TIPS for the 4th Rite
- Focus on placing the weight on your thumb and index finger of each hand to protect your wrists.
- Use the modifications until you build up your arm and hand strength.
- Always control the motion of your neck. Never let it drop or fall back on its own.
- Breathe for the entire time it takes you to lift your hips, and exhale for the time it takes you to bring your hips towards your hands. If controlling your breath is too difficult, breathe gently through your nose.
HEALTH BENEFITS of the 4th Rite
From the yogic perspective, you are speeding up energetic centers or chakras, particularly in the knees, throat, waist, and reproductive areas.
From a TCM perspective, you are giving meridians in the hands and arms an internal massage. You also increase the flow of qi in the Belt Meridian, responsible for reproductive functions. As you press up, you further supportive longevity by helping pump blood and qi through the kidneys.
From a western perspective, the exercise continues to work on core strength, with the added element of strengthening the arms and wrists. You also continue to improve coordination of large muscle groups with this exercise.