Benefits of Silk Reeling Taiji / Qigong

Silk Reeling Taiji/Qigong involves smooth, spiral-like movements that resemble the unwinding and reeling of silk from a cocoon (thus the name). These movements are designed to promote relaxation, balance and harmony, flexibility and improve energy flow within the body. These movements encourage movement in a way that is gentle, mindful, and in tune with the natural rhythms of your body. 

Benefits of practicing Silk Reeling exercises include:

• Improve Balance and Coordination: These flowing coordinated movements help to develop a strong root and coordinate the entire body thereby improving both physical and mental balance. Practicing these movements can help prevent falls and improve stability.
• Flexibility and Range of Motion: The flowing, circular motions of Silk Reeling movements help to gently open the joints of the body. This helps to improve range of motion, joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.  
• Stress Reduction: The smooth, flowing movements and focus on spirals can be meditative and calming promoting relaxation and mindfulness. The slow, deliberate movements and focused breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Enhanced Energy Flow (Qi): The spiraling movements of Silk Reeling are believed to facilitate the flow of qi, the vital energy, throughout the body. This can lead to increased vitality and overall well-being.
• Strength and Endurance: While Silk Reeling is a low-impact exercise, it can still build strength and endurance over time. The continuous, flowing movements engage various muscle groups and promote muscle tone.
• Mind-Body Connection: Practicing Silk Reeling promotes focused attention on the movements and breath. This cultivates a strong mind-body connection, leading to increased mindfulness and body awareness.
• Improved Posture: Silk Reeling exercises emphasize maintaining an upright, aligned posture. This can be beneficial for posture-related issues and overall alignment.
• Holistic Wellness: Silk Reeling Taiji/Qigong promotes overall holistic wellness by addressing physical, mental, and energetic aspects of health. Some of the health benefits associated with these exercises include improved circulation and enhanced mental clarity. This makes it suitable for individuals of various ages and fitness levels. 

It's important to note that the benefits of Silk Reeling Taiji/Qigong may vary from person to person, and consistent practice is often necessary to experience these advantages fully. Additionally, many practitioners find these practices to be enjoyable and meditative, which can further contribute to their overall well-being. As with any exercise or wellness practice, it's a good idea to consult with your healthcare professional to ensure that Silk Reeling is suitable for your individual needs and goals.

In this module, you will learn the basic principles of Silk Reeling and the locations of important energy points we will be referring to. 

We build from the ground up to ensure you have a strong foundation. We start with the movement of the legs and waist. We explore ‘substantial’ and ‘insubstantial’ or the ‘yin/yang’ of weight distribution and consciously explore it. We explore how movement is directed by the waist and from there we build to the extension out the arms, hands and fingers. These basic movements and feelings is how we consciously cultivate a unified, harmonious, graceful way of moving.

You will learn movements of the legs from side to side and single arm Silk Reeling so you can start to feel this movement within your body.

In Module 2, you will continue to explore the movements of the legs and waist, this time in a front to back direction. You will continue to explore how these spirals move from your feet (root), though your legs to your waist and out your arms to your hands.

Also, in this Module, you will learn an exercise for releasing stress and tension in the shoulders.

Module 3 focuses on your knees. You will learn about the knee joint and how we use the Silk Reeling exercises to strengthen the knees and help them maintain their range of motion.

Module 4 focuses on the upper body - the shoulders and elbows. You will learn two exercises to aid mobility and release tension in these two areas of the body.

Module 5 is where we put it all together. You will learn an effective Silk Reeling exercise to help unify the body as a whole.

In Module 6, you will have the opportunity to review all nine Silk Reeling exercises and explore finer details in each. You will also practice these nine exercises together to experience the feeling these movements promote.