New Post: #15 Technique Tuesday

The best Alternative/Esoteric golf performance practices

Hi Friends

A little admin to start, there was a issue with the host server last week, last tuesday’s update was only received by about half of you - If you didn’t received and want to read it you can just click read online and be able to find it - It was all about Greens in Regulation being the most important golf stat.

Now for today’s subject, Esoteric is a term normally associated with tree hugging hippies, mystics and oddballs.

But what does esoteric even mean?

esoteric /ĕs″ə-tĕr′ĭk/

adjective

  1. Intended for or understood by only a small group, especially one with specialized knowledge or interests: synonym: mysterious.

    "an esoteric philosophical doctrine."

    Similar: mysterious

  2. Relating to or being a small group with specialized knowledge or interests.

    "an esoteric circle."

With that being said, I thought we could take a look at some of the more alternative/esoteric practices that I actually use to play better golf, you never know some of them may help you too!

Just ignore if this isn’t your thing, there will be more “proper” golf stuff next week,

Stinging nettles

Anyone who played golf with me this spring/summer would have seen me walk into the bushes and purposely sting myself with stinging nettles. And I can tell you, I got more then a few funny looks and some people even suggested I was using self flagellation as method of punishment for my poor golf (Maybe some truth in that to be fair).

But actually I use stinging nettles as an antidote to hay fever. This is because Stinging nettles can inhibit the inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies.

On top of this I would sting myself on any places of pain (usually arthritis in my finger joints) as stinging nettles also harbour a variety of compounds that may reduce inflammation.

Solfeggio frequencies

Our brains are very busy these days. So much going on, so many thoughts. This is where solfeggio frequencies may be of help. Solfeggio frequencies are a set of specific tone frequencies that have been used for healing and meditative purposes for centuries. Each of them has a unique meaning and is believed to influence different aspects of human life and consciousness. The origin of these frequencies can be traced back to the work of ancient monks. but their popularity has exponentially increased in recent years due to their alleged healing properties.  

This is definitely a bit “woo woo” but in my experience they do seem to help and really can’t hurt. Just search each frequency on Youtube or Spotify there are hundreds of playlists. I’m listening to some 528hz while I write this.

Breathwork

This has been a recent addition to my practices. I have been doing some very basic breathing exercises, a light version of the Wim Hof method.

The first time I did this I had so much energy I ran around the house doing chores 😲 

Qi Gong

Qi gong an ancient Chinese system of coordinated posture, movement and breathing. I find it centers the mind, increases my energy (Qi) and gets me in a great place to play golf.

I usually (sometimes when I remember) do this very simple 10 minute routine before leaving the house to play golf.

Supplementation

My fav 4

Let’s start with the most mainstream one, Magnesium. Apparently around 50% of the population are magnesium deficient. Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions. Magnesium functions include helping with muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system.

Shilajit

Described as the “Destroyer of Weakness”, this black tar like substance is formed deep within mountains at very high altitude (think Himalayas) and is effectively decaying plant matter, doesn’t sound appetising? it isn’t, in fact it’s horrible. But it is full of fulvic acid and is said to help with raising testosterone levels and to slow the aging process. Beware lots of fake versions of this around.

Astaxanthin

I primarily use Astaxanthin as a sun protector, I saw something about this on Instagram did a little bit of research and have used ever since.

It is also claimed to have the following benefits, Immune System Support, Reduction in Inflammation, Protection from UV Skin Damage, Support Cognitive Health and finally Healthy Heart Function.

Mushrooms

Not magic mushrooms I’m afraid, I’m not sure they would help your golf. My two favourites are Lions Mane and Cordyceps.

Lion’s mane to boost cognitive function and mental clarity and Cordyceps to improve athletic performance.

Tree Hugging and Earthing

I couldn’t end this without mentioning tree hugging. Am I a hippy? No, I am not. Do I hug trees? yes, sometimes I do. I also practice earthing or grounding, this is simply putting our bare skin (feet, hands etc) on the earth (grass, beach, woodlands etc).

Modern life means we are disconnected from the earth and this can mean our bodies build up positive electric charges that cannot be released unless we connect to the ground. Grounding neutralizes these positive charges by absorbing negative electrons to balance you out.

It’s as easy as walking in your garden with bare feet.

Tree hugging in 2020, you can tell its 2020 as there are still some trees not yet chopped down at this certain golf course near Croydon

Disclaimer: This isn’t medical advice. This is an account of what I use and you should consult your doctor before adding in any supplements or other practices described. 😀 

Last a great bit of proper golf advice from Dr Bob Rotella about getting out of your own way and turning it loose that I enjoyed.

As ever thanks for reading, see you Friday,

Cheers,

JT/Jerry and son