In these extraordinary times, how can we exercise our body and mind to maintain health without leaving home?
TCM experts present three forms of “TCM Guided Exercises” that can be performed in just 3-5 minutes before getting up, before meals, and before sleep, regardless of space limitations. These exercises can help alleviate physical and mental fatigue and adjust health status for many citizens staying at home.
What are TCM Guided Exercises?
TCM Guided Exercises are one of the six major systems of traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, moxibustion, scraping, herbs, guided exercises, and tui na). They are a primary method for preventing diseases and treating ailments in TCM, showing significant effects and positive implications for the prevention and rehabilitation of chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic diseases in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Morning Guided Exercise: Warm Up and Activate Blood Circulation
This form is derived from the “Twelve Forms of Yi Jin Jing Guided Exercises – Preparation Form.” Through the exercise of “closing-opening” of major joints throughout the body, it relaxes the muscles and promotes blood circulation, achieving the effect of warming up and activating blood flow. Performing three sets of the preparation form every morning helps cultivate righteous qi and expel turbid qi while absorbing clear qi.
Pre-meal Guided Exercise: Awaken the Spleen and Nourish the Stomach
This form is derived from the “Twelve Forms of Yi Jin Jing Guided Exercises – Collection Form.” Performing seven sets of guided exercises before and after meals helps awaken the spleen and nourish the stomach. It is normal to experience burping, bowel sounds, or flatulence (gas movement in the intestines leading to passing gas) during the exercises.
Pre-sleep Guided Exercise: Relax the Body and Mind
This form is derived from the “Eight Pieces of Brocade Guided Exercises – Crossed Hands and Double Empty Support, Rubbing the Jingmen Point from Behind.” It can be performed on the bed and helps relax major joints such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, neck, waist, back, knees, and ankles, soothing the body and mind, and benefiting sleep.
How about that? Isn’t it simple and easy to learn? Starting today, spend a little time at home each day to build a strong barrier for your health with effective TCM exercise methods!
Expert: Yan Weibing, Director of the Shanghai Inheritance Guided Exercise Medical Research Institute,
Part-time Professor at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
Representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project
“TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Method (Twelve Forms of Yi Jin Jing Guided Exercises)”
Source: Health Shanghai 12320
