The WuQinXi, a traditional Chinese medicine health preservation technique, is an important technique for guiding health preservation in China. It was created by the famous Eastern Han physician Hua Tuo. Wuqinxi imitates the movements of five animals, namely tigers, deer, bears, apes, and birds (cranes), and combines traditional Chinese medicine health theory to achieve the goals of exercising the body, preventing diseases, and prolonging life.
1、 The basic characteristics of Wuqinxi
Imitation of animal movements: The core of Wuqinxi lies in imitating the natural postures and movements of five animals, through which various parts of the body are fully exercised.
Internal and external cultivation: Wuqinxi not only focuses on external physical movements, but also emphasizes internal breathing regulation and concentration of thoughts, achieving the effect of internal and external cultivation.
Combination of movement and stillness: During the practice process, there are both dynamic limb movements and static breathing adjustments and concentration of thoughts, and the combination of movement and stillness complements each other.
2、 The specific movements and effects of Wuqinxi
Tiger Play: Imitate the movements of tigers and focus on exercising the limbs. By performing tiger pounces, tiger claws, and other movements, the strength and flexibility of the limbs can be enhanced, while also helping to fill the lean marrow, strengthen the waist and kidneys.
Deer Play: Imitate the movements of deer and focus on neck exercises. The movements of deer play are light and relaxed, which can stretch muscles and relieve neck fatigue, and also help enhance cardiovascular function.
Xiong Xi: Imitate the movements of bears and focus on exercising the waist. Xiong Xi’s movements are steady and powerful, enhancing spleen and stomach function, promoting digestion and absorption through movements such as shaking and resistance.
Ape Play: Imitating the movements of apes, emphasizing the exercise of flexibility and coordination. The movements of Yuanxi are agile and varied, which can exercise the body’s reaction speed and coordination, and also help enhance the strength of the upper limbs.
Bird Play: Imitate the movements of birds, focus on exercising the chest and regulating breathing. The movements of bird play are elegant and light, enhancing lung and respiratory function, regulating qi and blood, and clearing meridians through spreading wings, flying, and other movements.
3、 Practice points of Wuqinxi
Full body relaxation: During the exercise, it is important to maintain full body relaxation and avoid excessive force or tension.
Breathing naturally: Breathing should be coordinated with movements, achieving deep, long, thin, and even abdominal breathing.
Concentration of mind: During practice, focus your attention and place your mind on the animal being imitated, feeling the characteristics and charm of its movements.
Gradual progression: Beginners should start practicing with simple movements and gradually transition to complex combinations of movements. Do not rush for success or blindly imitate difficult movements.
4、 The Modern Value of Wuqinxi
As one of the traditional Chinese medicine health preservation techniques, Wuqinxi has a wide range of modern values. It can not only help people enhance their physical fitness, prevent diseases, and delay aging; It can also regulate psychological state, relieve stress, and improve quality of life. In addition, Wuqinxi also has certain cultural value and educational significance, which can inherit and promote excellent traditional Chinese culture.
In short, Wuqinxi is a simple and effective traditional Chinese medicine health preservation technique. By persistently practicing the Five Animal Play, people can enjoy the pleasure and satisfaction brought by physical and mental health.
