"Walking" is a very simple and common recommendation by any health care professional to help us maintain good physical and mental health. But now, with home lockdown situation, everyone is looking for an alternative ways to do physical activities. Here is a simple and effective indoor physical exercise called 8 walking which I am following for many years.
“ 8 Walking” or Infinity walking is invented by Tamil Siddars ( Yogis) is a simple but powerful walking techniques .Below are the details and benefits about this exercise. It’s a good indoor walking alternative especially for elderly people.
It's like a normal walking, but you will walk in 8 shaped pattern. Here the 8 shape is formed by joining 2 circles of approx. 6 feet diameter each in “South- North” direction (Pic Shown)
You can create this 8 Shape, preferably in an open space like garden, balcony, Terrance, Car parking etc ( Pic Shown). Worst case you can do it in your living areas/ hall by placing 2 chair at a gap of 3 feet's and start walking in 8 shape between the chairs.
Practice this in the morning or evening, in empty stomach.
Start walking from south to north direction in clockwise for 15 min and then anticlockwise for 15 min. Total 30 min is good enough for a daily routine, but you can increase the timing based on your comfort.
Preferable to walk on a bare foot (without shoes) and concentrate on the 8 shape while walking. You can do breathing or OM Mantra chanting while doing the walk. Also you can use Yoga mudra while walking (like Prana Mudra)
What is the Benefits of 8 Walking?
As you walk in South – North direction, i.e. towards and against the earth’s magnetic field, the body get energized and activates chakras and all internal organs for normal functioning.
Due to 8 shaped walking style, all your body parts like legs, ankles, knees, abdomen, hip, hands, shoulders, neck, head etc. moves in a twist and turn pattern. So it gives a very good physical movement to all parts of the body when compared to regular walking.
As you walk on bare foot, there will be pressure created at different points in your foot due to the contact with ground and thereby activating all internal organs. Within few weeks you see relief from any chronic disease (foot has the reflex acupressure points that are linked to the internal organ)
As you need to concentrate on the 8 shape while walking, possibly you will avoid chatting with friends or use of mobile and that will ensure proper breathing.
With regular practice you will notice relief from Headache, Digestive Problems, Thyroid, Obesity, Knee pains, Rheumatoid Arthritis, weight gain/ loss and constipation etc .This walking helps in balancing blood pressure. It also reduces sugar level in the blood and reverses your diabetes and its complication within a year of regular 8 walking.
Helps you to calm down your mind and relieve stress .Refresh your body for daylong work.
It’s easy and very convenient for aged people who can’t go out for regular walking.
Practice “8 walking" and enjoy the good health. Reach out to life to live wellness to know more about similar preventive and practical lifestyle changes that can help you to keep your body and mind healthy.
Be Healthy. Stay Home and Stay Safe!!