By Jenny Xie, December 3, 2013
A school in one of the most smog-ridden Chinese cities has a new strategy: kung fu aerobics.
The two-minute workout includes 23 moves designed by Huanqiang Wei,
deputy dean of Guangming Road Primary School in Shijiazhuang. Wei
believes two of the moves -- pressing an acupuncture point and breathing
into the belly -- are especially effective in defending the body
against poor air quality.
"Pressing the Hegu acupoint, located between the thumb and index finger
at the back of the hand, helps promote lungs' detoxification. Breathing
into the belly dispels more residue gas left in human organs, reducing
the harm caused by smog," he told Xinhua News.
While the doctor interviewed says pressing acupoints can boost the
immune system, there’s no evidence kung fu aerobics will prevent
smog-related disease. Unsurprisingly, the idea has received much
ridicule from Chinese Internet users.
This news story has footage of students doing the exercises -- it’s in English!