QIGONG: (Exercises 1 8 of Tai Chi Qigong, and Settling the Qi 18! 1! Tai Chi Start This is one of the simplest Tai Chi and Qi Gong !er"ises #ut $ou "an go as deep as $ou %ish. There are man$ fa"ets and %a$s of %or&ing %ith this e!er"ise. ssentiall$ %e are moving the #od$ up and do%n %ith the #reath. 'e "an use the (ao Gong point to fo"us the mind or move the mind through the #od$ from the feet. 'ith the latter %e are pushing do%n through the feet) allo%ing the #od$ to rise up) %ith the in #reathe) and then melting) softening) and rela!ing the #od$ %ith the out #reath. This e!er"ise is ver$ grounding) helping us to align the #od$ and "reate %aves of for"e *Qi+ up and do%n the #od$. 'e "an learn a lot from ,ust this one e!er"ise. This movement is also &no%n as -pen Tai Chi and is the opening movement of man$ traditional st$les of Tai Chi. The e!er"ise fo"uses on the "ao Gong points in the "entre of the palm. 'hen $ou do this e!er"ise $our %hole #od$ %ill #e stimulated) the #lood "ir"ulation #e"omes stronger so the movement is good for the heart) poor "ir"ulation and arthritis. .t also helps improve $our posture. /e$ %ords0 release and align 1. 1tand naturall$ and rela!ed %ith $our feet shoulder %idth apart. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. Allo% $our arms to float up in front of $our #od$) until the$ are a#out shoulder height *#reathing in+. 2. 1lo%l$ lo%er $our arms until $our hands are roughl$ level %ith $our %aist) slightl$ #ending and softening $our &nees *#reathing out+. 3. 4epeat. Tai Chi Start Training Ti#s: Tr$ to avoid "ollapsing $our &nees in%ards and allo% $our #reathing to lead $our movement *rather than allo%ing $our movement to lead $our #reath+. Go at a pa"e that suits $ou. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. $! O#ening The Chest 5ere %e e!tend the first movement) #$ turning the palms to fa"e one another *aligning "ao Gong points+ and tilt for%ards as if #eing dra%n for%ards from the heart. 'e allo% the #od$ to open and this helps the Qi to flo% out into the hands via the 5eart65eart 7rote"tor and (ung meridians. As %e move #a"& and allo% the hands to "ome #a"& together) %e align the #od$ verti"all$. There is spontaneit$ here) allo%ing the movement to #e natural and unfor"ed. 'e are not loo&ing to stret"h the arms out in a traditional sense #ut more a""uratel$ %e are loo&ing for a sense of opening. This is follo%ed #$ a sense of "losing %ith the se"ond in #reath. The movement of gentl$ moving6tilting for%ards and #a"& also massages the %ong Q&an point on the sole of the foot. /e$ %ords0 o#ening 1. 1tand naturall$ and rela!ed %ith $our feet shoulder %idth apart) as %ith the first e!er"ise. 2. Allo% $our arms to float up in front of $our #od$) until the$ are a#out shoulder height *#reathing in+. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. Turn $our hands so $our palms are fa"ing $our upper "hest. -pen $our arms out to the side) tilting $our #od$ for%ard slightl$ *#reathing out+. 8eel the pressure in"rease in the front part of $our feet. 3. 9ring $our arms #a"& together until $our hands are shoulder %idth apart %ith the palms fa"ing one another *#reathing in+. As $ou do this) allo% $our #od$ to "ome #a"& to a verti"al position. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. :. Turn $our palms to fa"e the ground. Then slo%l$ lo%er $our arms until $our hands are roughl$ level %ith $our %aist) slightl$ #ending $our &nees *#reathing out+. ;. 4epeat several times. O#ening the Chest Training Ti#s: This reall$ is an e!"ellent e!er"ise for raising $our spirits and in"reasing the Qi flo% to the lungs and heart. As $ou do this e!er"ise) tr$ and feel $our %hole #od$ opening and "losing. Allo% an$ tensions to melt a%a$. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. '! (ain)o* +ance 5ere %e shift the %eight and engage the pro"ess of lifting and sin&ing in "on,un"tion %ith the #reath. The palms align %ith the e$es and ,ai -&i point on the "ro%n of the head. 'e also fo"us in &eeping the #od$ aligned) and avoid t%isting the &nees. Allo% the supporting foot to reall$ <re"eive= the %eight. 1. 1tand naturall$ and rela!ed %ith $our feet slight %ider than shoulder %idth apart. 9end $our right leg) putting all of $our %eight into it. 2. At the same time raise $our left hand to shoulder height) ga>ing at the open palm. 4aise $our right hand and hold it a#ove $our head %ith the (ao Gong point fa"ing the top of $our head and the 9ai 5ui point. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. 9egin gentl$ shifting $our %eight to the other *left+ leg) as $ou move $our arms in a natural "ir"le a#ove $our head. 3. Transfer to the right and #end $our left leg. 9ring $our right hand do%n to shoulder height and ga>e at it. 9ring $our left hand a#ove $our head %ith the (ao Gung point fa"ing the top of $our head and the 9ai 5ui point. *?ou should no% #e in the dire"t mirror image of the #eginning posture+. :. No% "ontinue alternating #et%een left and right sides) &eeping the #reathing natural and rela!ed. *$ou ma$ find $our #reathing falls into a pattern of in on Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. the %a$ up and out on the %a$ do%n) depending upon the speed of $our movements+. (ain)o* +ance Training Ti#s: ?ou ma$ get some stiffness or a"he in the shoulders and arms) espe"iall$ if $ou do this e!er"ise for a fe% minutes. Tr$ rela!ing and softening around an$ tension to help release an$ #lo"&ed Qi. -n"e $ou have esta#lished the movement) then en,o$ the gentle @dan"eA of this e!er"ise as $ou shift $our %eight from sideBtoBside. 'ith mu"h of the fo"us in the upper part of $our #od$) donAt forget to maintain a "onne"tion %ith the earth through the soles of $our feet and avoid an$ sense of t%isting or "ollapse in $our &nees. .! Se#arating The Clo&ds .n this e!er"ise the palms align %ith the "o*er +an Tian/ This e!er"ise strengthens the Qi in and around the #od$. 1. 1tand naturall$ and rela!ed %ith $our feet shoulder %idth apart) &nees slightl$ #ent and the #a"& straight. 7la"e $our palms over the (o%er Can Tian. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. Allo% $our hands to rise up along the "entre line of $our "hest until the palms "ome ,ust a#ove $our forehead) slightl$ straightening $our legs *#reathing in+. 2. 1eparate $ou palms and turn them a%a$ from $ou) "ir"ling them do%n and around to either side of $our #od$) #ringing them to rest again at the Can Tian) #ending $our &nees *#reathing out+. Se#arating the Clo&ds Training Ti#s: Allo% an$ tensions to melt a%a$) espe"iall$ as $ou #reathe out. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 'ith all this fo"us in the upper part of the #od$) donAt forget to maintain "onne"tion %ith the earth through the soles of $our feet. 0! (e#&lse the 1on2e3 This one is multi fa"eted) %ith %aves up and do%n the #od$ and hori>ontal "ir"les too. .t is also the first e!er"ise that ma$ reall$ "hallenge $our "oordination. 'e also align the 5egu point %ith Tong 4i "iao) on side side of the head. This is one of the movements that is ta&en from traditional Tai Chi. Those of $ou %ho have done some Tai Chi pra"ti"e %ill find this movement ver$ familiar. /e$ %ords0 the 5o6e5ent sho&ld feel ali6e and fl&id/ Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 1. 1tand naturall$ and rela!ed %ith $our feet shoulder %idth apart) &nees slightl$ #end and the #a"& straight) as %ith the first e!er"ise. ?our right hand rests in the left at $our "entre. 2. Turn to $our left) &eeping $our &nees and feet in alignment. As $ou do this) raise $our arms to shoulder height) palms fa"ing do%n) right arm for%ard and left arm #a"&. 2. 9end $ou left arm) #ringing the #a"& of $our left hand up to%ards to $our temple. Turning #a"& to fa"e ahead) allo% $our left hand to pass a#ove $our right hand ,ust in Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. front of $our midB"hest *feeling the "onne"tion #et%een the (ao Gong points+. 3. 7ush $our left hand for%ard) dra%ing the right hand #a"&) passing the %aist %ith the palm turned up%ards *#reathing out as $ou press for%ards+. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. :. Continue dra%ing $our right hand #a"&) allo%ing it to rise up to shoulder height. *#reathing out as $ou turn to the side+ ?ou should no% #e in the mirror image of the posture in num#er 2. a#ove. 4epeat on the other side. (e#&lse the 1on2e3 Training Ti#s: /eep the %eight eDual in #oth feet and avoid t%isting the &nees. Turn from $our "entre i.e. the middle of $ou #od$6hips and %aist area. As $ou turn to the side #reath in as $ou #end the el#o% and press for%ards #reath out. 7! (o*ing The ,oat The hands "ome up to the sides of the head and %e then tilt for%ards from the hips. 'e move #a"& as the hands go for%ards and then %hen %e align verti"all$ %e sin& and release do%n. /e$ %ords0 5o6e5ent in t*o directions/ Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 1. 1tand naturall$ and rela!ed %ith $our feet shoulder %idth apart) &nees slightl$ #ent and the #a"& straight. ?our palms should #e open and rela!ed) out to either side #elo% %aist height fa"ing for%ards. 2. Cir"le $our palms up in a %ide "ir"le *#reathing in+) straightening $our legs slightl$. 2. Tilt for%ards slightl$ at the %aist) pivoting at the hips and &eeping the #a"& straight and the head in alignment *#egin to #reathe out+. 3. Continue #$ moving $our hands through the air in a for%ards dire"tion *still Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. #reathing out+. As $ou do this) move the #od$ #a"& to a verti"al position. 9ring the hands do%n to the sides of the #od$ again) let the #od$ rela! and sin& slightl$. 4epeat the movement. (o*ing the ,oat Training Ti#s: 'hilst sin&ing do%n donAt "ollapse the posture) and %hilst raising up donAt loose $our "onne"tion to the ground. .f $ou find it hard to #reath out for so long) add an e!tra in #reath and out #reath. 8! "ifting The ,all 'e align the 5egu point %ith 5uan Taio point and turn to the "orner) lifting the opposite palm. The #od$ turns gentl$ from side to side. /e$ %ords0 5o6e fro5 the centre9 allo* the 5o6e5ent to )e a contin&&5/ 1. 1tand naturall$ and rela!ed %ith $our feet shoulder %idth apart) &nees slightl$ #end and the #a"& straight) as %ith the first e!er"ise. Turn $our left foot out a#out 3: degrees. 1hift $our %eight onto $our left leg) allo%ing the heel of the right leg to "ome off the ground. As $ou do this raise $our right arm so it lines up %ith $our left shoulder) palm fa"ing up. ?our left hand should move slightl$ #a"& so the 5egu point lines up %ith the 5aun Tiao *also &no%n as the Eumping 4ound point+ in $our left #utto"&6hip. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. /eeping $our #od$ rela!ed) turn $our right palm over) transferring $our %eight into $our right leg. At the same time) drop $our right hand do%n to the side of the #od$) #ringing $our left hand up in front of $ou. 9reathing in to one side and #reathing out as $ou turn #a"& to the "entre) repeat the movement several times. "ifting the ,all Training Ti#s: Allo% the movement to #e light and d$nami". 7a$ attention to the alignment of the %eight supporting leg and hip. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 8! T&rning to "oo2 at the 1oon 1imilar to the previous movement #ut %e imagine %e are holding a large #all at head level and %e turn a #it further. /e$ %ords0 Soften the &##er )od3/ 1. 1tarting %ith $our %eight eDuall$ #alan"ed #et%een #oth legs) $our palms fa"ing one another at the height of $our temples. 2. Turn $our %hole #od$ to the left) shifting $our %eight into $our left leg) raising the heel of $our right foot. At the same time loo& in the same dire"tion in %hi"h $our Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. hands are pointing *i.e. up to%ards the <moon=+. 2. /eeping $our #od$ rela!ed) turn the #od$) allo%ing $our &nees to #end) graduall$ shifting $our %eight into the other *right+ foot. Ga:ing at the 1oon Training Ti#s: 1ta$ "onne"ted to the supporting foot and avoid t%isting the &nee. Allo% $our e$es to softl$ ga>e in the dire"tion $ou are fa"ing) al%a$s &eeping the palms of $our hands in $our peripheral vision. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 18! Settling and ,alancing Qi (Sao Gong! 9efore going into the ne!t of the Qi Gong set) %e %ant to introdu"e an important e!er"ise to settle the Qi. .t also helps %ith grounding and "onserving an$ energ$ $ou have generated from $our pra"ti"e) "alming the mind and the nervous s$stem. Although this e!er"ise is the last one in the Qi Gong set) %e am introdu"ing it no% #e"ause) at the end of ever$ pra"ti"e $ou should do this e!er"ise. This e!er"ise helps #ring Qi do%n the "entre line #a"& to the (o%er Can Tian) %here it "an #e stored. 1. 1tand in a rela!ed and Duiet stan"e %ith the feet shoulder %idth apart. 7alms fa"ing up %ith the finger to%ards one another #ut not tou"hing. 7alms a#out the same height as the %aist. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. 4aise the palms up to the height of $our heart and gentl$ raise the heels too *#reathe in+. 2. Turn the palms %hen the$ get to the height of $our heart and #ring them do%n again *#reathing out+. 5eels "ome do%n to the floor as $ou do this. 4epeat this e!er"ise at least si! times after ea"h pra"ti"e session. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. QIGONG: (Exercises ; 18 of Tai Chi Qigong! ;! <&shing <al5s .n this movement %e turn the %aist and push out%ards %ith the opposite palm. 'e fo"us our intent gentl$ into the palm) %ithout tensing the #od$. /e$ %ords0 Connect the t&rn of the )od3 *ith the 5o6e5ent of the ar5/ 1. 1tand %ith $our feet shoulder %idth or slightl$ %ider. 1lightl$ #end and soften $our &nees) &eeping $our #a"& straight and upright. 5old $our hands loosel$ at $our %aist) the #a"& of the right hand resting in $our left palm. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. Turn to the left) #ringing $our left hand #a"& to $our %aist *palm fa"ing do%n+. At the same time push $our right palm out in front of $ou as $ou turn $our %aist to the left *#reathing out+. 2. 'ithdra% $our hands #a"& to the starting point *this time the #a"& of the left hand resting in the right palm+. 9reathing in as $ou return to the "entre. 3. 4epeat the movement on the other *right+ side. <&shing <al5s Training Ti#s: Tr$ not to lean or push $our shoulders for%ards and allo% the movement to "ome from Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. the "entre of the #od$. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 1=! Clo&d -ands 'e #egin %ith the palms fa"ing the mid line of the #od$ at 5eart level and lo%er Can Tian level. 'e turn to the side and turn the palms as if holding a #all. 'e s%ap the hands and turn in the opposite dire"tion. .f $ou have diffi"ult$ moving #oth hands together at the same time) $ou "an pra"ti"e one hand at a time) graduall$ moving #oth hands %hen $ou feel more "omforta#le %ith the movements. /e$ %ords0 >l*a3s t&rn in the direction of the &##er #al5/ 1. 1tart %ith $our feet shoulder %idth apart or slightl$ %ider) the &nees slightl$ #ent. 5ands as sho%n. 2. Turn $our %aist to%ards $our left turning #oth palms over so the$ fa"e one another *as if $ou %ere holding a large #all of light #et%een $our palms on $our left side+. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. Allo% $our left palm to "ir"le do%n and the right palm to rise up until the$ are at the level of the Can Tian and "hest respe"tivel$. 3. Turn to the front %ith #oth palms fa"ing in) as sho%n. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. :. Turn to the right and hold an imaginar$ #all *right hand on top+. 4epeat the pro"ess #$ s%apping the hands again and turning #a"& to the original position et". Clo&d -ands Training Ti#s: 9reathe naturall$ in and out through the nose. There is no set seDuen"e to the #reathing in this e!er"ise. This is one of the more "ompli"ated movements) #ut it is %ell %orth persevering %ith it. Allo% $our movements to flo%. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 11! To&ching the Sea, "oo2ing at The S23 'e #egin in a F9o%F stan"e *Tai Chi 1tan"e+and pla"e the hands over Gu1an(i) the 2 Hile a"upun"ture point *1toma"h 2;) #elo% the &nee+. Hoving #a"& %e open the arms out%ards) as %e go for%ards %e #ring the palms #a"& the 2 Hile 7oint. This e!er"ise "an revive $our Qi and help strengthen the legs and stoma"h Qi. /e$ %ords0 O#ening and closing/ ?ee# the )ac2 straight/ 1. Adopt a @9o%A stan"e) feet appro!imatel$ shoulder %idth %ide) %ith the right foot for%ards and the left foot at 3: degrees. 9egin %ith $our %eight in the #a"& *right+ leg) the arms opening out a#ove $our head) palms fa"ing for%ards. 9od$ upright) &eeping the front foot on the ground) #reathing in. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. 1hift $our %eight to%ards the front *right+ leg. As $ou do so) lean for%ards and do%n%ards) rela!ing $our arms do%n in front of $ou until the$ "ross over ,ust #elo% $our *right+ &nee. 9reathe out as $ou go for%ards and in as $ou go #a"&. 4epeat several times) than "hange sides. To&ching the Sea, "oo2ing at The S23 Training Ti#s: Avoid t%isting the &nee or pushing the &nee #e$ond the toes. As $ou shift the %eight #a"&) ma&e sure $ou donFt lean #a"&) putting pressure on the lo%er #a"&. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 1$! <&shing The @a6e 5ere %e align the points 5egu *(arge .ntestine 3+ and ?un Hen *(ung 2+. 'e push for%ards %ith the out #reath and sin& #a"& %ith the in #reath. 'e also raise the heels and toes in order to stimulate the /idne$ Qi *via /idne$ 16?ong Quan+. /e$ %ords0 >llo* the hands to )e soft and the -eg& <oint to )e o#en and relaxed/ 1. As %ith the previous e!er"ise) adopt a @9o%A stan"e) feet appro!imatel$ shoulder %idth %ide) this time %ith the left foot for%ards and the right foot at 3: degrees. The toe of $our front *left foot+ is raised off the ground. (ift #oth hands to shoulder height) #ringing them to%ards $our "hest) so that the 5egu *(arge .ntestine 3+ and ?un Hen *(ung 2+ points fa"e one another. 2. 9egin pushing for%ards) #ringing the %eight into $our front *left+ leg as $ou #reathe out. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. 1hift all $our %eight onto $our front *left+ leg) straightening the leg and raising the heel of $our right foot off the ground. 3. As $ou #reathe in sin& #a"&) transferring $ou %eight into $our #a"& leg) raising the toes of $our front *left+ foot. :. As %ith the previous e!er"ise) perform several times and then repeat on the other side. <&shing The @a6e Training Ti#s: 1ense the "onne"tion #et%een the 5egu and ?un Hen points. Allo% the movements to #e smooth) avoiding an$ sudden "hanges. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 1'! Al3ing <igeon 'e #egin %ith the %eight for%ards in the front leg %ith the arms in front of us %ith the palms fa"ing in%ards *aligning the (ao Gong points+. As %e sin& the %eight #a"& %e open the arms out%ards *in #reath+ as %e go for%ards %e #ring the arms in%ards *out #reath+. This emphasises flo% of Qi in the arms and opens the "hest and lungs. /e$ %ords0 O#ening and closing 1. Adopt a @9o%A stan"e) feet appro!imatel$ shoulder %idth %ide) %ith the left foot for%ards and the right foot at 3: degrees. /eep $our front foot firml$ planted on the ground. -pen $our arms out to the side a#out shoulder height) palms fa"ing for%ards. *#reathing in+ Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. 1hift $our %eight for%ards) "losing $our arms as the %eight "omes into $our front *left+ leg. Allo% the heal of $our rear leg to "ome off the ground *#reathing out+ 2. 9reathe in again as $ou dra% $ou %eight #a"&) opening $our arms out again *as in 1) a#ove+. 4epeat the movement several times and then repeat on the other side. Al3ing <igeon Training Ti#s: (oo& for a sense of opening rather than stret"hing %hen $ou open out the arms %ith the in #reath. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 1.! <&nching .n a shoulder %idth stan"e %e ma&e rela!ed fists at the hips. 'ith the out #reath one fist "omes for%ards and %ith the in #reath %e #ring it #a"&. 'e "ontinue %ith the other fist. /e$ %ords0 ?ee# the ar5s relaxed/ Aoc&s the intent do*n the ar5 to the fist/ 1. 1tart %ith $our feet slightl$ %ider than shoulder %idth apart) holding $our fist gentl$ at %aist level) palms up. 2. 7un"h gentl$ for%ards %ith alternate fists) letting $our fist rotate as it moves for%ards. <&nching Training Ti#s: /eep $our shoulders rela!ed) and the el#o%s slightl$ #ent. /eep $our #a"& straight and $our attention for%ards in the dire"tion of the fist. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 10! Al3ing @ild Goose As %e #reathe in %e "ome up) as %e #reathe out %e "ome do%n *sin&ing6melting+. This is a ver$ simple #ut effe"tive e!er"ise for "alming the nervous s$stem. /e$ %ords0 The 5o6e5ent feels li2e a )ird in flight/ 1. 1tand naturall$ %ith the feet shoulder %idth apart) arms rela!ed #$ $our side. Gentl$ raise $our arms from the shoulder follo%ed #$ the el#o%s) %rists) and fingers until $our arms are level %ith $our shoulders *#reathing in+. 2. Gentl$ rela! $our arms allo%ing them to flo% do%n from the shoulder) el#o%s) Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. %rists) and fingers #ending $our &nees slightl$ *#reathing out+. Al3ing @ild Goose Training Ti#s: 9e "areful not to loose $our "onne"tion to the ground. Allo% an$ tensions to melt a%a$ %ith the out #reath. 17! T&rning "i2e > @heel 'e ma&e "ir"les %ith the arms #$ turning the hips) starting from a lo% position *as lo% as is "omforta#le+. 'e do this slo%l$ for a fe% turns then reverse the dire"tion. /e$ %ords0 ?ee# the distance )et*een the hands the sa5e thro&gho&t/ Note Although) if pra"ti"ed "orre"tl$) this e!er"ise "an help relieve #a"&a"he) it is important to go gentl$ and never overstret"h *espe"iall$ if this "auses dis"omfort or pain+. 1. 1tand naturall$ %ith $our feet shoulder %idth apart. 9end for%ards as far as feels "omforta#le %ith $our hands to%ards $our toes. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. 1lo%l$ s%ing $our arms to $our left side allo%ing $our right hand to "ross in front of $our #od$. 2. Continue this "ir"ular movement out to $our left side. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 3. Continue the movement until $our arms "ome a#ove $our head %ith the fingers pointing up to the s&$. :. Continue the movement do%n to the other *right+ side. Complete the "ir"le and repeat several times then repeat in the other dire"tion. T&rning "i2e > @heel Training Ti#s: Allo% the #od$ to rela! as mu"h as possi#le. Hove from the hips6"entre of the #od$. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 18! 1arching @hile ,o&ncing > ,all This is ideal for improving "oordination and re#alan"ing the #rain. 'e "onne"t movements of the hand to the foot) alternating #et%een one side and the other. /e$ %ords0 Tr3 to feel that the hand and foot are act&all3 connected/ 1. 1tand naturall$ and rela!ed %ith the feet shoulder %idth apart) palms fa"ing #a"&. 9egin to raise $our left hand and foot together. 2. .n this movement $our hands move gentl$ up to a#out shoulder height at the same time as $ou raise $our &nee) so $our thigh "omes up to the hori>ontal. 4epeat on the Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. other side) "ontinuing the mar"hing a"tion raising the same &nee and hand. 2. This e!er"ise "an #e e!tended further to raise the opposite &nee and hand. This "an #e fun and reall$ tests $our "oBordinationI 1arching @hile ,o&ncing > ,all Training Ti#s: Ta&e $our time at first) graduall$ in"reasing the speed. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 18! Settling and ,alancing Qi (Sao Gong! This e!er"ise helps #ring Qi do%n the "entre line #a"& to the (o%er Can Tian) %here it "an #e stored. 1. 1tand in a rela!ed and Duiet stan"e %ith the feet shoulder %idth apart. 7alms fa"ing up %ith the finger to%ards one another #ut not tou"hing. 7alms a#out the same height as the %aist. 2. 4aise the palms up to the height of $our heart and gentl$ raise the heels too *#reathe in+. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved. 2. Turn the palms %hen the$ get to the height of $our heart and #ring them do%n again *#reathing out+. 5eels "ome do%n to the floor as $ou do this. 4epeat this e!er"ise at least si! times after ea"h pra"ti"e session. Tai Chi Nation 2008 2010. All rights reserved.