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Shire Hill Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa
Association
The Complete Therapeutic and Health Care System
Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa -
By Peter Jepps
I first came across Lian Gong at a seminar with a respected Professor from China. I was taken with how different these exercises were compared to the styles I had previously practiced.
As with other chi kung, they involve soft movement within the bodies safety zones. Ensuring that they are not an oxygen debt exercise, instead stimulating increased blood circulation in the areas of the body which are being opened.
Lian Gong exercises whilst energising, are also concerned with regaining the full natural range of movement and correct alignment of the body.
Since having had the opportunity of training with Kevin. Lian Gong Part 1 or Qian has become part of my daily training. It is also one of the styles I have chosen to teach in the Tai chi chuan and Chi Kung class I run.
So why practice and teach this over other styles?
The order of muscles exercised correspond to the correct and safe way of stretching muscles from a western view. This gives optimum results when used as a warm up or cool down. And unlike some traditional martial exercises avoids unsafe ballistic/bouncing stretches.
A main focus is expanding the chest which helps balance the 'sunken' chest of some internal Martial styles. Especially when with beginners, who find this difficult to do properly, as they are watching their movement when learning.
The body can only hold onto small corrections at a time. So regular practice speeds up improvement in mobility and can be used as homework between bodywork sessions.
The supporting material is detailed and explained from a western viewpoint so is more accessable for a person without previous martial arts experience.
