This exercise massages all the Yang organs—which is essentially the entire digestive system. Thus it is great for all digestive discomforts or complaints, both acute, such as nausea, as well as chronic problems such as constipation and heartburn.
- Begin by standing in the Wu Ji posture, feet shoulder distance apart, tail bone tucked, chin tucked so as to raise the crown of the head, relaxed and balanced.
- Raise your arms in front of you to shoulder level while you inhale through the nose into the lower abdomen. Keep the abdomen relaxed, and allow it to expand as if fills with air.
- When ready to exhale, contract the abdomen, expelling the air as your arms swing back using about 70% power (that is, let inertia help carry them back).
- Allow the arms to swing back up in front to repeat the exercise.
- Repeat 50 times at first, gradually increasing to 150 times.
NOTES
- Breathing should be natural, such that the swinging is also in a natural, easy rhythm.
- For acute problems, do this exercise as needed. For chronic issues, do it once per day, ideally in the morning.
- You can also do this exercise from a seated position (although standing is preferred).