Winter Morning Exercises: The Secrets of Chinese Fitness Exercises
When the cold wind of winter sweeps across the land and the early morning world is covered with a thin layer of frost, in the streets and alleys, parks and squares of China, there is such a group of people. They greet the new day in a unique way - winter morning exercises. They choose various Chinese fitness methods, such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin. Although these movements are simple, they contain profound wisdom! Do you want to know the secrets within? This article will share them with you!
Tai Chi
Tai Chi, as a typical representative of traditional Chinese fitness exercises, has a unique charm in winter morning exercises. Look, the morning exercisers, dressed in loose and comfortable traditional clothing, slowly start their movements in the morning light. Their actions are gentle and soothing, yet there is an inner tenacity. Each posture seems to be telling an ancient story, unfolding slowly.
From the perspective of health preservation, winter is the season for storage. Tai Chi, with its smooth and continuous movements, allows the qi and blood to flow slowly in the body like a trickling stream, neither too fast nor too slow. This slow-paced exercise avoids the excessive leakage of yang qi due to excessive exercise in winter, while also dredging the meridians, allowing every corner of the body to feel the nourishment营养(yíng yǎng) of qi and blood.
营养 (yíng yǎng), noun, nourishment
Examples:
- Our bodies need proper nourishment.
我们的身体需要适当的营养。
wǒ men de shēn tǐ xū yào shì dàng de yíng yǎng 。 - This food provides essential nourishment.
这种食物提供了必要的营养。
zhè zhǒng shí wù tí gōng le bì yào de yíng yǎng 。
During the practice, the morning exercisers sink their qi to the lower abdomen and breathe evenly and thinly. This is in harmony with the breathing of nature. The air in winter is cold and fresh. Through the breathing method of Tai Chi, this coldness is transformed into a refreshing qi within the body, nourishing the heart and lungs and enhancing the body's resistance.
Baduanjin
Baduanjin is also a favored exercise in winter morning exercises锻炼(duàn liàn). It is simple yet not simplistic. The morning exercisers have focused eyes, and the action of drawing the bow and shooting the arrow is vigorous and powerful. This movement can effectively exercise the upper limb strength and cardiopulmonary function, enhancing the body's ability to resist external pathogens in winter. "To regulate the spleen and stomach, one must lift one hand up and press the other hand down". By this upward and downward stretching movement, the qi of the spleen and stomach is regulated.
锻炼 (duàn liàn), noun, exercise
Examples:
- Regular exercises are good for your health.
经常锻炼对你的健康有好处。
jīng cháng duàn liàn duì nǐ de jiàn kāng yǒu hǎo chù 。 - He does some exercises in the morning.
他早上做一些锻炼。
tā zǎo shàng zuò yì xiē duàn liàn 。
In winter, people's diet is often more nourishing, and the burden on the spleen and stomach increases. This movement of Baduanjin is like giving a gentle massage to the spleen and stomach, promoting digestion and absorption. Each movement of Baduanjin is coordinated with breathing. The opening and closing of the movements and the inhalation and exhalation of breathing are perfectly combined, reflecting the concept of the unity of body and mind in Chinese health preservation.
Between each inhalation and exhalation, the morning exercisers not only exercise their bodies but also reach a state of tranquility and farsightedness in spirit.
Wu Qin Xi
The morning exercisers imitate the might of the tiger, the agility of the deer, the composure of the bear, the dexterity of the monkey, and the lightness of the bird. The tiger pounce in the tiger play shows power and momentum, giving a shock. This display of power is not for showing off but to stimulate the yang qi in the human body from the perspective of health preservation, making the body full of vitality in the cold winter.
The antler movement of the deer play, the swaying of the bear play, the raising of the monkey play, and the stretching of the bird play, each movement is full of fun and challenges. In the process of imitating these animals, people return to the authenticity of nature and establish a wonderful connection with the creatures in nature. This connection is not only a physical imitation but also a spiritual resonance, reflecting the Chinese people's awe and respect for all things in nature and the unique expression of Chinese cultural customs.
In the scene of winter morning exercises, the surrounding environment also seems to add color to this scene. The antique pavilions and towers, and the speckles of snow on the green pines and cypresses, all become the natural backdrop for traditional Chinese fitness exercises.
Each posture and each breath carry the wisdom of our predecessors, allowing us to embrace health in the cold winter and experience the rhythm of life during morning exercises. If you have time, you can try these Chinese fitness exercises. I believe it will definitely bring a different feeling to your body!