– qi) function of qi in the Lungs. The ultimate yin and yang expressed by breathing in (kidneys) and breathing out (lungs) connects these two organs to regulate xue and assist the heart. The rhythm created by the up and down movement of the body, the opening and closing of the arms (lung and large intestine channels) and the in and out breath helps us adapt to the rhythmical changes of the seasons. The final stretch upwards on one leg stretches the flanks and therefore the liver and gall bladder channels to balance with the Lungs. The lungs are said to be "spoilt" being the last organ to start working just after birth and are therefore fragile and sensitive to change, explaining why gentle exercise is preferred. The 12 animals of Xinyiquan The 12 animal forms of Xingyiquan are quite different from the 5 animal forms of Southern Shaolin, like Hung Ka and Choy Li Fut. The Xingyiquan 12 animal forms came first, the Southern Shaolin five animal forms later, with about 600 years in between. The 12 animal forms emulate the techniques and tactics of the corresponding animal rather than just their physical movements. Some of the animal techniques have only simple, straightforward movements where others are more complex and involve a sequence of mimicking movements. The techniques used in the 12 animal forms complement those used in the 5 element forms and add more striking, kicking and stepping techniques. Xingyiquan 12 animal forms are as follows Dragon – contracting and expanding Tiger – courage Monkey – agility Horse – speed Alligator – gliding Cockerel – combative Hawk – soaring Swallow – skimming Snake – sliding Ostrich – ramming Eagle – gripping Bear or Eagle – stability In popular culture In the 1978 Hong Kong action martial arts film Spiritual Kung Fu (), Jackie Chan stars as a laïc student in the legendary Shaolin Temple of South who practices Wǔ Xíng Quán (). In the Disney Channel film Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, Shen uses statues of the Five Animals containing the spirits of five monks to train the title character. In the Kung Fu Panda franchise, supporting characters the Furious Five consist of a crane, snake, monkey, mantis, and tiger. Additionally, their predecessor Tai Lung was a leopard whose name meant "Great Dragon". See also Bando, a Burmese martial art that also features animal styles References Chinese martial arts