Description

This is a basic Tai Chi exercise adapted from an ancient Chinese exercise from around 300 AD. It combines moving Qi, connecting the Five Centres (palms, soles of feet, and top of head), and the three ‘fires’ (thought, the ming men or ‘gate of life’ point, and the dantian.) It is good for high blood pressure, heart function, stomach and kidneys, and rheumatoid arthritis. To lose weight, practice for about 20 minutes after lunch and dinner. Otherwise, repeat 24, 36 or 64 times.

Concepts

The basic form is called “Yin Hands of Tai Chi” since the hands are lowered. Do not hold the hands too wide or too narrow. It should be as if holding a large ball or Tai Chi symbol.

Hands follow the body and do not move independently.In fact, the whole body moves together which is a basic principle in Tai Chi.

The palm centres (Lao Gong 勞宮) face each other and open and close as if breathing. The concept is joining the Qi drawn from the Earth from the feet and from the Universe via the hands linking also to the top of the head, in all five points.

The Bear Swing (三昧真火連翻動)