QiGong benefits of the Shibashi Set 1 Movements

Many people in my classes are interested in the QiGong understanding of the benefits of the movements we practice. The sequence of 18 movements is intended to provide overall benefit to all aspects of our organs and function and our Qi energy flow, with each movement having a specific benefit, or benefits, attributed to it.

Commence: This simple movement strengthens our Earth Qi and calms the Liver Qi, transforming physical tensions as the arms are lifted and lowered

Broadening one’s Chest: Opening and expanding our chest strengthens the heart and lungs.

Dancing with Rainbows: The rocking motion from leg to leg creates a strong connection with Earth Qi through the weight-bearing foot. Because the arms are held in a raised position this encourages Earth Qi to be absorbed upwards and into the stomach organ. Together this strengthens the stomach/digestion and heart (plus the QiGong ‘triple heater’).

Circling Arms: The arm movements flush Qi along the arm meridians, and particularly the heart, lung, and pericardium meridians in the chest, benefiting the Lungs and heart.

Twisting Waist and Swinging Arms: The twisting movements unblock and disperse Qi in the gall bladder and liver.

Rowing the Boat: Strengthens the kidney and bladder through the bending and stretching.

Holding a Ball: The lifting movements activate the spleens lifting and holding function.

Carrying the Moon: Also strengthens the spleen, with some liver and gall bladder work.

Twisting Waist and Pushing Palms: Works on the digestion (bowels, bladder) and large intestine by moving Qi in the Lower and Middle Dantien. And the hand positions open and tonify the Large Intestine Meridian.

Playing with Clouds: Letting go or allowing the eyes to relax during this movement affects our consciousness to initiate calmness.

Scooping from the Sea: Strengthens the heart and lungs by connecting Earth and Heaven Qi and opening our chest, and the rocking movements connect us to the Earth.

Playing with Waves: The rocking action stimulates the Yong Quan point on the soles of the feet, strengthening the kidney and bladder.

Spreading your Wings: Opens and expands the Qi in the chest to strengthen the heart and lungs.

Punching: Strengthens the digestion and bowels by moving Qi in the Lower Dantien.

Flying like a Wild Goose: Strengthens the heart and lungs by opening and expanding Qi in the chest.

Spinning Wheels: Works on the bowel, liver and kidney meridian through the circling action, with the downward movement flushing the kidneys.

Bouncing the Ball: Co-ordination of the arms and legs helps to harmonise the left and right hemispheres of the brain helping with mental and physical coordination. Swinging the arms (lifting and dropping) makes the blood move and eliminates stagnated Qi in the upper body, while marching on the spot stimulates all the Qi channels that are found in the feet.

Pressing the Palms: We finish with this ascending and descending movement which absorbs the Yin quality of Earth Qi and the Yang quality of Heaven Qi and is an important movement to return the Qi to the Dantien.