Thrice Daily Posted Sunday at 07:13 PM The Qigong move “Push the Mountain” (推山, Tuī Shān) features in my Yijinjing practice and is a gentle yet powerful exercise that focuses on harnessing inner energy and building strength, stability, and flow within the body. It involves pressing the hands forward with an engaged, grounded stance, as though one were pushing an imaginary mountain, mine is done with quite a wide stance and the knees are bent together while the hands are clasped and pushing out palms facing outward. This move enhances strength in the shoulders, arms, and back, while also improving focus, relaxation, and energy (Qi) flow. Let’s break down the Chinese characters and ideographs for “Push the Mountain” (推山) and examine their meanings and relevance to the movement: Character Analysis 推 (Tuī) — "Push" Radicals and Composition: The character 推 is composed of the radical 手 (shǒu), meaning "hand," and 隹 (zhuī), which refers to a small bird or sometimes signifies movement or action. Symbolism in Qigong Context: The 手 (hand) radical highlights the physical action of pushing with the hands, a core aspect of the exercise. The overall meaning of Tuī implies a directed force or movement outward from the body, as if moving energy forward. In the context of Qigong, this "push" is not only physical but also an energetic projection, encouraging a strong flow of Qi from the practitioner’s center outward through the arms and palms. 山 (Shān) — "Mountain" Radicals and Composition: The character 山 is one of the simplest pictographs in Chinese, resembling three peaks or a mountain range. It has no additional radicals and represents the concept of a mountain directly. Symbolism in Qigong Context: In Qigong philosophy, the mountain symbolizes stability, endurance, and immovable strength. By "pushing the mountain," practitioners are encouraged to feel the solidity and grounded nature of their own stance, while simultaneously cultivating a sense of resilience and inner power. It can also imply a movement of Qi that is steady and unyielding, as powerful as a mountain. Context and Imagery In the “Push the Mountain” exercise, the movement typically involves a grounded stance with a slight bend in the knees, while the arms press forward in unison from the chest. This pressing motion activates the muscles in the shoulders, back, and arms, but it also emphasizes the intentional flow of Qi through the body's energy pathways. Mental Focus and Visualization: As practitioners “push the mountain,” they are encouraged to visualize their Qi flowing outward through the hands, projecting strength and stability. The exercise draws on both physical and mental strength, embodying the mountain's immovable and grounded nature. This grounding is key in Qigong, as it helps balance and anchor the practitioner’s energy. Qigong Benefits: “Push the Mountain” is known to improve upper body strength, shoulder flexibility, and Qi circulation in the chest and arms. It’s a calming movement that connects body and mind, encouraging a sense of rootedness (grounding) and an even flow of breath. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
liminal_luke Posted Sunday at 09:17 PM 3 hours ago, Thrice Daily said: The Qigong move “Push the Mountain” (推山, Tuī Shān) features in my Yijinjing practice and is a gentle yet powerful exercise that focuses on harnessing inner energy and building strength, stability, and flow within the body. This sounds like the exercise in Robert Peng´s version of the Yi Jin JIng which he says is for working with the small intestine meridian. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shadow_self Posted Sunday at 11:07 PM 1 hour ago, liminal_luke said: This sounds like the exercise in Robert Peng´s version of the Yi Jin JIng which he says is for working with the small intestine meridian. How the movement is done tends to generally matter more than what the movement actually is regards YJJ. Any video of this one? Key here being to relax the large muscles and stress the fascia in all movements For example, when moving up and down in the kua, you move up from the baihui dragging everything else up which opens the spine and you feel the resistance, its like pulling elastic Coming down, you pin the occiput, and let the tailbone sink which pulls the spine open downwards, and will have you sit into the kua properly, your tailbone will slightly tuck under when you release the mingmen and your knees will slightly bend themselves as the sit bones are stressed that will pull another layer of fascia Scapula need to be in the right position also You can kind of see the a fascia areas here in white (mingmen is whats circled) Over time you can create some very unusual forces inside that inflate and move the extremities themselves 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thrice Daily Posted Monday at 09:14 PM I'm in agreeance with you, although I'm not yet as methodical. That is great advice thankyou. In Chinese, the movement "Willow Tree Sways in the Wind" or "Swaying Willow" is often called: 柳树摆动 (Liǔ Shù Bǎi Dòng) 柳 (Liǔ): Willow 树 (Shù): Tree 摆动 (Bǎi Dòng): Swaying or swinging motion This term captures the imagery of a willow tree moving gently in the wind, emphasizing flexibility and fluidity in the movement. The particular movement I am trying to get the name of though I cant seem to find. I'm unsure if Swaying Willow is exactly it It is performed in wide stance arms clasped directly over head, palms facing outward, then with arms to ears bend left, bend right, and back to centre... I'd like to know the Chinese name for this if Swaying Willow is not totally accurate. Anybody now this one? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shadow_self Posted Tuesday at 12:19 AM 3 hours ago, Thrice Daily said: I'm in agreeance with you, although I'm not yet as methodical. That is great advice thankyou. In Chinese, the movement "Willow Tree Sways in the Wind" or "Swaying Willow" is often called: 柳树摆动 (Liǔ Shù Bǎi Dòng) 柳 (Liǔ): Willow 树 (Shù): Tree 摆动 (Bǎi Dòng): Swaying or swinging motion This term captures the imagery of a willow tree moving gently in the wind, emphasizing flexibility and fluidity in the movement. The particular movement I am trying to get the name of though I cant seem to find. I'm unsure if Swaying Willow is exactly it It is performed in wide stance arms clasped directly over head, palms facing outward, then with arms to ears bend left, bend right, and back to centre... I'd like to know the Chinese name for this if Swaying Willow is not totally accurate. Anybody now this one? I have never heard of this. All of my YJJ teachings are not based on sets, they are based on how it works in theory. The principals are then applied to whatever is done, be it sitting, standing or moving practice If you find me a video, I might be able to dissect it, though from what it sounds like, its pulling open the ribs, arms, intercostals etc 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
liminal_luke Posted Tuesday at 01:02 AM 4 hours ago, Thrice Daily said: It is performed in wide stance arms clasped directly over head, palms facing outward, then with arms to ears bend left, bend right, and back to centre... I'd like to know the Chinese name for this if Swaying Willow is not totally accurate. Anybody now this one? I don´t know that move, although it sounds a little bit like Wagging The Tail. In this move the fingers are interlaced and there are some movements in the center, to the left, to the right, and then to the center again. But the hands never go above the head so it couldn´t be the same. Seems to me there are different versions of the YJJ so we´re probably not practicing identical movements. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thrice Daily Posted Tuesday at 02:52 PM 13 hours ago, liminal_luke said: I don´t know that move, although it sounds a little bit like Wagging The Tail. In this move the fingers are interlaced and there are some movements in the center, to the left, to the right, and then to the center again. But the hands never go above the head so it couldn´t be the same. Seems to me there are different versions of the YJJ so we´re probably not practicing identical movements. Exactly , thanks for chiming on though. My current goal ‘as such’ is a to identify older Traditional Chinese characters once the movement can be [to the most part at least] defined in English terms, just like you attempted with “wagging the tail” in one way it is because I’d like to connect with the aspects of understanding and reasoning that would of existed closer to its inception in time, and homeland. Secondly I’m very interested to explore the more esoteric natures and applications within the movements and applied understanding through consciousness and alignment with energies. Think “balancing heaven and earth” for example with becomes a total treasure trove when we apply this kind of logic . I’m a firm believer in thinking that, arts such as this are not only individual and private practices, but are also living breathing practices that live here and now in space and time and continue to grow further nourishing our bodies and spirits. Firther adapting to the times we live in and the state and placement of objects in the living universe as they occupy space now… And that leads me to believe it’s cool to share a certain amount with each other on here which would otherwise perhaps remain private and secret. At least partially I’d like to discuss some of the more esoteric aspects of the practice, if indeed folk think there are any and resonate with what’s being said ❤️ ⭐️ 🌳 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thrice Daily Posted Tuesday at 02:59 PM 14 hours ago, Shadow_self said: I have never heard of this. All of my YJJ teachings are not based on sets, they are based on how it works in theory. The principals are then applied to whatever is done, be it sitting, standing or moving practice If you find me a video, I might be able to dissect it, though from what it sounds like, its pulling open the ribs, arms, intercostals etc Thankyou, yeas it’s quite physical and that seems to be main function. At the moment the logic I have to a daily practice is , become soft, but not too soft. Still do some strength training for muscles to avoid becoming to jellyfied and losing too much strength and muscle mass. But not doing too much strength training as it would take away from development of Huang So far practice and reasoning has led me to only do Legs resistance strength training as my Yijinjing only has be in static standing postures of varying leg distances apart depending on the movement, so less stimulation of legs to upper body. My understanding is quite young on the principles as stated. Is there any advice you may give to the first stepping stones of understanding Yijinjing in terms of theory/practice or any reading you could quote of recommend with a link 🙏 most appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thrice Daily Posted 8 hours ago Sun Simiao (581–682 CE), often referred to as the "King of Medicine" in Chinese history, was a Taoist physician during the Tang Dynasty. Renowned for his profound contributions to Chinese medicine and Taoist health practices, he emphasized the integration of body, mind, and spirit for achieving optimal health. His writings on preventive care, exercise, and spiritual cultivation resonate deeply with the principles of the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic), particularly in their shared focus on the harmony of internal energy and physical strength. Key Teachings of Sun Simiao and Parallels to Yi Jin Jing Stretching and Tendon Conditioning Sun Simiao: In his seminal work, Essential Prescriptions for Every Emergency, Sun advocated gentle exercises that stretch and condition the muscles and tendons to improve circulation and overall vitality. He believed this practice prevented stagnation of qi (energy) and maintained youthful vigor. Parallel with Yi Jin Jing: The Yi Jin Jing's sequences aim to stretch the tendons, strengthen muscles, and optimize the flow of qi. Both stress that flexibility and strength in the tendons are crucial for health and longevity. Breathing Techniques for Vital Energy Sun Simiao: He emphasized regulated breathing as a means to balance the body's qi and calm the mind, stating, “Breath controls the root of life; with practice, it becomes as steady as flowing water.” Parallel with Yi Jin Jing: Controlled breathing is fundamental in Yi Jin Jing exercises. Movements are synchronized with deep, diaphragmatic breathing to cultivate internal energy, mirroring Sun’s guidance on achieving harmony between breath and movement. Holistic Health and Longevity Sun Simiao: His approach to health combined physical activity, dietary discipline, herbal medicine, and meditation. He believed in nourishing both the body and spirit, echoing the Taoist idea of living in accordance with nature. Parallel with Yi Jin Jing: The Yi Jin Jing is not merely a physical regimen but a holistic practice that aligns body and mind, supporting longevity through balanced movement and spiritual focus. Gentle Yet Effective Movements Sun Simiao: He advised against overly strenuous exercise, favoring gentle, repetitive movements that could be sustained over a lifetime without causing harm. “Do not exhaust the body but nurture it with persistence and moderation.” Parallel with Yi Jin Jing: The Yi Jin Jing emphasizes flowing, non-aggressive movements designed to build strength gradually, avoiding the exhaustion Sun warned against. Integration of Medical and Martial Practices Sun Simiao: As a Taoist and physician, Sun understood the overlap between martial training and health cultivation. His daoyin exercises, rooted in Taoist practice, sought to heal the body while enhancing its capabilities. Parallel with Yi Jin Jing: The Yi Jin Jing, often linked to Shaolin martial arts, is a prime example of integrating health cultivation with martial strength, demonstrating how physical exercises can have profound healing effects. Mental and Emotional Harmony Sun Simiao: He advocated for emotional balance, warning against excessive anger or worry, as these could disrupt the flow of qi. Meditation and mindfulness were integral to his health prescriptions. Parallel with Yi Jin Jing: The Yi Jin Jing incorporates meditative focus, encouraging practitioners to unite mental calmness with physical exertion, fostering emotional and spiritual harmony. Taoist Philosophy in Both Traditions Both Sun Simiao's teachings and the Yi Jin Jing reflect a Taoist worldview where balance, simplicity, and alignment with natural rhythms are key. The Yi Jin Jing’s emphasis on adaptability and resilience mirrors Sun's medical philosophy, where health is achieved by harmonizing with the natural flow of qi in the universe. Sun Simiao (581–682 CE) is also credited with popularizing the Six Healing Sounds (Liu Zi Jue, 六字诀) which is a practice I love very much, though he may not have been the original creator. The origins of the Six Healing Sounds practice date back to earlier Taoist and medical traditions, but Sun played a pivotal role in systematizing and preserving these techniques in his writings, particularly in his medical compendia like the Essential Prescriptions for Every Emergency (Beiji Qianjin Yaofang, 備急千金要方).* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
