Two Hands Climb The Legs to Strengthen the Kidneys: 8 Brocades Part 6

This practice is very good for the Jing or essence. Healthy kidneys help regulate our energy that we use daily, as well as through a lifetime. It relates to the element of water, which when in balance can give one more tenacity, inner strength, a sense of belonging, and an understanding of our origins. It relates to stillness, silence and ease. When in balance, we get that sense of greater quietness and stillness even if we're active and busy. For example if you are running a marathon or in a boxing match, you still possess an inner silence, a quietness and ease, within the strength and perseverance you need to continue.

This 800-year old exercise, which the ancients likened to beautiful brocade, consists of eight sections, is very popular among the Chinese people. Each section can be practiced on its own and each targets a specific organ or health need. The whole set of movements are fine and delicate with moderate intensity. It is like yoga, but is performed in a standing position and does not require much space or a yoga mat. The 8 brocades are also known as the silk brocades because of the very slow and flowing movements. I have been practicing the 8 brocades regularly for several years, and have found it to be one of my great pillars that keep me physically, mentally and emotionally in balance.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPTION

The hands start on the lower back and kidneys, trace the fingers down the backs of the legs.
Then inhale, start to draw up the inner legs, tracing to the inner groins. About where the body / torso starts float the hands off the body and up toward the sky.
And from the sky draw down some essence and spirit, filling into the body.
Take an in-breath again and then hands draw to the lower back.
Exhale trace the hands down the backs of the legs, This is the urinary bladder line.

As you inhale trace up the inner legs the kidney meridian line, about where the groins are float the hands off the body and reach upwards towards the sky.
As you exhale, draw down from the sky essence and spirit.

Again inhale, and then take the hands to the lower back.
Exhale draw the hands, tracing the backs of the legs and down
Coming up the inner legs, Inhale,
Gather from the earth what feeds and nourishes the body, the blood and bones.
Take the hands up over head toward the sky, draw from the sky things that support the spirit and essence filling into the body.

It is very good for the Jing or essence. Healthy kidneys help regulate our energy that we use daily, as well as through a lifetime. It relates to the element of water, which when in balance can give one more tenacity, inner strength, a sense of belonging, and an understanding of our origins. It relates to stillness, silence and ease. When in balance, we get that sense of greater quietness and stillness even if we're active and busy. For example if you are running a marathon or in a boxing match, you still possess an inner silence, a quietness and ease, within the strength and perseverance you need to continue.

Finishing here with a slow descent of the hands down, a clearing out. And then a final clearing of this practice.
The hands slowly fold in front of the chest, creating that sense of greater inner quietness, ease and stillness.

WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE

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Credits:
With deep gratitude to Grand Master Chen Yong Fa (陳永發) for his teachings and dedication to Qi Gong.
With great thanks to Mimi Kuo-Deemer for her inspiration for this video and her kind permission to use her words.

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WATCH PREVIOUS PARTS:

WATCH PART 1

WATCH PART 2

WATCH PART 3

WATCH PART 4

WATCH PART 5

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