A Liver Workout
The liver is the organ system responsible for purifying the blood. Practicing Ba Gua Qi Gong may also be combined with a detox program to clean and energize your liver.
The liver is the storage place of all emotions. While working on the liver with the Ba Gua moves, imagine letting go of all emotions. Imagine them flowing through the liver meridians and down to the Earth. Do not let any emotion get stuck in your body.
Balancing Liver Energy – ‘Dragon out of the Water’
This palm builds the strength of the liver organ system. Imagine you are holding a giant ball in front of you, placed on your palms. Keep your palms level with the heart area.
It is specially used to regulate the balance of Yin and Yang energies in the liver meridian. Liver energy stagnation, chest tightness, bad mood, depression, etc. are all manifestations of Yin and Yang disorders of the liver meridian, which can be cured by practicing this palm. Combined with the heart workout, this palm is an effective way to combat hypertension.
Direction: An equal number of steps in each direction (clockwise and anti-clockwise).
Breathing: Inhale when moving anti-clockwise. Exhale when moving clockwise.
Recommended Number of Steps: A minimum of 100 in each direction (with a total of 200 steps).
Excessive Liver Energy – ‘Dragon in the Water’
It is specially used to vent excessive energy in the liver meridian. Symptoms of excessive liver energy include liver tumors, liver inflammation, red and swollen eyes, irritability, inability to control one’s emotions, outbursts of anger, a bitter taste in the mouth and muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders.
Direction: Clockwise.
Breathing: Exhale with every step.
Recommended Number of Steps: A minimum of 100.
Deficient Liver Energy – ‘Golden Dragon Flying’
Symptoms: fatigue, constipation, acne problems, headaches, eye problems, poor sleep, blurred vision, vision loss, night sweats, dizziness, tinnitus, dry mouth, blushing, etc. The palm can be practiced to nourish the liver meridian.
The arms are spread out to the sides, palms facing up and level with the shoulders (see image below).
Direction: Anti – Clockwise.
Breathing: Inhale with every step.
Recommended Number of Steps: A minimum of 100.