These exercises are designed with enhancing balance within the organs, utilizing the theory of the 5 elements. Try each body position and breathing pattern for 1 minute before advancing to the the next. Gradually add time as you are able working up to 5-10 minutes for each position. These exercises can also be practiced while sitting.
These exercises and methods have been practiced and studied for hundreds of years to help maintain good health, prevent and sometimes cure diseases, to calm the mind, and uplift the spirit of the person performing them. Ancient literature shows and explains body postures and exercise routines similar to the Eight Pieces of Brocade, but dating back roughly 2,100 years.
Baguazhang, Bagwa, Pakua, Walking Meditation or “walking of the circle” are all names for this style of Kung Fu training. Bagua is an internal developing style similar to Tai Chi and Hsing-I. Tai Chi is often considered to be the softest, Bagua somewhat harder and Hsing-I the hardest style of the three main internal styles.
The “bo” stance is one of the most fundamental stances within the Asian martial arts systems. Used to develop a solid foundation for both physical strength and self defense. When one is in the proper body alignments, the back, abdominals, quadraceps, hamstrings, knees and ankles are strengthened. The “kwa” or the area where the thigh meets the lower abdomen, is also developed promoting more circulation to the legs and lower torso. Stance training helps to discipline the mind, discover ones spirit, as well as cultivate internal energy, enhances the ability to root and improves posture and body alignment.
Good health of the lower back starts with good posture. The following set of exercises develop strength, increase muscular range of motion and to a lesser degree - flexibility. Strength in the back, hips and abdomen, provide a strong cage that houses the internal organs. Flexibility in these areas helps to maintain good blood circulation to the organs and lower body. Unique to this set of exercises is the body postures combined with holding a weighted object and the extra awareness required to hold it while also maintaining the correct body alignments.
Qi Gong, Chi Kung & Gi Gong, The human body is made up of bones, muscles, and organs amongst other components. Veins, arteries and capillaries carry blood and nutients throughout to all of the sytems and components. Additionally, 12 major energy medians carry the body’s energy, “life force” also known as "chi". Ones chi is stored in the lower Dan Tien. Daily emotional imbalances accumulate tension and stress gradually affecting all of the body’s systems. Each discomfort, nuisance, irritation or grudge continues to tighten and squeeze the flow of the life force. This is where “dis-ease” claims its foothold.
These fairly simple exercises can be performed with or without dumbbells. The main goal is to increase the natural range of motion, mostly in the neck, shoulder, spine and hips. Light weights can help to tone muscles as well as provide increased strength in lesser used muscle groups. Weight training, even with lighter weights, has been known to help prevent osteoporosis. These exercises take up very little space and a few minutes of time to gain benefits.
Posture is the relative placement of the human body and its components such as, but not confined to, the spine and limbs. Many people in the United States experi-ence some type of chronic pain at some time in their lives. Causes of pain can vary depending upon the individual and their circumstances. Poor posture can be responsible for many ailments ranging from ankle, knee, hip and back pain.
Sign In
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
