GiCheon Fundamentals

BumDoh & SoDoh

BumDoh (Bum:general, Doh:step)

• an applied position of NaeGa ShinJang
  
• also known as"Bumdoh Se"
  
• can be variously used for defense, attack, and movement forward or backward
  
• helps keep the Gi well circulated in JokGeun (Jok:foot, Geun:muscle) GyeongMaek (Gi channel) strengthening the urinary bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, and gall bladder
  

SoDoh (So:small, Doh:step)

• also known as "SoDoh Se" and "BattGarri" (plowing)
• intensifies power by generating NaeGi (inner Gi), mainly used for attack
• helps keep the Gi well circulated in JokGeun (Jok:foot, Geun:muscle) GyeongMaek, strengthening the urinary bladder, gall bladder, stomach, kidney, liver, and spleen
• hand position in this pose stimulates the lungs in SuYeum (Su:hand, Yeum:negative) GyeongRak (Gi channel) and the large and small intestine in SuYang (Su:hand, Yang:positive) GyeongRak

Beginners may benefit from holding the BumDoh and SoDoh positions (placing all weight on one leg) for as briefly as 30 seconds. As the inner force of the leg improves, the positions should be sustained for at least 5 minutes.

The powerful central abdomen formed by NaeGa ShinJang will be strengthened and expanded to the left and right sides with BumDoh & SoDoh.

BumDoh and SoDoh are especially effective in improving Gi flow in two channels located in the legs: JokSoYang DamGyeongRak (Jok:foot, SoYang:bright, Dam:gall bladder) GyeongRak, one of Gi channels which runs between the foot and gall bladder; and JokYangMyeong Wi (Jok:foot, YangMyeong:shining, Wi:stomach) GyeongRak - one of Gi channels which runs between the foot and stomach.

DaeDoh

• works with NaeGa ShinJang to make the waist and spine strong
• corrects the curviture of the spine (scoliosis)

As with NaeGa ShinJang, the key functions of this position are natural abdominal breathing and YeokGeun (Yeok:changing, Geun:muscle). YeokGeun changes the muscles and ligaments of the body that tend to lose flexibility and elasticity and eventually become stiff and weak. DaeDoh brings about YeokGeun of the muscles surrounding the spine, greatly improving the flow of Gi throughout the body.

GeumGye DongNip

GeumGye resembles the one-legged stance of the long-lived crane, and is held to be conducive to longevity. Maintaining the balance of the body with one leg heightens the sense of equilibrium. It intensifies the inner force of the lower abdomen, which facilitates the smooth movements of the stomach and small and large intestines.

HurGong

This is the most difficult position for beginners, who usually cannot hold it for more than a few seconds. It requires great flexibility and power of the waist, and also the most fully stretched leg. HurGong helps the Gi circulate throughout the arms and legs by expanding and stretching the waist and legs to the utmost degree.

WonBahnJang

• facilitates Gi circulation throughout the body, balancing Eum (Yin) and Yang with the movement of both hands.
• harmonizes flexibility and strength
• conditions body and brain to move limbs simultaneously in complimentary directions

See also DahnBaeGong pictorial (images 1, 2, 2-1, & 3-1; Sentences (1), (2), & (3).