The Japanese engineer and Aikido master Katsuzo Nishi was a very weak boy, and doctors told his parents that he would die before the age of 20. To improve his health, his parents sent him to a Buddhist monastery. He spent 3 years learning different sword and meditation techniques.
Still searching for other ways to improve his health, Katsuzo read many contemporary books written by modern doctors, as well as ancient treatises on Eastern and European medicine.
The result was that he ended up writing his own work, in which he established his own system for strengthening the body. The book was published in 1927 when the author was 44 years old.
Today, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the Katsuzo system, which has gained a large following around the world since it was first explained 90 years ago.
Japanese Rules For Healthy Living
Rule # 5. A Hardback
As we all know, spinal curvature can cause various problems in your internal organs. That is why it is very important to control your posture all day and even at night.
Katsuzo says that keeping the spine straight allows it to be 2 cm (0.80 inches) taller and has a beneficial effect on the work of the digestive organs and the circulatory system.
Rule #4. A Solid Roller Instead Of A Pillow
The Japanese believe that scoliosis of the neck is one of the first indications that a person’s life will be affected. And although we can control the position of the head during the day, it is more difficult to do it at night.
That is why Katsuzo recommends getting a solid pillow or roll and placing the third and fourth vertebrae of the neck on it. At first, a roll will cause some discomfort, so you can wrap it in two layers of fabric and then remove them one by one.
Rule # 3. The Goldfish Exercise
- Lie down on a hard surface.
- Stretch your hands up.
- Place your soles perpendicular to the floor.
Stretch the left sole forward and the left hand up without removing them from the floor. Repeat the same actions for the right sole and the hand. Repeat the exercise for two minutes.
Place your hands under your neck, crossing them against the third and fourth vertebra. Bring your legs together and slightly spread your feet sideways. Move your feet to the left and to the right so that your body vibrates. Repeat the exercise for two minutes.
Rule #2. Improving Capillary Circulation
- Lie down on a hard, flat surface.
- Place a solid roller underneath the 3rd and 4th vertebrae of your neck.
- Raise your legs and arms, slightly bend your elbows and knees, and relax as much as possible.
- Shake your arms and legs. Repeat this exercise for 1-3 minutes.
Rule #1. Joining Your Palms And Soles
Starting position: Lie down on a flat, hard surface and place a solid roller under the 3rd and 4th vertebrae of your neck. Bend your knees without removing them from the floor and join the soles of your feet together. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Join your palms perpendicular to your body and press the fingertips of both hands. Repeat the same actions, but this time press all palms together. Keeping your palms pressed, raise your hands, and place them back on your solar plexus.
Place your palms (while they’re still joined together) behind your head, without changing your position. Then place them back on your solar plexus.
Place your palms (while they’re still joined together) back on your solar plexus and move them towards your legs. Move your hands forward and backward from the chest to the groin 10 times. Then, raise your hands together perpendicular to your solar plexus, move to your legs, and place them behind your head.
Place your hands on your plexus, raise your palms, and begin to move your legs forward and backward, keeping your soles joined together.
Combine both hand and leg movements. If you feel any pain, reduce the number of repetitions you do. Return to the starting position and rest with your eyes closed for 10 minutes.
Katsuzo Nishi was sure that everything we need to be healthy is already present in each of us. We just need to stop being lazy and use the invaluable resources we have.
Will you try to apply these methods? Or do you already practice different and interesting exercises? Share them with us!
