Benefits of "Opening The Chest" (Circling Arms)
Shibashi was created for strengthening the back and the lower torso. It improves one’s general health and wellbeing. You will obtain more of the benefits by finding the time to practice at least one form daily. The main benefits of the full Shibashi set are:
- blood circulation and digestive system – improved by the gentle stretching and rocking motion
- breathing – conditions such as asthma benefit from the slowed intake of air helped by expanding and contracting the arms
- also, back and shoulders are helped by expanding and contracting the arms and gentle bending.
- sharpness of mind is improved by employing left-brain right-brain thinking patterns.
And the overall benefit of this Qigong exercise is, as previously noted in the previous movements, is in reducing things like anxiety and muscle tension in the body. We do it because it is just wonderful to do! Imagine that, exercising for the sheer pleasure it gives you.
The following point is important to grasp for this movement.
It will be explained more during the video, but the motion of right over left wrist discusses the following.
Inner Gate:
The inner gate is located at the middle of your arm, 3 fingers below the wrist line.
This accupoint is very important because the number 1 killer of the world is heart disease. If you stimulate this point often enough, it can prevent heart disease and regulate blood pressure. To stimulate this point, simply use your thumb to press it down for 2 seconds, release for 2 seconds. Repeat the above step for about 5 minutes, then do the same thing for the other hand. You may do this 2-4 times a day. When you press it correctly, you should feel some sensation along your palm to your middle finger.
This will be the last video in our mini-series on Shibashi Set One. We have covered four of the eighteen movements within the set. You can judge for yourself the importance of good instruction. The full instruction DVD (or Thumb drive) can be ordered in class.
