Below are the descriptions and pictures of the eight mother palms of Nine Dragon Baguazhang™. These postures (palms) are practiced as standing forms, linear forms and circle walking forms in the Qigong health practice and martial art.
Each posture is associated with a mental visualization from the Yijing that is linked to the physical actions to create a specific desired healing or martial power energy. Each posture and its variations is studied as a separate art of health and then martial art for up to one year for each. After this the student learns to combine the postures to create the 64 variations for healing and martial art energy and power.
The father of all energies. The power of emotional detachment. Swift and as unforgiving as the cutting edge of a sword it is the master energy source of expansive power from which arise the other seven energies of Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, Thunder, Lake and Mountain. Heaven Qigong regulates all Yin meridians and stimulates the Yin Qi. Correct practice will open the Renmai Qi channel down the front of the torso. It is linked to Qian Gua.  |
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Earth palm is the mother of all energies it is a a receptive force. A magnetic power that draws things along. Stable like a spinning top which has spiraling power that can either suck an outside force into its center or deflect an advancing energy from its rapidly turning surface. Earth palm as spiraling or wrapping energy which dissipate force withhold hard contact. Practice regulates the Yang meridians and Dumai Qi Channel up the back. It is linked to the Kun Gua.  |
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The power of fire is an all-consuming force beginning deep within the center of the Earth that moves skyward. It can be like an iron ball shot from the muzzle of a huge cannon. It can also be clinging and attach itself to its host, changing and transforming the host’s power into ash and smoke. Fire palm stimulates the Qi of the heart meridian and the Small intestine Qi, invigorates blood circulation and improves ones Shen or spirit. Correct practice benefits the eyes and mental acuity. It is associated with the Gua Li.  |
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Water Palm energy flows up and down like undulating waves. Water energy adapts to the circumstance and situation. It can be as difficult to trap as a vapor or steam, as solid as ice or as difficult to embrace as a liquid. It lifts or pulls, pushes or swallows up, flows toward or away from and takes the shape of the place or receptacle into which it flows. Yet, no matter what the outer form the inner emotional energy is one of quiet, peace reflecting its surroundings. Water palm practice stimulates the Bladder and kidney meridian Qi, balances the Jing, primal life essence, cools the heart fire of anger and improves hearing. Water is associated with the Kan Gua.  |
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Wind Palm contains a penetrating energy that can flow gently, or move so swiftly that it cracks or splits the strongest tree trunk. It can flow rapidly down from above and press things to the earth. It can flow upward and lift objects into the sky. It can flow like a tornado decimating all in its path. Its power is unseen, its energy is immeasurable. Practice balances the Gallbladder and Liver meridian Qi, aids in preparation for circulating Qi though the Renmai and Dumai channels and improves digestion and uptakes of nutrients to the body. Wind is associated with the Sun Gua.  |
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Legend says thunder begins underneath the ground as a rumbling sound or vibration. It is a great vibrating energy. The suddenness of the action startles all those whom it touches. Like the circular ripple made by a rock striking a still pond. There is no one place of focused energy, rather a huge ball of expanding power in all directions. Its vibrations are so great that they can disrupt the very structure of the things it passes into. Thunder Palm practice benefits the Liver Qi nourishes the Pericardium meridian creating a circuit of Qi through the special Shixuan points on the finger tips. It also aids the Qi of all meridians to attain balance while stimulating the Pericardium and Triple Warmer channels. Thunder is associated with Zhen Gua.  |
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The still and placid lake is deep and reflects the actions of those who gaze into it. Lake Palm energy hides deep currents of an inner strength of immense magnitude and overwhelming power in its depths. Lake Palm is slicing like a big bagua-dao (sabre) on a horizontal plane either into or out of the center line. Lake Palm practice benefits the Lung Qi and the Large Intestine energy. It relaxes tension in the upper back and stimulates the chest. The Lake palm is associated with the Gua Dui.  |
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A symbol of internal stillness in the midst of difficulties. The mountain can stand against a powerful attack and remains unperturbed. The expanding mass of mountain’s energy uproots and displaces anothers center dislodging the center of balance and projecting them away like a ball bouncing away from a granite wall. Mountain Palm practice increases Qi energy to Stomach and spleen meridians as it leads Qi up Dumai in back into palms and fingers. It is said to strengthen the Jing cauldron at the Dantian and reduces heart fire to create inner tranquility. Mountain is associated with Gen Gua.  |
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| For more information on the Gua associations see the Yijing Page |