Brocade 8 – Toe Touching to Strengthen the Kidneys & Waist
Revitalizing Your Life Energy (Qi) Through Motion – Series
Begin in Qigong stance.
Take a big breath in and as you exhale, slowly bend forward at the waist. Bend down as far as you can comfortably go. Your spine should be soft and flexible. Make sure you do this slow enough so that you can feel your spine relaxing. It is okay to bend your knees slightly at first. However, once your flexibility improves try to keep your legs straight. Once you have gone as far as you can, remain in this position and take a few deep breaths, relaxing even more with each exhale.
When you are ready to slowly come back up, take a big breath in as you return to standing position, and then gently continue into a baby back bend. Stop the back bend at any point that feels uncomfortable. Gently squeeze your buttocks to protect your low back. Your gaze is toward the sky. Take a few breaths while in the back bend position and then gently straighten your body.
As an option, after you come out of the baby back bend, allow your heels to come off the floor and then come down fast, creating a slight shake of the body.
Repeat the whole process seven more times, ending in Qigong stance.
This brocade is great for circulation and helps your body and spirit feel refreshed. It stretches the spine and positively affects the kidneys, adrenal glands and the lungs. It also helps move and settle the Qi.