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Baguazhang (Pakua Chang)
The practice of Baguazhang is fundamentally organized as a collection of "Eight Palms." The basic practice of these is called the Mother Palms. These palms are then joined in a more complex set, combining both a polar and cyclical set of energies known as the "Old Eight Palms." This application example comes from the Jiang Rong Qiao Style of Baguazhang, and is considered a primary application of both the form "Wild Goose Leaves the Flock" of the Old Eight Palms and the "Fire Palm" of the Mother Palms. The Fire Palm is a recurring palm in the Old Eight Palms set, as it is associated with zhongji nengliang or ultimate energy and also lays at the apex of the post heaven trigrams.
Essentially the palm shape for Fire is characterized as a palm (or palms) in which the fingers point up and the energy shoots upwards as if "fire rising upwards towards the sky." Energetically, the Fire Palm is often associated with the season of mid-summer, which can produce days filled with excess heat. Heat can provide a great source of energy, but a glut of heat can cause inflammation, fever, shortness of breath, and a rapid pulse. Proper practice of the Fire Palm can help to balance the doldrums that may emerge during winter months.
Therefore, with a balanced diet and the ample amount of hydration and movement, the Fire Palm, as well as the first (and main) palm of the Old Eight Palms, can be utilized to optimize the flow of "chi" and encourage or calm the fire within-an essential consideration throughout this "Fire" year.
Introduction to Baguazhang
Overview of Pa Kua Chang
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