Ancient sages left behind many fitness methods, such as the Five Animal Frolics, the Eight Brocade Exercises, and Tai Chi, but these are not very practical for the average person. However, a set of hand-swinging exercises evolved from the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic) has captivated many. Let's take a look:
What is the "swinging arm exercise"?
"Hand-swinging therapy," also known as "Hand-swinging exercise," evolved from the ancient "Yijinjing" (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic). "Yijin" means to transform weak tendons into strong ones, allowing the sick to gradually heal and the healthy to maintain good health. Hand-swinging exercise activates 12 meridians in the fingers, palms, wrists, toes, heels, and knees, promoting good blood and qi circulation, thus curing many ailments without treatment.
The arm-swinging exercise is actually quite simple. Stand straight with your legs shoulder-width apart, feet firmly planted. Then, swing both arms back and forth in the same direction. When swinging backward, use a little force. Yi Yi Dao Tang reminds everyone that the key to arm-swinging is to use three-tenths of your strength to swing forward and seven-tenths to swing backward. When practicing, be relaxed and natural, and don't go too fast. You can start with fewer repetitions and gradually increase the number, otherwise you will get bored quickly.
This hand-swinging exercise involves the entire body in motion, thereby promoting blood circulation. Although it may be a bit tedious, a healthy body comes from daily persistence.
Arm-swinging exercise can prevent and treat three types of diseases.
1. Swinging your arms to cure cancer
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that both cancer and tumors are the result of stagnation of qi and blood and blockage of meridians. Regularly swinging one's arms is beneficial for expelling stale air and taking in fresh air, replenishing qi and blood, thus preventing and treating cancer. It is recommended to swing your arms 2000 times each morning, afternoon, and evening for five consecutive months, which is beneficial for the treatment of lung cancer. Those suffering from arthritis or bleeding after bowel movements may see improvement after practicing arm swinging. For those with esophageal cancer, it can gradually improve their condition. For those with cervical lymphoma, swinging their arms 2000 times daily can significantly increase appetite and assist in the treatment of lymphoma.
When swinging your arms, look forward, keep your mind free of evil thoughts, and silently count the numbers. You can start by doing two or three hundred swings, and gradually increase the number to more than one thousand to two thousand each time, which takes about half an hour.
2. Swinging your arms to cure eye diseases
The *Neijing* (Inner Canon of Medicine) states, "The eyes receive blood and thus see," meaning eye problems are essentially blood problems. If qi and blood cannot reach the eyes, various illnesses will inevitably arise. The arm-swinging exercise aims to promote the flow of qi and blood, reaching all parts of the body to meet the needs of normal life activities. If high blood pressure affects the eyes, arm-swinging can restore blood pressure to normal, eliminating the need for glasses. For those with cataracts, swinging the arms twice daily-800 times in the morning and 1000 times in the evening-can show results after four weeks. Patients with trachoma, color blindness, or small tumors on their eyelids will also experience improved physical condition and promoted eye disease recovery after arm-swinging.
3. Swinging arms to treat hemiplegia
Hemiplegia is often associated with stroke, high blood pressure, and arthritis because of an imbalance of Qi and blood within the body, affecting their distribution and causing changes in the meridians, muscles, and joints. High blood pressure is characterized by uneven pulse pressure on both sides, with one side being higher (more) and the other lower (less), sometimes differing by 20 or 10 beats per minute. Often, one side experiences soreness, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet. In reality, there are often problems both above and below the body; the upper body is congested, while the lower body lacks proper blood and Qi circulation. Swinging one's arms is particularly effective for this condition and can also prevent early signs of stroke.
The arm-swinging exercise is particularly effective for hemiplegia because hemiplegia is characterized by a top-heavy, bottom-light condition, where the upper body feels unbalanced and the lower body feels uneasy. Arm-swinging can balance the distribution of Qi and blood in the body, thus having a special effect on hemiplegia. After practicing the arm-swinging exercise for a period of time, you may experience sweating, burping, and flatulence, which indicates that the Qi in your body has been flowing smoothly. When the Qi flows smoothly, your body will naturally feel relaxed.
The arm-swinging exercise itself isn't difficult; the challenge lies in consistency. If you're busy, you can swing your arms for a few minutes before dinner each day, or do it during work breaks. Doing it for 10 minutes daily will yield even better results. Regularly practicing this exercise can help you shake off sub-health conditions, promote overall well-being, and leave you feeling refreshed, clear-headed, and radiant.
How do you practice the arm-swinging exercise?
First, stand with your knees slightly bent, eyes slightly closed, arms outstretched, and swing your arms back and forth with a little force. On the fifth swing, bend your knees slightly. Generally, this exercise should last for more than half an hour.
When practicing for the first time, start with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the time. Practicing in the early morning when the sun is about to rise and in the late afternoon when the sun is about to set is most effective. Do not practice immediately after meals or when hungry.
If you experience dizziness, chest pain, or soreness in your arms during practice, it indicates that you have overdone it and you should proceed gradually. Some people may experience burping or flatulence, which indicates that the Triple Burner is functioning properly. Some may experience tingling, numbness, or hot/cold sensations; these are all normal phenomena and there is no need to worry.
