Wellness Positive

A Tai Chi and Kung-Fu Exercise Program for Good Health, well-being and preventing disease..

  Most of the Tai Chi and Kung Fu exercises in this program develop and strengthen not one but several of the body's internal systems and organs. Read on, below..

THE SECOND EXERCISE: DRAWING THE BOW..

  This is one of the most famous and widely used exercises in China, and has been in use for hundreds of years. It's origins are lost in time, but it has a distinctly martial flavor. Whatever it's origins, this exercise greatly benefits the kidneys, spleen and stomach.

Look at the image below.. it is called the horse stance. The lower part of your body will be held in the horse stance throughout this exercise..

STEP 1:

Now, to begin the exercise, turn your head to the left, and place your arms as shown in the image below, as if you were holding a bow with the left hand, and the string with your right.

 Breathe in deeply, filling the lungs.

STEP 2:

  Now, WHILE EXHALING, gradually push the left hand out completely at shoulder height, and pull the right hand back, just as if you were drawing a real bow. The movement should be done slowly, as if it was done against the resistance of the bow, but without straining or tensing the muscles.

When you reach the extreme point of the bow's stretch, your lungs should be half empty.

STEP 3:

  Now, continuing to exhale, slowly 'relax' the bow, and when your arms are close to your chest again, relax into the horse position. At this point your lungs should be completely empty.

STEP 4:

  Now, inhaling, perform the same sets of movements on the RIGHT side of the body (i.e. turn your head to the right, stretch the bow to the right, etc. Do not forget to breathe correctly.)

  After you have completed one 'drawing the bow' to the left, and one to the right, count them as one repetition. Do between 5 and 10.