Decline in libido, sexual function or sexual staying power are the bane of existence for many. Pills and treatments abound to help restore this important function. According to traditional Chinese medicine, illness and poor health (even sexual health) occur where there is stiffness and blockage in the body.
As such, the ancient Daoists developed an exercise routine called Hua Shan that helps restore sexual function through simple, coordinated movements of the body in multiple directions. Daoist doctors created these exercises to renew, restore and strengthen sexual function — and they are beneficial for both men and women, as you’ll read in the section below.
The reason behind these exercises is practical: The Chinese believe that when you are at your sexual peak, you are also at your peak of health and wellness. Optimal health is dependent on sexual health.
Previously, Part 1 of the hua shan exercises was shown here. In today’s video, Herb Borkland teaches the second movement in the series. This set of Hua Shan exercises is a bit trickier than the previous one shown. You will be coordinating stepping with hand motions. Stand with feet shoulder’s width apart and begin by concentrating on the rotating hand movements.
Arm movements
The left hand raises above the left side of the head as the right arm comes under it at waist level. The right hand then moves up above the head and the left hand moves down so the arms then flow to the right side of the body.
Leg movements
Take a short step out to the left side with the left foot, placing the heel down first. Rotate the back (right) foot toward the left, then lower your center of gravity by bending the knees and squeeze the thighs. Now, the other side.
Take a step out to the right side with the right foot, placing the heel down first. Rotate the back (left) foot toward the right, then lower your center of gravity by bending the knees and squeeze the thighs.
Moving in unison
Now that the arm and leg movements are understood, and practiced separately, it’s time to coordinate them.
As the left foot steps out, the left arm raises up.
As the right foot rotates to the left and the knees bend, raise the right arm up and lower the left.
Now pivot the waist to move the arms to the right. As you near completion of the movement you will then reverse the procedure. (Please watch video for details).
Repetitions
It takes practice to do this, although once you have it “in the body,” it becomes second nature. All this happens in unison and all in a relaxed and supple manner. No stiff movement or abrupt stops. Do eight repetitions of this exercise on each side, so a total of 16 turns. Eight is an auspicious number in Chinese cosmology, thus the specific count.
According to TCM
There are several important physical and physiological aspects to this seemingly simple exercise. According to traditional Chinese medicine, illness and poor health (even sexual health) occur where there is stiffness and blockage in the body. They have a saying: “Where there is blockage, there is no free flow; where there is free flow, there is no blockage.”
What this means is that any form of stiffness from muscle spasm, tendon tightness, shortness of breath, constipation, kidney stone and so on restrict the free flowing movement of blood, lymph, nutrients and oxygen in the body. When this occurs there is a lessening of the physiological functions within the body and ill health can take hold.
In the case of things like erectile dysfunction, for example, there is a sluggishness or impeded flow of fresh blood and qi or energy to the male sexual organ. Moreover, inability for women to overcome dryness or reach climax is also related to block of the free flow of fluids and qi or energy in the body.
According to TCM theory, qi or intrinsic energy is the motive force of all functions in the body, including breath cycles and movement of body fluids, including blood. And the kidneys and their normal functioning play a vital role in this.
What the exercise does
With the above in mind, this exercise was created to do several things, satisfying the theories of TCM with the physiological needs of sexual function.
First, the exercises creates a continuous movement in both the upper and lower body. This allows for full movement of limbs to increase cardiovascular function and muscle tone overall.
Second, there is an upward and downward motion that acts as a pumping mechanism to help move blood and lymph within the body, to increase their flow.
Third, the repetitive circular motions create a meditative state that quiets the mind and relaxes the body while in motion. This reduces stress and tension to improve all manner of flow in the body.
When taken together physical exercise, toxin removal through lymph system, improved kidney and cardiovascular function, increased blood flow and stress reduction, all work toward improving the body overall, and specifically sexual function.
Try adding Exercise 1 with this Exercise 2 and see how you feel after a few weeks. Could work wonders!
