This week's post is a detailed look at the Ba Duan Jin
qigong exercise called Looking Backward to Amend 5 Strains and 7 Impairments. It is also known as Wise Owl Gazes Backward and as Turning to Tonify the
Nervous System. It is traditionally
the fourth of the exercises.
Ba Duan Jin is a traditional qigong routine with hundreds of
variations. It is variously translated as Eight Silken Brocades, Eight Pieces
of Silk Brocades, Eight Section Brocade, Eight Silken Exercises, Eight Fine
Exercises, or many other names.
Qigong is all about body, mind, and breath. These exercises
contain specific movements that are synchronized with the breath while the mind
concentrates on the movements. The exercises are intended to help develop
mental focus and calm, peaceful movements. At all times, keep your knees loose
and flexible.
Explanation:
This exercise increases the flow of qi in the neck and head.
The five strains are the weaknesses of the 5 yin organs: spleen, lungs, heart,
liver, and kidneys. The seven impairments refer to injuries caused by emotion:
grief, joy, hate, love, happiness, anger, and desire. According to Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM), you can become ill when your internal organs are weak
and emotions overcome your natural defenses. Strong emotions accumulate in the
head.
Standing Instructions:
1. Stand in wuji with your palms touching your thighs and
your eyes lightly closed.
2. Inhale and slowly turn your head to the left and
gradually open your eyes as you turn. When you turn to your maximum limit, open
your eyes as wide as you can.
3. Exhale and return to the beginning position, with eyes
lightly closed.
4. Repeat to the right.
5. Do this exercise eight times.
Modification for seated form:
1. Sit in wuji with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Place your right hand on the outside of your left knee to
keep your knees from moving.
Modification for a more challenging form:
2. When you turn to your maximum limit, open your eyes as
wide as you can. Lean back and look over your shoulder down at your opposite
heel.
CAUTION: When leaning back to look over your shoulder, do
not lean your head back. Lean your body and keep your head in line with your
neck and spine to protect your cervical vertebrae.
Benefits & Effects:
1. Turning the neck and twisting the body strengthens your
neck and straightens your spine, opens the yang meridian up the back, and
improves the flow of qi in the head and brain.
For the rest of this series, start with:
To continue with this series, see:
© 2012 Eric Borreson
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