Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa can improve bad posture, help with asthma and respiratory problems, increase energy levels and may even reverse scoliosis.

Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa is a series of exercises developed during the 1960s and 1970s in China by Dr. Zhuang Yuan Ming, an orthopaedic surgeon, to combat modern forms of stress caused by bad posture, structure and balance.

All these things put strain on the joints, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue which can lead to inflammation, accumulation of toxins and impaired blood flow to the organs and tissues. The circulation and nerve supply to the muscles and tendons can also be affected and lead to pain and disability.

Restore and Revitalise

Lian means practice or exercise, Gong represents training and Shi Ba Fa means 18 different skills or therapies. Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa is an energetic discipline that includes three series of 18 exercises. The first series helps alleviate sprains, strains and stress, the second relieves aches in joints and helps internal organs while the third is a series of breathing exercises to help with asthma, respiratory and circulation problems. All help to rebalance, restore and revitalise the body.

Dr. Zhuang combined his modern medical and scientific knowledge with ancient traditions including Wushu (Chinese martial arts), the Taoist practices of Daoyin (movement) and Tuina (breathing) and designed a system of simple yet comprehensive exercises to improve health and quality of life.

The practice of Lian Gong consists of slow but firm movements which increase in force in a slow and gradual form and exercise several muscle groups and joints in isolation. These movements are designed to strengthen the neck and shoulders, the back, the buttocks, the legs, the joints in general and also the internal organs. By coordinating these movements with breathing, the thoracic cavity rises providing a constant stimulation for the organs and the entire body.

Reversing Scoliosis

Practicing Lian Gong can help repair muscles, ligaments and tendons by increasing circulation and oxygen intake thereby strengthening individual fibres and increasing flexibility. The alignment of the spinal vertebral column to the pelvis is extremely important. Lateral curvature, or scoliosis, can be reversed by practicing Lian Gong. The exercises are designed to stretch, strengthen and stabilise the inter-vertebral discs, tendons, muscles and ligaments and give support, flexibility and stability to the spinal joints to reduce pressure on the inter-vertebral discs.

Benefits of Practicing Lian Gong

  • Helps handle stress and attain peace of mind
  • Increases health vitality and energy
  • Helps with the treatment and prevention of neck, shoulder, back hip waist and leg problems
  • Strengthens the body
  • Improves motor and mental coordination
  • Helps recovery and prevents headaches and colds
  • Increases mental flexibility
  • Helps with the treatment and prevention of digestive disorders
  • Helps with migrane, hypertension, arthritis and circulatory diseases

The copyright of the article Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Fiona Wilkinson.

China Religion