of Oriental Medicine and other Traditional Oriental Medicine Research Centers throughout Oriental countries. These formulae were fine-tuned based on scientific criteria, using traditional Hanbang structuring and balancing techniques.

Differently from Chinese pharmacopoeia applied to Martial Arts conditioning training, Korean formulae tend to be constructive and ellaborated, with 15-20 active ingredients, with less (or nil) emphasis on “subtle, soft” conditioning, as in Chinese Arts.

Today, much Iron Hand propaganda is based on misleading claims of miraculous effects. And that is the reason why many serious Martial Artists do not consider it in their training agenda.

The use of Hanbang formulae and Iron Hand conditioning is useless if you do not follow a consistent training schedule. On the other hand, you may never be able to use your Iron Hand abilities if you do not develop proper technical and stretegic fighting abilities.

Ingredients not recomended

We are experimenting with South American herbs (basically Brazilian) in Hanbang liniments, since 1983. Our first research was during an expedition to the Acre Amazon Region in Brazil (1983). Recently we conducted a long-term ethnobotanic research project (leading a team of 23 Ph.Ds form Europe, Brazil nad Peru) in the Peruvian Central and South Amazon Regions (1998-2002). At that time we worked with Asheninka and Pano indigenous groups. We singled out several plant, fungus and insect species of outstanding effect when included in Iron Hand conditioning formulae. We still have jars prepared in 1994-95 with different liniment compositions (some are very, very good...). We will be offering this information (species and formulae) in the future.

Some examples (the list is not intended to be complete) of the ingredients we are not supporting or advise great care when used are:

Folk ingredients or difficult to find ingredients

Some useless ingredients and/or easy to be replaced by more appealing substances.

• Bombyx batryticatus (silkworm moth): mostly used for coughing and lung related problems. Not related to Iron Hand conditioning but used in some traditional Chinese formulae..
• Aquila heliaca, Spilornis sp., Pithecophaga sp. and similar species: Eagle Ulna bone (from the eagle´s wing). These are highly endangered species. The bird ulna bone use is somehow a "fetish" for some folk Hanbang herbs street sellers.
• Eupolyphaga sinensis (Oriental cockroach): astringent and antinflammatory. You may not like to put a cockrach into your liniment. Don't worry, there are alternatives.

There are many Hanbang ingredients of folk use. Many of them claiming to permit Ki "super-natural" development, poisoning of your nails to kill by scratching (yes..., what your read is correct), etc. There are many more esoteric and ridiculous claims. We do not follow this approach.

Dangerous ingredients

There are many. We mention the most common in Iron Hand training:

• Realgar: Nevertheless arsenic sulfide is in use for centuries in Oriental Traditional Medicine, we do not reccomend its use, unless your are a trained herbalist, or under the supervision of a competent professional. We reccomend you to avoid its use due to consequences of long-term arsenic toxicity.
• Strychnos nux-vomica: highly poisonous when ingested (up to 1.4% of Strychnine content). Use only under the supervision of a competent professional.
• Cinnabaris: mercuric sulphide may cause mercury poisoning, if used over a long period of time.

Realgar and Cinnabaris are combined and used to treat chronic sores and pyogenic infections. Today, there exist modern and better approaches to treat infections, than using poisons. And by no means, with proper care and hygiene infection of wounds may be reduce significantly.

Endangered species

• Buthus martensii: Scorpion. Used to relieve pain and resolve swelling, scrofula, subcutaneous nodules and mumps. Of unimportant use in conditioning formulae.
  
  
• Coptis chinensis: (黃連; hwanglyon) is an antibiotic and antifungal used in several conditioning training formulae. Alternatively, Radix Berberis (san ke zhen), a species abundant in China, Korea and Japan, has similar chemical components to those Rhizoma Coptidis.
  
  
• Cistanche deserticola: ( 肉苁蓉 rokonggong) is used against bleeding. There exist several common herbs with same effect.
  
  
• Saussurea costus: (雪蓮; hyolyon) is used as anti-inflammatory and anesthetic. I is a highly endangered species and there exist several other common species with similar effect.
  
  
• Mantis pentadactylae: (穿山甲; chungsanka) is known as Chinese pangolin. Has (non-proven) use for reduction of swelling and incrase blood circulation. Highly endangered species.
  
  
• Moschus berezovskii: Deer Musk Secretio. This is a highly endangered species.
  
  
• Scolopendra subspinipes: centipede. This ingredient is also poisonous if not well prepared.
  
  
• Panthera tigris: Os tigris (Hugu) or tiger bones, are used for relieving pain (especially rheumatism), strengthening muscles and bones and treating weakness of the lower limbs due to deficiency of the liver and kidney. Dog bone and pig bone has been determined to have similar effects (need a much higher dose). Of low importance in conditioning formulae.
  
  
• Zaocys dhumnades: Rat snake. Used for skin minor ailments and Ki development. Of questionable use in conditioning formulae. Chinese herbalists stubornly insist in non-scientific (even magic) effects.