YeokGeun, Unique method of GiCheon

 What makes GiCheon unique, however, is the principle of YeokGeun (Yeok: to change, Geun: muscle), or locking of the joints which can’t be found anywhere like Korean or Chinese martial arts, yoga, etc. YeokGeun targets every joint of the body: wrists, waist, knees, ankles, and more. Joints are like passages to let Gi flow into all areas of the body. They are also believed to be junctions where Eum (negative) & Yang (positive) Gi channels come together. By working the trigger points, however, and releasing the Gi, many injuries can be overcome in time. Meanwhile, it takes at least 3 years to learn how to do YeokGeun and it’s almost impossible for one to learn it without personal instruction from who have already attained it.

 The Benefits  

 One of the effects of YeokGeun is greater immediate strength. When the joints are locked in this position, for example, the hand becomes elastic and flexible, and therefore much more effective against an opponent. But the long-term effects of practicing YeokGeun are even more impressive.  

 Another purpose of YeokGeun is to generate the free-flow of Gi. And then bring the following benefits especially. 

Physiological Benefits: Lowered-blood pressure, Muscle relaxation, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Joint pains and Spinal problems (Scoliosis, Slipped discs, etc), Sports injuries, Obesity, Heart diseases, Diabetes, Asthma, Rheumatism, Paralysis, Chronic aches and pains, Skin ailments, Increase in flexibility and tenderness of the muscles and joints, etc. 

Psychological Benefits: Stronger focus and concentration, Reduced tension, anxiety, and stress, Clearer thinking, Greater creativity and enhanced performance in work and play, More joy, love, Spontaneity, Deeper sense of  meaning and purpose: a glimpse of the spiritual dimension of being, etc

 The Will to Learn

  According to GiCheon legend, Bodhidharma (the 18th generation heir of Mohakasyapa, the founder of Zen and the developer of Shaolin kungfu) learned YeokGeun from the female GiCheon grandmaster named “CheonSeonYeo (woman of the Heavens).”

 Here’s more detailed story as follow: 

                  Bodhidharma

 Bodhidharma heard about the great strength and wisdom of the female GiCheon grandmaster known as “CheonSeonYeo (woman of the Heavens)”. He sought her out in the northern mountains of Korea and asked her to spar with him. It didn't take Bodhidharma much time to realize how formidable CheonSeonYeo was. He begged her to teach him the art of GiCheon. She offered him one lesson in GiCheon, but only if he could show her something: a bouquet of red flowers in a pure red sky.

 And so, one snowy day in the mountains, Bodhidharma cut off his left arm to prove his sincere desire to learn GiCheon. When he threw the arm in the air, the snow all around him became soaked with blood, forming a crimson bouquet. The grandmaster was appeased. She saw that Bodhidharma possessed a passionate will to learn, and so she taught him the great secret of GiCheon: YeokGeun.

 The Purposes of YeokGeun

1. To stimulate the acupunctural points
2. To unblock the Gi channels 
3. To strengthen and accelerate Gi pressure & flow
4. To generate and harness Gi power
5. To exercise muscles & ligaments which are commonly neglected and to develop them
6. To increase flexibility & softness of muscles & ligaments
7. To use force (abdominal power) properly
8. To invigorate & sustain vitality, etc

Practicing YeokGeun

 The body is much like the bow before it is strung. Once in the opposite position, a stretch is much applied to the muscle much like the string to the bow. Also, as with the bow once strung, it contains much energy. 

                                                       “GakGung” - a Korean traditional archery

  To put your right hand into YeokGeun, first you bring your right hand in front of your face and then stretch out the right arm forward with the elbow bent a bit. Next, flex your wrist, stretching the surrounding muscles and ligaments to the utmost as the fingertips angle toward the center of your face.

 Keep the tip of your middle finger at eye-height and your curved wrist inward with the palm extended flat and all the fingers stretched straight. Breathe deeply in & out, concentrating on the wrist.

Philosophical implications of YeokGeun  

 YeokGeun also has philosophical implications which embody the notion of "The Middle Path (JungDoh)," the detached or neutral state-of-mind that precedes enlightenment. The tension between the two opposing muscle groups -- the inner and outer -- embodies the notion of "The Middle Path (JungDoh)." The tension on the surrounding muscles groups represents the difficulties of life, or turmoil, imposed upon human beings from the outside, while on the inside there is stability and calm -- represented by the locking of the joints.

 Without a doubt, the person who practices YeokGeun feels more composed and serene. And only when the human mind is free from all bondage can it realize the cosmic reality.