Qigong Move of the Month: Deer Nods its Head
Shawn Cartwright, December 2009
We wish you many blessings this holiday season. If you need to work off some steam or get into the festive spirit, try acting like a reindeer. We don't mean running around on people's roofs and eating their holiday greenery -- try stretching your neck instead. Here is a great move from Hua Tuo's famous Five Animal Frolics!
Deer Stretches its Neck
1) Stand straight with the
feet together. Arms hang loosely by the sides.
2) Step forward with the left leg to a left cat stance. The weight stays in the rear leg. At the same time, make a fist with the left hand and place it in the small of your back, against Ming Men. As you step, press the chin down so that the neck is slightly compressed. Use caution if you have neck injury.
3) At the same time, the right hand makes a fist and rises up the center line until it is in front of the face, and then opens into a vertical palm. The thumb of the hand is facing towards the face.
4) Quickly lift the Bai Hui up so that the neck completely straightens.
5) Repeat 2-4 on the opposite side.
Benefits
This movement helps the neck, brain,
Ren and Du channels. It is particularly useful for helping open the
Yu Zhen.