18 Qigong Exercises: Todays exercise is number 8: Reverse Hands Bend Waist.
This pattern is also known as: Nourishing Kidneys, 攀 足 固 腰 and PAN ZU GU YAO.
All of the Qigong exercises that make up the famous Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands set are known to bring health and vitality, but each one also has specific qualities. Nourishing Kidneys are as follows:
It can bring great relief to those who suffer feeling fearful for no clear reason. It also is of great benefit to those with sexual problems. From the Traditional Chinese Medicine model the Kidneys are linked to all aspects of sexual health, fertility, impotence and lack of sexual performance. Of all of the qigong/chi kung exercises, if you have any kind of sexual problem this is the one to practice.
A sub meridian of the Kidney meridian goes to the brain and this pattern can enhance the intellect which is why it is a great exercise for students who cannot concentrate on their studies. This pattern also benefits the pituitary gland (or Mud Pearl as it is known in Chinese). This exercise can overcome emotional and psychological problems, increase confidence (as it is connected to the gall bladder). Kidney energy is good for the bones and this exercise is also good for chronic lower back pain, sciatica and can overcome incontinence.
This pattern is great for athletes as it increases energy, strength, mental clarity, will and determination. Competition at high levels is more a matter of fine tuning and Reverse Hands Bend Waist is excellent for giving you the edge over your competitors.
Phew, I think you’ll agree that that’s a lot of benefits from just one of the 18 qigong exercises! With this exercise it is important that you touch the toes. If you find this difficult or currently impossible to achieve then you need to practice one of the preliminary qigong exercises known as Drumming Kidneys. Because remember, the qigong exercises I’m looking at in this series will only give the benefits of qigong, if they are practiced as qigong.
Nourishing Kidneys is the 8th pattern of the 18 qigong exercises that make up the 18 Lohan Hands. The first 8 qigong exercises also make up another set of famous qigong exercises known as the Ba Duan Jin or 8 Pieces of Brocade. There are many, many, many different versions of the Ba Duan Jin, pretty much every school has their own version.
If you are currently learning this pattern with your instructor and find the breathing co-ordination difficult. Don’t worry. I did too when I first learned this pattern. But as with all of the qigong exercises – practice makes perfect =)
Next pattern is: Three Levels To Ground.
Bye for now.
Marcus James Santer