Exercise #87 - Energizing Your Internal Organs, Part 1

Welcome to Healing T’ai Chi

…the award-winning blog of seated T’ai Chi and Qigong exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levels of fitness.

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“Cut open doors and windows to create a room

In its emptiness, there is the function of a room Therefore, that which exists is used to create benefit

That which is empty is used to create functionality.” Tao Te Ching #11, translation by Derek Lin

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 This exercise will massage and re-vitalize all your internal organs, stimulating their resistance to disease and strengthening your immune system.  

 Your posture should be the same as in previous sessions,  When you’re facing forward, breathe in through your nose as you expand your diaphragm.  Then breathe out slowly through your mouth until you have completed the twist.

 Torso twists:

1.  Hold your hands in front of your shoulders, palms facing away from you.  Take a deep breath through your nose expanding your diaphragm.
2. Twist from the waist to the left as you breathe out slowly, pushing your arms out until they are fully extended but without locking your elbows.  Pause in your breathing for a second and then begin breathing in again as you twist back to face forward.
3. Immediately begin breathing out as you twist to the right and extend your arms.  Remember to visualize the movement of your ch’i as it travels from your lower dan tien (3 finger-widths below your belly button in the center of your body).  Direct your ch’i upward through your chest to the shoulders and down your arms to your hands. 
4. Release the used-up energy through your palms.  Pause for a moment in your breath cycle before your begin breathing in again and return to face forward.
5. Continue alternating from side to side with special attention to the “gathering” of your breath and ch’i  and the “releasing” of the stale breath and used-up energy.  I would suggest no less than 12 repetitions or 6 on each side.

Reflexology exercise:

Whether you have problems with your liver or are just interested in keeping this very important organ healthy and strong, the technique below can be of great benefit.

• Cross one leg over the thigh of your other leg so that you can easily reach the bottom of your foot.  You may lie down to do this or sit in a chair. Pick the position that  is the most comfortable for you.
• Beginning at the back of the heel and using both thumbs, slide your thumbs alternately ( i.e. the right one than the left one)back and forth  in  a sawing motion across the your heel working your way up to just below your toes.
• Reverse the direction from toes to the end of your heel.  Change feet and repeat.

Benefits:  Use this massage technique daily to strengthen your liver.  It is also beneficial to relax sore, tired feet.

 

Don’t forget to drink water at the end of your exercise session or any time you begin to feel thirsty.  A Word of Caution…If you have or have had problems with your kidneys, please consult your physician.

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This week’s featured blog/site:

 http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/11/10/antibiotic-use-threatens-healthcare/

Featured video:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOIxRYc9GnQ

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~The exercises in this blog are intended for educational purposes only.  Always consult with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.~

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