The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism

After many experiments on the energizing properties of directionality, Taoists created eight directional exercises for energizing the human body. The eight directional exercises of Taoism involve performing certain actions in certain directions.

Before performing the eight directional exercises of Taoism, it's recommended that you use a compass to find due North. Use this direction as a reference when performing the eight directional exercises of Taoism.

The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism - Northwest

The Northwest exercise is the first of the eight directional exercises of Taoism. To perform the northwest exercise, turn the front of the body toward the northwest and stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Point your toes inward towards one another and with your arms, pretend you are lifting a barbell.

Keeping your legs straight, bend down to pick up the barbell and lift it to waist level. Now, lift the barbell as high as you can above your head. Don't strain your body in any way while doing this but pretend the barbell is of a comfortable weight for you. Visualize the barbell in your hands as strongly as you can. Then bring the barbell back to your waist and then bend your knees to bring it back to the floor.

You may perform this exercise as many times as you are comfortable with. It will increase your overall body strength and stimulate the lungs and large intestine.

The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism - North

The North exercise is the second of the eight directional exercises of Taoism. To perform the north exercise, turn the front of your body toward the north and spread your feet apart wide but not too wide. Don't strain yourself.

Now, pretend you are shooting an arrow from a bow. Shoot the imaginary arrow to the left and then to the right. Keep your feet in the same position and move only your upper body. Visualize the bow in your hands as strongly as you can.

You may perform this exercise as many times as you are comfortable with. It will stimulate the lungs, kidneys, large intestine, bladder and bones.

The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism - Northeast

The Northeast exercise is the third of the eight directional exercises of Taoism. To perform the northeast exercise, turn the front of your body toward the northeast and touch your toes with the tips of your fingers. Try to keep your legs straight and bend at your waist as much as you can.

Now, visualize yourself vividly as a sturdy mountain. Hold this pose as long as you are comfortable. It will stimulate the spleen and pancreas and aid in digestion.

The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism - East

The East exercise is the fourth of the eight directional exercises of Taoism. To perform the east exercise, go outside in the morning while the sun is shining and turn your body toward the east. Keep your feet shoulder width apart, point your toes inward and close your eyes.

Now, with your arms at your side, turn your upper body only to the left and then to the right. Let your head turn with your upper body as well. Do not move your feet but keep them stationary. Let your mind follow your movements.

You may perform this exercise as long as you are comfortable. It is good for the nerves, liver, gallbladder and will aid in weight loss.

The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism - Southeast

The Southeast exercise is the fifth of the eight directional exercises of Taoism. To perform the southeast exercise, turn your body toward the southeast and stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Point yourself inward and raise your body up on your toes, standing on your tip-toes. Then, lower your body. Perform this exercise in a set of seven.

You may perform the exercise as many times as you are comfortable. Do not let your mind stray from the actions at hand. This exercise is beneficial for the nerves, liver, gallbladder and heart.

The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism - South

The South exercise is the sixth of the eight directional exercises of Taoism. To perform the south exercise, turn your body towards the south and rotate your hips as if you were hula-hooping. After a while, change the direction of your hip rotations.

Don't allow your mind to wander. Concentrate on the exercise and the movement of your body. You many continue the rotations as long as you are comfortable. This exercise is good for the sexual organs.

The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism - Southwest

The Southwest exercise is the seventh of the eight directional exercises of Taoism. To perform the southwest exercise, turn your body towards the southwest, bend your knees slightly, bend your arms slightly and clench your fists. This is a defensive pose.

Hold this position as long as you are comfortable and don't let your mind stray. This exercise is good for the digestion, lungs and nerves.

The Eight Directional Exercises of Taoism - West

The West exercise is the eighth of the eight directional exercises of Taoism. To perform the west exercise, turn your body toward the west and stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Point your toes inward and raise your right hand up into the air.

Now, bring your right hand down to your side and raise your left hand into the air. Keep your abdomen still and allow your mind to follow your actions.

You may perform this exercise as many times as you are comfortable. It is beneficial to the lower back and may relieve lower back pain. It is also good for the kidneys and spine.