Reusi Dat Ton or Thai Hermit Yoga is an ancient form of Thai Bodywork. The practice consists of breathing exercises, self-massage, self-stretches, visualizations, chants, meditation and a variety of poses and sequences that are performed in standing, sitting, or lying positions.
Video | More info here
As is the case with many exercises and poses in Reusi Dat Ton, one often simultaneously stretches and strengthens one or more body parts. The sequence I will discuss and demonstrate in this post consists of two types of exercises, which are called Reusi Datton “Chest Openers.” It simply means that they predominantly aim at stretching the chest muscles (pectoral muscles).
By the way, the exercises you will see in the video here further below are part of our Video Workshop Reusi Dat Ton Advanced Exercises – 21 Standing Sequences.
At any rate, in addition to “opening the chest,” the sequence (no. 17 in the set of 21 sequences) also mobilizes the shoulder blades (scapulae) and strengthens the shoulder area and arms.
Furthermore, you will see that both exercises train the quadriceps thigh muscles (front-thighs), and the second exercise of the sequence also massages the calf muscles, while both exercises improve balance, posture, and coordination.
This sequence contains two types of exercises, but as they’re carried out by alternating the starting position (either with the right leg in front of the left leg or vice versa) they finally become four exercises.
Below then our short video in which I demonstrate the sequence. If you want to do the Reusi Dat Ton exercises yourself, mind to be gentle if you have any knee or lower back problems.
