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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.
Essentially the palm shape for Lake is characterized as a palm (or palms) that opens or separates initially only to press downwards, as if forming a "concavity in the surface of rising earth." It is also sometimes called the Fu palm. Energetically, the Lake Palm is often associated with the season of autumn, which can produce days that are suddenly cold and dry as we transition into winter. Bursts of sudden cold and dryness can cause muscles and the skin to contract and produce rising energy in the form of fever and chills in an attempt to produce balance.
Therefore, with a balanced diet and the ample amount of hydration and movement, the Lake Palm, as well as the Sixth Palm of the Old Eight Palms, can be utilized to optimize the flow of "chi" with downward pressing energy that encourages plenary circulation, stability, and warmth.
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