shaolin qigong

Question 1

Name the 6 Shaolin Internal Cultivation Qigong Exercises.

Answer 1

1. King Rises from His Throne
2. Pushing 8 Horses Forward
3. Pulling 9 Oxen Backwards
4. Overlord Holds Up the Tripod
5. Wind Sways the Lotus Leaves
6. Black Dragon Enters the Cave (unilateral)

Question 2

What is the technique for performing King Rises from His Throne?

Answer 2

• Push down with hands as if against resistance (scapulae draw together)
• Brush side of body with fingers
• Exhale to push down & back; Inhale up

Question 3

What is the benefit of King Rises from His Throne?

Answer 3

• Develop ability to direct qi with mind
• Coordinate upper & lower body
• Strengthens back & shoulders

Question 4

What is the technique for performing Pushing 8 Horses Forward?

Answer 4

• Palms face each other
• Elbows brush body
• Exhale forward with hands; Inhale back

Question 5

What is the benefit of Pushing 8 Horses Forward?

Answer 5

• Sends qi to hands
• Develop ability to direct qi with mind
• Coordinate upper & lower body

Question 6

What is the technique for performing Pulling 9 Oxen Backwards?

Answer 6

• As arms stretch forward, backs of hands and fingers touch
• As arms pull back, palms face up and come into a fist alongside waist
• Shoulders stay relaxed, sunken
• Gripping action is from back and legs

Question 7

What is the benefit of Pulling 9 Oxen Backwards?

Answer 7

• Develop ability to direct qi with mind

- Helpful for grasping, kneading, pinching, wringing

Question 8

What is the technique for performing Overlord Holds Up the Tripod?

Answer 8

• As hands pass in front of face on the way up, palms turn to face out and then up; push overhead
• As hands pass in front of face on the way down, palms turn to face out and then down; push down

Question 9

What is the benefit of Overlord Holds Up the Tripod?

Answer 9

• Coordinate strength of upper & lower body

- Strengthens pushing & pressing

Question 10

What is the technique for performing Wind Sways the Lotus Leaves?

Answer 10

• Stretch arms forward at shoulder height, with palms down
• Take arms into a wide “V”, rotating from shoulder girdle / back
• Chest is relaxed
• Root of movement is from body rather than arms

Question 11

What is the technique for performing Black Dragon Enters the Cave?

Answer 11

• Step one foot forward at 45 degrees & face your body in that direction
• Weight on back foot, which is bent (front foot is straight)
• Palms face up along waist with elbows behind
• As you shift weight forward, stretch arms forward and rotate palms to face down
• Don’t lean forward to much

Question 12

What is the benefit of Black Dragon Enters the Cave?

Answer 12

• Connects the power of the arms with that of the waist, hips, back & legs
• Develops pushing strength