WHY TOR YU?
Structurally, the Tor Yu movement exercises the bones. Applying a load to the long bones in the body and releasing the load helps to improve the health of the bone marrow by stimulating the blood supply to the centre of the bones.
Stretching in the Tor Yu initiates opening of the joints and accomplishes ease of movement and soft tissue elasticity. When the stretch is even on both sides of the spine the movement forward creates spinal symmetry throughout the stretch. With practice, arms lose their rigidity, shoulders relax down and, in the forward position of the full length moves, the waist squares without effort. Stretching in the Tor Yu begins with the separation of the hands and engaging the tendons and ligaments.
Tor Yu’s are basically an ‘in place’ opportunity to practise all the “full-length forward step” moves that are done at 45o.
Words of advice from Mr. Moy: “The Tor Yu should not feel constrained or twisted. Take your time. Don’t try to sit too low.”
WHY DON YU?
The purpose of the sit in the Don Yu is to open the pelvis at the front and back and to stretch the spine. Practicing the Don Yu can increase circulation and lower blood-pressure. How you do the Don Yu comes down to the instructor and your physiology. As you continue to practise, your strength and flexibility will improve.
A high sit can help you focus on the upper body relaxation, straightening the lumbar and stretching it so, eventually, you may “feel” the spinal movement and opening of the pelvis area. If you challenge yourself to go lower, you must be careful not to stress the knees or allow them to move out of alignment over the feet.
Should your knees start an inward approach to each other, you have reached the limit of your sit. Going into a lower sit serves mainly, and only over a length of time, to strengthen the legs. Initially this is muscular but, ultimately, may well increase bone strength.
Using a support structure (wall bar or kitchen sink for example) that assists you to lower your body in a controlled, but relaxed, way can help you develop the correct alignment of your spine as well as the hips, shoulders, and feet, and will help towards the opening of the pelvis area.
If you experience back pain, please share your concern with the instructor who will adapt the exercise to help alleviate the problem.
So, a few a day is better than a blitz effort – and 8 a day is a great start. The question therefore shouldn’t be Why Don You? but rather Why Don’t You?