Baduanjin (8 Treasures, or 8 Pieces of Brocade)

Also known as 8 Pieces of Brocades or 8 Golden Treasures or 8 Pieces of Silk

Baduanjin is series of qigong exercises, thought to be used from as early as 1100AD.  The physical stretching movements stimulate the flow of Qi through the meridians, improving strength and flexibility of the entire body. It is practiced to improve health, and to calm and heal the mind, body and spirit. Practising Baduanjin allows for the correction of physical and yin yang energy imbalances, and the releasing of emotions and reducing stress. It is known for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Each of the eight separate exercises focus on a different physical area and Qi meridian. Movements can be repeated between 6-8 times and the complete set of 8 takes about 15 minutes.

The principles of the Baduanjin are based on the belief that a healthy person’s meridians are open and clear of blockages, meaning the flow of Qi is smooth and uninhibited.   

 There are 12 known meridians of energy:

1.    Triple heater (Sanjao) meridian

2.    Lung meridian

3.    Large intestine meridian

4.    Spleen meridian

5.    Stomach meridian

6.    Liver meridian

7.    Gall bladder meridian

8.    Kidney meridian

9.    Bladder meridian

10. Heart meridian

11. Small intestine meridian

12. Pericardium meridian

The Exercises

The purpose of these exercises is to stretch the tendons, loosen the joints and tone the muscles, while promoting good blood circulation and regulation of all the vital functions of the body.  

Commencing: Relax and feel.  Standing meditation. Open the energy channels of the body.  Stand like the tree, feeling the feet firmly on the earth, pushing up the spine, the top of the head reaches up and touches the sky.  Tongue on the roof of the mouth. Breathe. Relax. Enjoy.

1.  Palms raise to the heavens

This first exercise is for the triple heater, which is like a thermostat for the body, and the world around us. It determines the way we interact with ourselves and the world around us. It supports appropriate emotions, responses and actions.

This exercise assists with stiffness in the shoulders and improves blood circulation flow.

2.  Drawing the Bow

Standing in horse riding stance this exercise helps stimulate the liver (associated with vision), heart (for intention) and lung (inspiration) meridian. It helps clarity of thought and vision.

3.  Separating Heaven and Earth

This third exercise helps to condition the stomach and spleen, allowing us to feel grounded, without over thinking and over analysing.  It supports a balanced mind and body.

4.  The Wise Owl Turns its Head to Eliminate Fatigue

The head, known to be the place of abode of the inner gods, turns slowly from side to side.  Pathways to the head need to be clear for improved intuition, relieving chronic tension and fatigue in the neck and shoulders.

 5.  swing the head and Tail to Calm Heart Fire

This exercise helps to calm the heart. It can eliminate the feeling of being overworked or burnt out, or the feeling of being out of control.  It encourages soft, warm light and a sense of harmony within and around you. The ‘heart fire’ should be burning with a soft warm glow, developing kindness and harmony within.

6. Punch with angry eyes

This exercise is for balancing the liver, allowing for appropriate and healthy expressions of anger

7. two hands hold the feet

Focussing on the urinary and bladder line, the kidney meridian. We gather from the earth that which feeds and nourishes the body and as the arms reach to the sky, we draw in the energy that support essence and spirit. Healthy kidneys regulate our energy and gives us a sense of inner strength, peace and belonging.

8. Bouncing on the toes to eliminate the hundred illnesses

Settles and smooths the Qi after exercising. Excellent for circulation and for feeling refreshed.