THE EIGHTH BROCADE
GRASPING WITH HOOKS
This chapter, as in the preceding chapters, begins with my translation of the instructions, commentary, and correct method that were included in the Kao Lin engraving. Following the original text are Li Ching-yun’s commentary interspersed with my comments, and finally my instructions for practicing the Eighth Brocade.
The Original Text
Repeatedly bend the head over and seize the feet.
The two hands are made into hooks. Move them forward and grasp the soles of the feet twelve times.
The correct method: Both hands are moved forward to grasp the soles of each foot twelve times and then they are withdrawn so to sit upright.
Li Ching-yun’s Commentary
This is the method for unifying the sinews and arteries of the whole body. This so-called bending the head over means it is not enough to just bend the cranium forward, but the entire upper torso must equally be bent forward and down.
Begin by separating the fingers of the hands, extending both arms to the front with the palms facing one another. Gradually bend the torso downward. Both hands follow down along the sides of the legs while simultaneously drawing the feet back and inward, then seize the bottoms of the feet (Bubbling Well cavities). Pause momentarily.
Next, using the head and tailbone in conjunction, slowly unfold and rise into an upright position, finishing with the spine completely straight.
One bowing motion and one rising action constitute one gesture. Perform this gesture a total of twelve times and then rest momentarily.
Author’s Comments
Many people have mistranslated this brocade as “grasp the hooks.” But, more precisely, it is grasping with hooks, as the hands act as the hooks, not the feet.
Both hands are moved forward means the hands press into the sides of the legs as they move down the legs. In addition, the hands make slight back-and-forth motions, as though they were sawing while making their downward progress. This is to stimulate blood circulation in the legs after sitting cross-legged and to activate the qi in the Yang Leg (yang chiao mo) and Yin Leg (yin chiao mo) meridians. Seize the bottoms of the feet refers to the activity of pressing in with the thumbs on the Bubbling Well cavities, the hollow space on each foot an inch or so up from the center of the sole (the acupuncture point Kidney 1). The entire process is completed twelve times.
Author’s Instructions
With the legs bent, knees splayed, and soles facing each other, massage down along the outer part of the legs by pressing firmly with the palm butt of both hands, bending over slowly until reaching the feet.
Grasp the feet by wrapping the hands over the upper edge of both feet, the fingers covering the top of the feet and the thumbs pressing in on the center of the soles, the Bubbling Well cavities. Press the thumbs into the soles three times, each time the feet are grasped. The massaging of the legs should be done slowly and naturally.
Inhale before massaging down the legs, then exhale while massaging. Hold the breath when pressing the Bubbling Well cavities. While holding the breath, press in with the thumbs for four heartbeats, then relieve the pressure while still holding the breath and keeping the thumbs on the feet. Then press in again for another four heartbeats, and repeat a third time for a final four heartbeats. In pressing in with the thumbs three times, you will have stopped the breath for a total of twelve heartbeats.
Grasping the feet
Then exhale and inhale to regulate the breath.
Rise up slowly while exhaling, letting the spine ascend vertebra by vertebra. Keep the hands attached to the legs while rising. The hands should remain touching the legs throughout this exercise.
Perform Grasping with Hooks in the above manner twelve times while breathing naturally.
Afterward, vigorously massage the Bubbling Well cavities with the thumbs in a circular fashion forty-nine times. Cross the legs again and perform twenty-four natural breaths.
This brocade strengthens the four limbs.
