Moving Hands Down the Legs

Moving Hands Down the Legs is the seventh form in the 8 Pieces of Brocade qigong flow. This movements improves spinal flexibility and opens channels of energy at the back of the legs. You also bring blood flow to the head to refresh mental clarity.

Tips:
1. Don’t compress your lower back. Lift up as you bend back.
2. Gaze up to the sky as you press back.
3. Really picture yourself sweeping stagnant Qi down your legs and into the earth. Release this stale, blocked Qi.
4. Let gravity pull you down as you hang your head.
5. Imagine your hands pulling fresh Qi up your legs and into your body when you inhale up.

This flow moves every muscle, joint, lymph node, and organ in your body. It opens up meridians so qi can flow throughout your body, helping it rejuvenate, strengthen, and heal.

In addition to the internal benefits, the postures that make up the 8 movements give you tone, lean muscles. They also enhance movement in the lymphatic system, and boost your lung capacity.

The 8 movements are:
1. Holding up the heavens like a pillar
2. Drawing a bow to shoot an arrow
3. Penetrating heaven and earth
4. Wise owl gazing backwards
5. Sway the head and shake the tail
6. Punching the fists and glaring
7. Moving hands down the legs
8. Bouncing on the toes

Before and after several movements, you will also see a movement called sinking the qi. That means that you are bringing your qi (energy) to the area behind and below your belly button (the lower dantian).