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2007
KEEP FIT WITH QIGONG
ENERGY FLOW
We humans are a work of wonder. Our skin protects us from aggressive environmental factors. Our lymph system removes damaging substances that our bodies create. Our senses of touch and smell warn us of sudden dangers. Heat and cold receptors give us signals as soon as we leave comfortable temperatures. But it gets even better. Deep inside ourselves we have powers which we can activate, so that our body remains healthy and fit and our skin remains beautiful and elastic. The Chinese have known this secret for more than 2,000 years. They developed the traditional breathing and movement therapy called Qigong, which stimulates our life energy and powers of self-healing through gentle movements. Here, we have compiled a few exercises that loosen the blockages in the body so that the Qi (pronounced chi) energy can move freely helping you remain fit!
HOLDING SKY WITH HANDS
The first exercise regulates the Qi in three areas: heart-lung, stomach-spleen-liver-gallbladder and kidneys-bladder-small intestine-large intestine. To start, stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hands clasped below your navel. Inhale. Spread your fingers apart. Raise your arms from your sides above your head. Clasp your hands, palms turned up. Stretch your arms and, at the same time, rise up on your toes. When you exhale, lower your heels. Arms float back down to your sides. Clasp hands together under your navel. Repeat three times.
The next exercise stimulates the life energy in your entire body. Stand with your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly. Cross your arms in front of your chest, left over right. Make a hollow fist with your right hand. When inhaling, stretch your left arm outwards with your left index finger pointing upwards. Your head and eyes should follow your left hand. At the same time, your right elbow pulls to the right and behind. Exhale and cross your arms again in front of your chest, right over left. Now make a fist with your left hand, stretch your right hand outwards. Repeat on each side three times.
FREE OF BLOCKAGES
The following exercise promotes stomach and spleen function. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Clasp your fingers in front of your navel. Inhale. Unclasp fingers. Raise your left hand above your head with the palm of your hand facing up. Place your right hand behind your bottom with the palm facing downwards. Stretch both arms out at the same time. Exhale and clasp your hands in front of your navel. Now, raise your right hand above your head with the palm of your hand facing upwards. Place your left hand behind your bottom with the palm of your hand facing downwards. At the same time, stretch and exhale. Repeat twice. Next, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Inhale deeply. Stand tall on your tiptoes. When you exhale, put your heels down. Repeat ten times without a break. Read the following book for more on Qigong: Cohen, Ken, The Essential Qigong Training Course: 100 Days to Increase Energy, Physical Health & Spiritual Well-Being.
