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This series of 18 specific movements is called Lian Gong Yi Qi Gong and can be translated as "the practice of 18 health exercises to strengthen vital energy (练功十八法益气功)." It incorporates deep, relaxed breathing and gentle, meditative movements which work to balance the flow of energy through the Lung, Large Intestine, and Kidney channels, which are important for respiratory health. Benefits of Lian Gong Yi Qi Gong include:
Improved lung capacity
Increased mobility in the muscles surrounding the diaphragm and ribcage
Massage for the internal organs and lymphatic system
Improved digestion and elimination
These therapeutic movements were codeveloped by Dr. Zhuang Yuan Ming and his son, Zhuang Jian Shen, in Shanghai, China and have been practiced internationally since the late 1970's. Dr. Zhuan Yuan Ming was a TCM traumatology doctor who originally developed a series of exercises called Lian Gong Shi Bai Fa 练功十八法), which translates roughly to "the practice of 18 health exercises." The Lian Gong Yi Qi Gong exercises you will learn are derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage, external martial arts stretches, and Dr. Zhuang's personal experience treating the elderly and those with respiratory ailments.
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, there exists a strong relationship between the functioning of the Lungs, Large Intestine, and Kidney channels. When we breathe deeply into the lungs and improve overall respiratory function, the Large Intestine's function of elimination also improves! Likewise, research has shown that stimulating proper elimination of the bowels can alleviate shortness of breath and improve gas exchange function of the lungs.
The Lungs play a vital role in the inhaling of natural Qi energy from the environment and exhaling of turbid Qi from the body. The Lungs rely on the strong grasping and astringent quality of the Kidneys, however, to do their work. The Lian Gong Yi Qi Gong exercises will help to strengthen the LungKidney relationship so that deep breathing and proper elimination of turbid Qi can be achieved.
We look forward to sharing these exercises with you!
Wishing you peace and vibrant health.