Knees

[demannlv]

A short time ago I made a temporary switch from Shibashi to the Eight Pieces of Brocade. My knees started bothering me badly. Recently I made the same switch again. This time my knees and back started became painful. I switched back to Shibashi and the pain left within two days. No more Ba Duan Jin for me as I have learned the hard way twice.

Tom

[scubexin]

Dear Tom,

Shibashi 1 movements are practiced with legs shoulder width apart and upright posture, except few where
leg movements are also involved such as 'Scooping Sea', 'Pushing Waves', 'Flying Dove' and 'Bouncing Ball'.
Even in these movements, relative positions of both legs are within balanced threshold.

If you refer the instruction manual, emphasis is given to upright posture and relaxation at all times.

In eight pieces of brocade, as practiced by many masters, the movements and relative distance between
legs keeps on changing from movement to movement. On top, excessive bending in knees and waist also is practiced
in certain movements, resulting in excess weight being transferred to relevant joints and sometimes off-balance postures.
If you are not used excessive bending in knees and waist without loosing balance, it may trouble you.

Best way to practice brocade is to apply same technique as Shibashi.
'Work within 70% of your permissible limits' with relaxed posture.
Relaxation is the key to enjoy any complex form of Qigong.

Warm regards,

Scubexin

[demannlv]

Thanks. I gave up the Eight Pieces of Brocade in favor of Shibashi. Also, I discovered that constant use of Glucosamine Omega-e as well as fish has taken care of the knees.

[C. Earl Todd]

As many of you know, I have been practicing Internal arts and External arts for over 35 years. As a result of the first 20 or so years, my knees pop, with pain, regularly. After much study, with several people, including physicians, there are a couple of recommendations that I'll pass on to you.

1. Under no usual circumstance (e.g., practice) should you bend your knee(s) more than 90 degrees. This puts excessive loading on the bone, tendons, etc. After a long time practicing bending your knees too far, they go bad.

2. Under no usual circumstance should you push your knee joint past the center of your foot; never beyond your big toe. Again, it overloads you knee and will eventually destroy it (them).

I hope this helps.

CET