poking ears, saying sohung, putting my tongue down my throat (I could go all the way!), many many hours for many many years (jonx/reporter - don't bother with that business of 'I never had the real experience' bit) I discovered that just sitting quietly had the same effect. The techniques are almost useless - I can now clean my tonsils if I need to (I had been hoping for enlightment, but mustn't whinge!).And yes, in the old days, we were required to 'constantly meditate and remeber holy name'. It made it hard to get things done - did you ever try that, the 24/7 thing? Ridiculous!