Eight Brocades(Ba Duan Jin),the third movement-Separate Heaven and the Earth to Regulate Spleen and Stomach
Eight Brocades, third Movement-Separate Heaven and the Earth to Regulate Spleen and Stomach (2) Eight Brocades Third Movement-Separate Heaven and the Earth to Regulate Spleen and Stomach. – YouTube
Eight Brocades-Separate Heaven and the Earth, it involves a series of movements designed to create a balanced flow of Qi(vital energy)between the upper and lower part of the body. By combining tense and relaxing movements, this massages the stomach and spleen, the organs related to digestion and the Earth element in Chinese medicine.
to Regulate Spleen and Stomach
Eight Brocades Qigong
Gastritis and gastric ulcer, are associated with imbalances in the stomach and spleen meridians, can benefit from this movement.With consistent practice, individuals with gastritis and gastric ulcers will experience noticeable improvements.
In TCM, the concept of the “middle warmer” refers to the area of the body where the stomach and spleen are located. In the third movement of Eight Brocades Qigong-Separate Heaven and the Earth, one hand lifted upward, symbolizing the connection with heaven, while the other hand presses downwards, representing the grounding energy of the earth. The hand that supports heaven requires strength, as it is associated with the upward and expansive energy of the body. By using the entire palm’s strength, rather than just the fingers, engage the energy channels and meridians connected to the upper body.
The hand pressing down towards the earth exerts a grounding force. This downward movement stimulates the lower part of the body, connecting with the Earth element in Chinese medicine. By using palm strength to press down, it engages the meridians associated with the lower body. This balance between heaven and the earth is vital in traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, as it signifies harmony and equilibrium in the body’s energy.
In the movement-Separate Heaven and the Earth, throughout stretching the hands, helps promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body in the middle warmer. The liver, gallbladder, stomach, and spleen are at the middle warmer and associated with the wood and earth elements in Chinese medicine. Emotions, such as anger and depression, are believed to directly impact the middle warmer, affecting to stomach and spleen.
When one experiences frequent anger or emotional turmoil, it can lead to stagnation of Qi and blood, disrupting the flow of vital energy. This disruption leads to issues like gastric ulcer and gastritis. The blockage of internal energy affects the body’s ability to produce and circulate blood effectively, leading to deficiencies, this deficiency can manifest as blood insufficiency and contribute to issues like gastritis.
When a person experience frequent anger or depression, the stanant emotional energy can disrupt the smooth flow of Qi in the body.In Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are responsible for the digestion and transformation of food into Qi and blood.Emotional disturbances, especially chronic ones like anger or depression, create energy blockages that impair the spleen and stomach’s function.Over time, these emotional imbalancces weaken the spleen and stomach, leading to a deficiency of Qi and blood. The deficiency affects the organ’s abiltiy to nourish and sustain the body, leading to symptoms such as gastric ulcers, indigestion, and other digestive issues.
Additionally, the weakened spleen and stomach further contribute to feelings of sadness, worry, and irritability, creating a cycle that perpetuates both emotional and physical imbalances.
In Chinese medicine, the health of spleen and stomach is intricately connnected to the liver. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi in the body. When the liver’s Qi becomes stagnant or blocked due to factors like stress, anger or emotional imbalance, it can affect the spleen and stomach. Stagnant liver Qi tends to accumulate on the sides of the body. Therefore, one of the key methods to rejuvenate the spleen and stomach is to release this stagnant liver Qi. Stretching out the sides of the waist through this movement helps in doing so.
In Chinese medicine, a bloated stomach often indicates a deficiency or imbalance in the stomach Qi, leading to feelings of fullness and discomfort after eating. This movement- Separate Heaven and the Earth helps stimulate the Qi flow in these organs. Lifting the hand activates the ascending Qi of the spleen, while pressing the hand down stimulates the descending Qi of the stomach. More to read Hong Qigong Qigong – Tai Chi Yoga
Various lifestyle such as overeating and lack of exercise, can weaken the spleen and stomach, leading to health issues. Minor health problems, including hair loss, are often associated with imbalance or weakness of the spleen and stomach. Hair loss on the top of the head is specifically related to those organs.
The liver meridian which runs along the top of the head, and the stomach meridian which runs in front of the head,. When excessive and unreasonable thinking or overthinking occur, it can disturb the Qi flow and blood in these meridians. Overthinking , especially worry and anxiety, can lead to an imbalance in the spleen and stomach, hindering their ability to produce and circulate blood effectively. When there is insufficient blood, the hair follicles may not receive adequate nourishment, leading to hair loss, particularly at the top of the head.
In TCM, the spleen is responsible for governing the muscles and is closely connected to muscle strength and integrity. Spleen deficiency manifests as muscles weakness and fatigue. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to developing muscle weakness. Lack of physical activity stagnates the flow of Qi and blood, hindering the nourishment of muscles.
According to Chinese medicine principles, regular movement and exercise improve circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body, ensuring that the muscles receive adequate nourishment. When the body is in motion, the spleen’s function is enhanced, and the muscles are strengthened. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle disrupts the balance of Qi and blood, leading to spleen deficiency and subsequent muscle weakness.
To address this, this Eight Brocades Qigong movement-Separate Heaven and the Earth to Regulate Spleen and Stomach by pulling the left and right upper limbs up and down, it stretches the abdominal cavity. This stretching is vital as it massages the spleen and stomach, improving their proper function. The gentle massage stimulates these organs, improving digestion and supporting the body’s energy. Also this movement works on stimulating the meridians of the chest and ribs, as well as the back meridians. By activating these meridians, the movement increases the smooth flow of Qi and blood, ensuring balanced energy circulation throughout the body. Eight Pieces Brocade Qigong Routine | Ba Duan Jin | 8 Moves (earthbalance-taichi.com)
Experience the healing power of Chinese Qigong and reconnect with your natural energy with Hong.QIgong class is on Mondays 6:15-7 pm at Prestatyn Ty Caradoc community center.