06/09/2014
YI JIN JING
Yi Jin Jing can be translated as the Muscle/Tendon Changing Set. It is a series of 12 rather intense qigong sets in which the breath is coordinated with the movements and mental concentration. Its purpose is to develop weak and flaccid muscles and tendons into strong and sturdy ones.
The movements are both vigorous and gentle. Correct practice will unify one’s intention with the will and strength. Specifically, consistent practice of the Yi Jin Jing will yield the following:
• Improve both the static and nervous structure of the body
• Stretching the muscles and fascia, thereby, massaging the organs and joints, eliminating stagnation in the meridians, and improving the quality of qi
• Positively affects one’s metabolism and improves one’s energy
• Improves balance and as well as strengthening the body and mind
Of the Yi Jin Jing it is said that consistent practice will produce the following by year:
• Year one: Rebuilds strength and mental vitality
• Year two: Enhances blood circulation and nurtures the meridians
• Year three: Brings greater flexibility to the muscles and nurtures the organs
• Year four: Improves the meridians and nurtures the viscera
• Year five: Washes the marrow and nurtures the brain
The names and functions of each movement are described below:
• Present the Pestle: Smooth circulation of the energy throughout the whole body thereby affecting all the organs
• Presenting the Pestle II: Energizes the chi of the heart and lungs and improves the respiratory function
• Presenting the Pestle III: Massages all the internal organ of the torso
• Plucking a Star and Exchanging a Start Cluster: Strengthen the waist and kidneys
• Pulling Nine Bulls by the Tails: Positively affects the heart, lungs, and bladder
• Spreading Wings and Shooting Talons: Improves heart, lung, stomach, and spleen functions
• Nine Ghosts Drawing Swords: This exercises the lungs, kidneys, and works the spinal column by twisting and stretching the back, thereby, improving the health and function of the spinal column
• Three Plates Falling to the Floor: Enhances the function of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, and spleen
• Black Dragon Displays Its Claws: This movement is designed to improve the function of the liver as well as to reduce stress
• Tiger Pouncing on Its Prey: This movement exercises and massages the liver, lungs, stomach, and spleen as wells as nourishes and strengthens the spine
• Bow Down in Salutation: Positively affects the health of the spinal column and has the effect of stimulating the brain and improving hearing
• Swing the Tail: This action stretches the whole body and brings the chi throughout the body back to the Dan Tien where it enriches and enhances the healthy chi or energy
Keep in mind that while these 12 movements affect the internal organs as described above, they also improve chi or energy circulation throughout the 12 meridians and 8 channels.
Simultaneously, these very same exercises improve flexibility and strengthen the tendons and muscles thereby changing one’s physique.