The basic Qigong stance described previously ( standing with bent knees and arms by the side ) is common to most Qigong styles. In Guolin Qigong, those with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia should ensure that their fingers point downwards ( Fig. 1-2 ). Those with hypotension, hypoglycemia or anemia should place their hands in front at the outer part of the lower abdomen, with the palms facing up ( Fig. 1-3 ).
Here are two other standing exercises:
THE SECOND STANDING EXERCISE
After breathing in a relaxed manner for about 1 to 2 minutes in the basic stance, now slowly bring your hands to the front, resting the hands on the lower abdomen with the centre of the palms ( one on top of the other ) placed about three fingers below the umbilicus ( ie. over the middle Dantian ). Females should place the left hand over the right hand, and males do the reverse ( Fig. 1-4).
The relaxed breathing cycles can be repeated whilst in this position. In Guolin Qigong, the breathing instructions for this position are more complicated, with exhaling through the mouth followed by inhaling through the nose; then normal nose breathing; then repeating the cycle three times. Cancer patients start with inhaling first, while others start with exhaling. This can be confusing and should only be practised under an instructor’s supervision.
Furthermore, there are variations in the hand position for those with certain cancers. ( The descriptions below are only for information. All interested cancer patients should learn first-hand from an instructor ).
Those with cancers below the solar plexus should not rest their hands in front. Instead, after bringing the hands to the front, they should then bring the hands slowly backwards following the waistline whilst keeping the thumb and middle finger of each hand touching. The palms face backwards during the process and the back of the hands finally rest on the lower back ( Fig. 1-5).
Those with cancers of the kidneys and pancreas should follow the above instructions, but they bring their hands backwards only to the side of the waistline, and stop there ( Fig. 1-6 ).
Those with cancers above the solar plexus rest their hands in front like healthy people.
THE THIRD STANDING EXERCISE
From the second stance, bring the arms slowly to the front until both hands are about one handwidth in front of the middle Dantian, with the palms facing each other and opposing fingers almost touching ( Fig.1-10 ). Next, turn the hands so that the palms face outwards in opposing directions ( Fig.1-7 ). As you breathe in ( relaxed nasal breathing ), slowly move your arms outwards until the hands are in line with your shoulders ( Fig.1-8 ). Pause your breath as you slowly turn the palms inwards. As you breathe out, slowly bring your hands towards each other ( Fig. 1-9 ) until they nearly touch in the centre again ( Fig.1-10 ). You are now ready to repeat the cycle. Do it another two times.
In Guolin Qigong, those with hypotension, hypoglycemia and anemia do this exercise with the palms facing up ( Fig. 1-12 ); and those with hypertension, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia do it with fingers pointing downwards ( Fig. 1-13 ). Those with cancers do it with the hands further away from the body ( two handwidths away ) and the palms facing the ground ( Fig. 1-15 ). Please note again that these are for your information only. Those who wish to improve from the above diseases must learn personally from an instructor.
The three standing exercises, done in sequence, becomes the opening exercise of Guolin Qigong. We start each practice session with this. After at least an hour of walking Qigong and other exercises, we then conclude our practice session by reversing the standing exercises sequence, thus ending with the basic stance again.
Happy practising !
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