Grandmaster Tse’s Qìgōng Dào 氣功道 482

When we stand on one leg, the Qì 氣 flows strongly and reaches every part of the body. The weaker areas therefore receive more Qì. At the same time, our breathing becomes stronger because we need more air. As a result, we also take in more energy from the environment around us. If we are standing in a pleasant environment, we will receive better Qì. This is why it is beneficial to practise outdoors, where we can see the sky, the earth and other aspects of nature. This is our fundamental environment and is beneficial to our health.

If we have a weakness in the brain, it can cause many problems. When someone has a stroke, there is usually very little, or no, blood reaching part of the brain. When we stand on one leg, the blood and Qì move more strongly towards the brain, helping to nourish and support it. This means that problems affecting the brain are less likely to develop.

It is the same principle with Horse Stance and the many Qìgōng exercises that we practise. In the beginning, we need to build up gradually, so you may only be able to stand on one leg for a few seconds. As your strength, balance and Qì improve, you may progress to 30 seconds, then one minute, and eventually even longer.