Recently, I received a question about qigong practices for spinal health.

I am always looking for ways to keep my body healthy inside and out. I practice yoga, I do my daily cardio and some weight training. I am especially interested in keeping my spine healthy. I am 57 and am concerned about osteoporosis which runs in my family. Anything you could share with me would be greatly appreciated.

• Learn to feel and move each part of the spine
• Release any bound tension throughout the length of the spine
• Learn to use the ligamental springs around the spine to work it like a bow
• Connect the arms and legs to the spine through coordinated body bowing (see this recent epsiode of Qigong Radio for more about Bend the Bow Spinal Qigong)
• Use the movements of the arms and legs to dissolve deep energetic blockages in the spine
• Get into the spinal cord and other deep structures with Taoist Meditation

For the most general level of health, though, I would say that the first two or three points are the most important. Many different practices teach you how to feel your spine and release tension in your muscles. Tai Chi and Qigong go in a different direction when you start to work with the ligamental bow.

Here's what some of these exercises look like:

By the way, if you have a practice question, don't hesitate to send it to me. I always try to answer questions by email and I may even expand it into a post.