Turning Tiger Medical Qigong for Spring's Transition to Summer

Take a Turn Toward the Yin

The Tiger Qigong (preview above, follow-along on Youtube) comes from the 'Five Animal Frolics' of Dr. Hua Tuo, possibly the most ancient qigong set known. 

Tiger contains five different movements that correspond to the energies of the Spring season, and its associated meridians, the Liver and Gall Bladder.  The main focus of the Tiger set is to bring energy Up and Out .  Just like how plants are growing up and out in this season, it is said that these meridians need to move energy out to the extremities in order to transform frustration into empowerment.

The Turning or Revolving Tiger is different than the preceding forms, instead of just bringing the energy to your claws for dispersal, it twists and reaches to restore flexibility. 

One way of interpreting the name of this form is the "Returning Tiger", like a tiger returning to its den for rest.  This is the Yin aspect of the Tiger energy, and it's a reminder that we can't be up-and-out all the time, sometimes we have to cultivate our ability to be flexible and yielding, to look back at where we've come from, and to settle.

As we learned in our recent workshop, the Dao of Bliss, this Yin orientation helps us attune to the subtle aspect of our existence, and can tap us into a source of joy and ease that's already present.

This intermediate qigong exercise is simple, as you can see in the preview above or follow-along on Youtube:

• With the left foot forward, raise the right arm and stretch toward heaven (inhale)

• Then step the right foot forward and into the cross stance
  Simultaneously reach back with your right tiger claw for the twist (exhale)

• Now, straighten up from the stance with your right foot still forward, and raise the left arm up toward heaven (inhale)

• Step forward with the left into cross stance, and reach back with the left claw (exhale)

Make sure to view the three minute video on YouTube for a more complete, guided practice.
(and when you do, don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe!)

happy practicing, and here's hoping you can make the most of these last couple weeks of spring, and launch into an easeful and restorative summer!