In response to the common phenomena of staying up late and lack of exercise among young people, Liu Qingquan, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the director of Beijing Chinese Medicine Hospital, proposed a traditional and effective solution: learning the Baduanjin qigong (Eight Pieces of Brocade). Liu Qingquan emphasized that the Baduanjin qigong can stretch yang qi (vital energy), activate tendons and bones, making it a suitable way for young people to exercise, rather than relying on Chinese herbal tea substitutes.
The Baduanjin qigong, originated from the Northern Song Dynasty, is a qigong exercise known for its simplicity, gentle rhythm, and significant exercise effects, gradually becoming a new choice for young people’s autumn health regimen.
More and more people are starting to practice the Baduanjin qigong, referring to each other as “Brocade Friends,” forming a new fitness trend.
The Baduanjin qigong used to be a national fitness exercise suitable for people of all ages in ancient times. It is not only a lightweight rehabilitation exercise but also effectively enhances balance, improves respiratory function, builds muscles, and corrects tendons and bones.
Liu Qingquan’s suggestion has received widespread attention and positive responses, and the team of practitioners of the Baduanjin qigong is continuously growing. The revival of this traditional fitness method not only helps improve the health of young people but also contributes to the inheritance and promotion of traditional Chinese culture.
What are the eight movements of the Baduanjin qigong?
The Baduanjin qigong is a traditional Chinese qigong exercise consisting of eight movements, each with its unique name and benefits. Here are the eight movements of the Baduanjin qigong and their brief descriptions:
- Holding the Hands High with Palms Up to Regulate the Three Burners: Stretching both hands upward to regulate the three burners (three main physiological systems in traditional Chinese medicine).
- Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Eagle: Mimicking the action of pulling a bow and shooting an arrow to exercise the upper limbs and back muscles.
- Holding One Arm Aloft to Regulate the Spleen and Stomach: Lifting one arm while pressing down with the other to regulate the spleen and stomach, promoting digestion.
- Looking Backwards to Prevent Sickness and Strain: Turning the head and upper body to look backward, relieving fatigue in the neck and back.
- Swaying the Head and Lowering the Tail to Extinguish Heart Heat: Swinging the head and lowering the tail to clear heart heat and balance emotions.
- Holding the Hands High and Supporting the Heavens to Strengthen the Kidneys and Waist: Grabbing the ankles with both hands and leaning forward to strengthen the kidneys and waist.
- Clenching the Fists and Glaring Fiercely to Increase Strength: Clenching fists and glaring fiercely to enhance physical and mental strength.
- Bouncing on the Toes to Eliminate Hundreds of Diseases: Keeping the feet together and slightly bouncing the body up and down to promote circulation and eliminate diseases.
These movements, when combined, form a complete fitness system aimed at regulating the body, enhancing physical fitness, and preventing diseases through gentle exercises. During the practice of the Baduanjin qigong, it is important to maintain even breathing and smooth movements to achieve the best results.