CRANE LEVEL III: 飞鹤 PING JI HE—CRANE FLAPS ITS WINGS

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Instructions:

Body : Bring the left leg up to about waist level, keeping the toes pointed down and knee slightly bent. At the same time, bring both hands up to head level, keeping the elbow bent at a 60-degree angle. As you go up, bend the wrists down keeping them relaxed. Keep the middle finger down as in the other Crane levels.

 

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As you go down, bring the hands and foot down at the same time. As your arms come down, bend the wrists up and bring the hands down to the waist level. Keep the stance low while walking.

 

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Breath : Breathe in coming up and breathe out stepping down, bringing the arms down.

 

Spirit: Feel as if you are flapping your wings, landing lightly with each step.

 

Anatomical and Physiological Benefits : Fascia/Anatomy

This is a lateral movement, which helps find stability in action. The low walking of Crane III creates a balance challenge as a result of trying to lift one leg while staying low and at the same time moving forward with a strong center of gravity and stability.

 

Chinese Medicine Relationship : Same as levels I & II.

 

Meridians/Acupuncture Points Targeted :

This targets the Pericardium Meridian even more with the wrist bending and extensions.

The added motion of the arms up and down also expands and compresses the area around the heart and lungs.

 

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Arm Line