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Dipl.Psych. Andreas Brandl
Nordlichter

Analytical Interoceptive-Energetic Body and Mind Development:

Students and clients learn interoceptive, meditative techniques to increase resilience and eliminate physical and energetic blockages.

The training methods are aimed at improving concentration, self-regulation, mindfulness, posture and breathing optimization, motor skills, and body awareness. These changes are reflected, among other things, in the development of a new sense of well-being and the cultivation of authentic inner strength (Nei Jin).

LAS program participants learn to release emotional and physical stress (and pain) through deep relaxation, bring the body into a deep, highly functional balance, and utilize the connection between body and mind in practical application.

Special attention is given in training to the relief and activation of the spine. Through fine, interoceptive corrections, many chronic pain patients have already been helped.

Spine Activation for Treating Depression:

There is increasing evidence of the significance of the spine in the treatment of depression:

-> Neurosciencenews

Therapeutic Goals of LAS:

As a psychologist, I focus primarily on the therapeutic applications of interoception and proprioception, embodiment, extended cognition (consciousness projection), and psychosomatics.

My general therapeutic goals include, in addition to pain relief and the development of inner strength in a sense of self empowerment and resiliency,  but also development of flexible internal power ("Jin"), an increase in perceived self-efficacy, self-confidence, inner balance, and overall quality of life for my patients.

These goals are pursued through the application of specific traditional training methods from the gentle yet powerful Chinese internal arts.

Regardless of age, I consider the development of psychophysical resilience and higher awareness essential to meet the complex challenges of our time.

By participating in the group training "Lao An System (LAS) - Beyond Body and Mind," you will learn, through individual exercises and cooperative and focused interaction with a partner, to recognize and eliminate weakening reflexes and behavior patterns.

A key focus of the training is to look inward, establish a connection with the core of the self, achieve stillness, and stimulate the flow of energy.

When this is achieved, a deeper connection with the partner is also possible. This is the foundation for releasing inner strength (Fa Jin) in partner exercises.

When Jin is released, it may seem unreal to the uninitiated—see demonstrations on Jin Therapy or on the "Development of Inner Strength" page.

Effortless Strength from Stillness - The Therapeutic Significance of Partner Work:

The release of Jin is a test and a motivation-boosting feedback mechanism that signals the success of self-corrections. Once all body structures are brought into unity and the psyche into a freer, meditative state, a state of well-being and deep calm is achieved.

The body reacts in a fascinating way when this state of relaxation is reached. The unfolding of flexible, spring-like, soft inner strength may initially appear martial but does not harm the partner; instead, it helps them develop more acceptance, self-understanding, and higher control over their body.

My Journey into the World of Internal Arts and the Development of LAS, My Therapeutic Approach:

From a young age, I was fascinated by the connection between body and mind. Alongside my studies in psychology, I began to immerse myself in the so-called internal styles of Kung Fu: Wing Chun, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi Chuan (Yang style). I have a total of 27 years of experience.

During the 10 years I spent in China after completing my degree as a psychologist, I was able to deepen my knowledge further.

After returning to Germany, I continue to research with high motivation and persistence the possibilities of bringing body and mind into deeper harmony to achieve remarkable results.

The seemingly unreal applications of inner strength (Fa Jin), demonstrated by the great masters of the internal martial arts and often dismissed as "impossible" by most people of Western upbringing due to a lack of exposure and therefore understanding, fascinated me to such a degree that I invested a great deal of my time and energy to get to the bottom of things and decipher the approaches of these arts.

My continuous (daily) training of certain interoceptive and energetic methods (see below) had already laid a fruitful foundation.

As I continued to develop in this area, I deepened my understanding to the point where I was able to apply and eventually teach many of these fascinating force transmissions across styles.

Through the application of Nei Gong (Internal Work, 内功) and the increasing embodiment of the principles of the Chinese internal Kung Fu styles (such as Tai Chi Chuan and Yi Quan) over time, truly astonishing possibilities arise for more effectively utilizing the body.

In all of China’s internal methods, mindfulness is trained, which not only allows for better control of the mental-emotional level but is also applied on a physical level to release pain, implement physical strength much more effectively in everyday life and sports, avoid injuries, and improve self-healing processes.

Against this background, I have developed a group training program in which my clients and patients are motivated to change their perspective and, through intensive training of interoception (see below), achieve positive development on all levels.

By improving the perception of physical and emotional tension patterns and their targeted resolution, students learn to unlock hidden functionalities of the body, achieving, among other things, a significant improvement in fine motor control.

Interoception in Neuropsychology:

The term "interoception" is increasingly coming to the fore in neuropsychology. Early studies point to the therapeutic potential of interoceptive methods:

- "The Emerging Science of Interoception: Sensing, Integrating, Interpreting, and Regulating Signals within the Self"
- "Efficacy of interoceptive and embodied rehabilitative training protocol in patients with mild multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial."
- "Interoceptive training to target anxiety in autistic adults (ADIE): A single-center, superiority randomized controlled trial"

Interoception refers to the perception and sensitivity to internal bodily states. It encompasses the ability to perceive signals from within the body, such as heartbeat, breathing rate, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and emotional states. Interoception enables us to respond to these internal stimuli and regulate our well-being.

For more information on interoception and the closely related concept of proprioception, see this link:

Interoception

Contents of Lao An System (LAS) Group Training: "Beyond Body and Mind":

(Interoception/Meditation, Resilience Enhancement, Pain Management, Inner Strength, Embodiment, and more)

- Meditative and clarifying self-experience in dynamic and still individual and partner exercises
- Development of inner strength (Jin) through energetic body meditation (Nei Gong) and optimized body control
- Pain therapy and enhancement of well-being

The Lao An System delves into the secrets of ancient Chinese internal teachings and the exploration of the inner self. The training has many objectives.

Experience and learn (across styles) the key methods to follow the authentic inner path, develop a new approach to the body, and unlock hidden potential.

Jin Therapy (Individual Coaching):

In individual coaching, you have the opportunity to receive personalized, intensive instruction in internal methods and possibilities. Through the combination of therapeutic dialogue and method application, I guide you on the path to a new sense of life with completely new possibilities.

Below, you can see video examples of some of the LAS exercises. Don´t try to practice with these videos on your own.

Andreas Brandl (c) 2023

WS Aktivierung / Theorie

Nei Gong   

Tai Chi Chuan

 Fa Jin / Internal Force 

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