Rhinoceros Gazes at the Moon

Somatic Movement

Joint Rotation Links

Stand in Wuji with legs together. Turn your head slowly to the left keeping the chin parallel to the floor. Do the movement slowly so you pause when you are at 80% of your maximum movement. As you move the head backward, slowly angle it to look upward as if the moon was behind you and you are looking up at it. Move your head slowly forward and then to the right 80%. when you get to these 2 placements,your head and eyes should be looking backward and upward. If there is any pain at any point, stop the movement. if you have a recent injury, begin at 40% of your maximum movement. As you do the movements slowly, you are mindfully noticing how the connective tissues running down the spine are winding downward in one direction and then the other. Hips face forward. This movement works with the nervous system as it moves up and down the spine. It helps to condition the Spine. It strengthens and Stabilizes the Neck. It is also helpful in draining the lymphatic fluid from both hemispheres of the brain. it stimulates the Vagus Nerve. The neck is the first area of the body to tense and the last to release tension. Regular practice will help release tension on a regular basis so it does not build up. Range of motion in these joints will increase safely over time.