Rooster Pecking Rice

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 Chin forward and down at a 45-degree angle, slowly angle it so you are gently pushing it toward the flood. Do not make a big movement and keep the collarbone, shoulder, and ribcage stable. Move your head slowly back to center and stop when you feel a subtle lifting of the head. Now slowly look up at the ceiling and stretch your chin toward the ceiling at a 45-degree angle. Hold the upper torso as you did with the downward movement. 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 front center stretch when you look upward and the center back stretches as your chin gently pushes forward and downward. 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 opens the Ren and Du channels and helps open the microcosmic orbit. When you do any of these movements, have the tip of your tongue touch the upper pallet behind the front teeth. 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.