Lajin (English)

Please put on long sleeve shirts and long pants. Avoid direct exposure to the cold air from a fan or vent, especially the air conditioning. Avoid getting things out of the freezer with bare hand right after Lajin.

A Few Things to Note about Lajin

1. Lajin is based on natural movements of the body, hence any pain, numbness, soreness or swelling felt during Lajin are signs of poor blood flow, which can be gradually improved with Lajin.

2. Lajin is a DIY method, thus its intensity and duration is fully within your control. Know your limits to avoid injuries.

3. Aches and pains experienced after Lajin can be signs of improvement. However, they should be within your tolerable range. Adjust the intensity and duration of Lajin to suit your needs and tolerance. Beginners, the elderly, and those with severe health problems should get into Lajin positions step by step. Intensity and duration can be gradually increased to achieve greater efficacy.

5. Stiff muscles are the body’s alarm signaling decreased liver function — affecting muscles, joints, and the Jin (tendons and ligaments). It is therefore even more crucial for those with stiff muscles to practice Lajin.

6. When Lajin with increased intensity and duration no longer gives you pain, numbness or soreness — Congratulations! You now have smooth Qi and blood flow, and your body is flexible and well balanced.

What are the common physical reactions of Lajin?

Type 1:

Pain, numbness, soreness, swelling, itchiness and yawning are some of the natural responses you may experience when you practice Lajin and/or Paida. These physical responses, according to Chinese medicine, are signs of “healing reactions”, i.e. the healthy Qi is charging at “problem areas”. To some extent, this is the darkness before dawn breaks. These reactions are signs indicating that the obstructed meridians (energy channels) are now being cleared.

Type 2:

Red spots, rashes, blisters, dizziness, belching, headaches, nausea, thick phlegm, running nose, farting, extremely stinky excrement and urine

All these responses are detoxification reactions and signs of “healing crises”. Some old injuries and diseases may re-appear and even aggravate. When such signs appear, you should continue Lajin and Paida. After the body’s self-cleansing and detoxification, you will gradually self heal and enjoy better health.

Continue Lajin and Paida even after these reactions go away, adjusting to lower intensity and shorter duration should that be your wish.

What is the appropriate duration and intensity of Lajin?

Duration of Lajin

There is no fixed standard, but 10-40 minutes for each leg in reclining position is recommended.

This is, however, dependent on individual tolerance. Hence, it serves only as a reference. But the general rule of thumb is the longer the practice, the better the efficacy and health benefits.

1. When doing Lajin in reclining position, most healthy people can straighten the raised leg and rest the other foot on the ground. However, for those who are frail or have severe health problems, it can be quite a challenge. Some may feel intense pain the moment they get into Lajin position and want to get down at once. For these people, Lajin duration and intensity should be increased gradually, starting with one or two minutes of Lajin.

2. For people who dance or practice yoga, 10 minutes of Lajin will not be a challenge. If the duration is extended to 30-40 minutes, all kinds of physical responses will come up, such as leg numbness, pain, sweating, belching, farting, excretion, etc. Chronic diseases such as insomnia, constipation, kidney deficiency, cardiovascular and cardiovascular diseases will be gradually alleviated.