qigong for taichi

Push the Boat out

In this exercise you push out to the right, then turn 180 degrees and push out to the left. Personal tuition is essential to learn this one.

1. Exhaling
Start turned to R
R leg stepped forward and weight on it
Arms extended (not locked) at chest height
Palms of hands facing forward (back wrists flexed)
L leg empty, heel raised

2. Inhaling
Take weight back to L leg, dropping to L seated stance
R toes lift
Arms remain outstretched but palms now face floor

3. Exhaling
Swivel 130 degrees on heel of R foot
Let arms draw round horizontally as you turn
Then
Weight onto R foot
Turn 50 degrees on heel of L foot
Arms continue to draw round

4. Together, while inhaling
Step round half a step with heel of L foot
Sink onto R bent leg
Pull hands down in a curve so they are in front of abdomen

5. Together while exhaling
Push arms forward in a gentle upward curve
Back wrists are flexed, palms face forward
Take weight forward to L as you push
Leaving R leg empty, heel raised

Repeat whole of above from 2 with reversed arms and legs so return to pushing boat out to L

USING QIGONG SENSIBLY

UK TAI CHI and Sue Dunham cannot take responsibility for your fitness to do these exercises. Tai Chi and qigong are not a substitute for regular medical care. It is the responsibility of the individual to seek advice and consent from their medical practitioner if they have any concerns.

About learning qigong

Like many other Eastern disciplines, learning qigong is as much about the journey as it is about the results - and it is a lifetime's journey because there is never an end to the learning. It helps if you can focus on enjoying every step of the way and increase your awareness of small changes in yourself. The successful student may appear the least physically proficient but they are the one who has seen that qigong is a different way of being. It is empowering, it is a way of being self-aware and it is a healthy way to be. Enigmatic - but that is the charm and fascination of qigong!