Baduanjin Qigong with Movement Instructions
The Baduanjin qigong (八段錦) is one of the most common forms of Chinese qigong used as exercise.
Variously translated as Eight Pieces of Brocade, Eight-Section Brocade, Eight Silken Movements or Eight Silk Weaving, the name of the form generally refers to how the eight individual movements of the form characterize and impart a silken quality (like that of a piece of brocade) to the body and its energy.
The Baduanjin is primarily designated as a form of medical qigong, meant to improve health.
This exercise is mentioned in several encyclopedias originating from the Song Dynasty. The Pivot of the Way (Dao Shi, c. 1150) describes an archaic form of this qigong.
The Ten Compilations on Cultivating Perfection (Xiuzhen shi-shu, c. 1300) features illustrations of all eight movements. The same work assigns the creation of this exercise to two of the Eight Immortals, namely Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin.
Nineteenth century sources attribute the style to semi-legendary Chinese folk hero General Yue Fei, and describe it as being created as a form of exercise for his soldiers.
The legend states he taught the exercise to his men to help keep their bodies strong and well-prepared for battle.
Video Source: Travel Hong Kong 🇭🇰 Take the Tram from Wan Chai to Sheng Wan Beautiful Hong Kong Trip, Enjoy it from Learning Tai-ji on Youtube ⁄ CC BY
