QiGong benefits of Shibashi Set 2 Movements

In Shibashi each movement has particular Qi and physiological benefits, particularly for circulation, balance, endurance and overall body coordination. Set 2 has a particular emphasis on the Middle Dantien (heart space) and the lower body Qi flow. Here I've provide a summary of the benefits of each movement in Set 2.

Regulating the Qi: Brings up cool Yin Qi from the earth through the Dantiens to cool the Triple Heater (3 sections of the abdomen containing the primary organs). Provides a gentle release to the back and shoulders.

Moving the Qi Along the Microcosmic Orbit: Connecting together the Governance and Conception Meridians and guiding the Qi along it helps to unblock stagnant Qi and has a strengthening benefit for the immune system by encouraging lymph fluid movement.

Wind Blowing at the Willows: Flowing movements of the arms benefits the heart and lungs and kidneys by activating the Merdians in the arms, plus the weight shifting from side to side harmonises the Qi of your entire body. Good for strengthening core and increasing balance and stability.

Searching for Needles in the Sea: Encourages Qi flow in the legs encouraging stagnant, spent or excess Qi to leave the body through the Yong Quan on the sole of the feet and brings in fresh cooling Yin Qi to the Middle Dantien (heart space).

Fisherman Casting the Net: The arm movements benefit the heart and lungs through the activation of the associated Meridians in the arms, while the twisting of the waist helps disperse excess Qi in the liver and gall bladder. Provides a stretch and release to lower back.

Immortal Pointing the Way: Encourages Qi to sink to the lower half of the body. Increases suppleness of the legs and helps improve overall coordination, balance and stability.

Mischievous Boy Kicking his Legs: Moves Qi along the Meridians in the legs to benefit stomach, spleen and liver. Pushes out stagnant, spent or excess Qi through the base of the foot, the Yong Quan point. Encourages activating the core to strengthen and to improve balance and stability.

Holy Crane Worshipping the Moon: Benefits the liver and kidneys through the twisting of the waist. Collects Qi and training the palms to be more sensitive to the sensation of Qi by bringing the hands into prayer. Helps improve flexibility, balance and core strength.

Yellow Dragon Pushing Out with Claws: The Kua squat encourages energy to sink to the Lower Dantien and release stagnant Qi. The movement of the arms and fingers transfers Qi via the meridians from the fingers and hands to the internal organs. Combined with the breathing encourages the opening and closing of the Meridian endpoints.

Pulling the Bow to Shoot the Eagle: Lifting and opening the arms increases Qi flow in the heart and lung Meridians, and the shifting of weight helps to harmonise Qi flow. Can give a feeling of strength, focus and integrity.

Twin Dragons Emerging from The Sea: Connecting the middle finger and thumb in a Mudra brings together fire and metal elements to generate a feeling of stability. The rocking motion and shifting of weight harmonises the body’s Qi flow. Works core and improves stability and balance.

Crossing the Wild Blue Ocean: Promotes the flow of Qi through the legs. Opens and tonifies the large intestine Meridian through the hand position. Stimulation of the Yong Quan point through the rocking of the feet nourishes the kidney Meridian.

Lion Playing with a Ball: Links the Bai Hui on the top of the head to the Middle Dantien (heart space) through the hand positions encouraging communication with our surrounding space.

Embracing the Moon at the Dantien: Stimulates the liver and gallbladder Meridians through the twisting of the waist. Beneficial for insomnia and helps balance blood pressure. Encourages flexibility of the lumbar spine.

Phoenix Spreads Its Wings: Increases Qi flow, benefits heart, liver, nervous system and lungs and opens and expands the Qi in the chest.

Striking Opponent with Double Fist: Improves balance, concentration and coordination, encourages grounding and rooting. Strengthens core and arms.

Bringing the Qi to the Dantien: Helps sink the Qi to the Lower Dantien and encourages rotation of the Qi.

Collecting the Qi: Collects and stores Qi in the Lower Dantien, clears out negative emotions. Gentle strength to back, shoulders and arms.