Qigong Move of the Month: "ROAR" Like a Tiger
Shawn Cartwright, July 2009
The tiger animal is one of the most famous in all Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Its grace, beauty and power have inspired countless paintings, poems and Kung Fu forms. It is very popular with three year olds and anyone who is young at heart. Unleash your inner beast and ROAR like a tiger!
Crouching Tiger Pounces and Roars
1. Stand in a wide horse stance with the feet twice the
width of your shoulders
2. Form you hands in the shape of a tiger claw (pretend
that you are gripping a ball with your fingertips)
3. Drop the tiger claws in front of you, letting the
back of the hands strike the inside of the thighs. (You can strike as hard
or lightly as you wish.)
4. Rise up out of your stance as you bring the hands
behind you and above your head.
5. As you rise up, inhale through the nose.
6. As the tiger claws come forward, stretch them out in
front of you like a cat stretching its claws.
7. At the same sink the body back down into the wide
horse stance.
8. As you are sinking, exhale through the mouth and say
loudly, “ROAAAR!”
9. Repeat 3 to 9 times.
Benefits
This movement
strengthens the legs, heart, and lungs.