This 800-year old exercise, which the ancients likened to a beautiful brocade, consists of eight sections, and is very popular among the Chinese people. Each section can be practiced on its own and each targets a specific organ or health need. The whole set of movements are fine and delicate with moderate intensity. It is like yoga, but is performed in a standing position and does not require much space or a yoga mat. The 8 brocades are also known as the silk brocades because of the very slow and flowing movements. I have been practicing the 8 brocades regularly for several years, and have found it to be one of my great pillars that keep me physically, mentally and emotionally in balance.

If you are leading a stressful life, which most people are, then I encourage you to try the 8 brocades. I have split the practice up into 8 parts, with each part focusing on one brocade. By the end you will have learned all 8 movements, and can easily practice it every day. The whole 8 parts takes just over 20 minutes, and you can do it almost anywhere. If you have tried yoga but found it too difficult to continue, then the 8 brocades might be for you. The movements are so simple, and so gentle that almost anyone can do this. Even though Qi Gong is one of the most gentle forms, it is a powerful healer and balancer.

If you have any issues with the dtube link you can watch the first part of the 8 Brocades below

Transcription Of Video

This is the chi gong practice of the 8 brocades or Baduan Jin. We start in a standing meditation, left hand over right for women on the dantien, men reversed. Centring breathing quieting

The 8 brocades are named after the silk brocades suggesting a feeling of smooth silken movements. The first is for the triple heater, two hands supports the heavens, the arms reach up, fingers interlace and then the palms turn toward the sky. As you exhale the arms begin to slowly float out and down. This repeats, inhale gathering from in front of the body, fingers interlace about the level of the forehead, the palms extend overhead. Exhaling, the arms slowly again releaseout , clearing and releasing.

This is an excellent practice for reducing stiffness in the shoulders and it also improves blood circulation. It's Very good for the triple heater which is like our bodies thermostat. If your body were a three story building for example, you wouldn't want the temperatures to vary too much. You might avoid a room if it's too cold, or burn up if you are stuck on the hottest floor.

It's believed that our triple heater also determines the way we interact with ourselves and the world around us. IT help support appropriate behaviour within relationships so that we aren't too standoffish, too friendly, overly nosey, or too aloof. A balanced Triple heater means that we act appropriately in any given situation.

Exhaling the arms float out and down, and then to finish this first part of the 8 brocades we clear. The arms hands come out to about the level of the heart, And the palms float down in front of the body,.. clearing, and letting go.

That concludes the first part of the 8 brocades. Take a moment to stand as you are and breath into your dantien. When you are ready you can finish.

Credits:
With deep gratitude to Grand Master Chen Yong Fa (陳永發) for his teachings and dedication to Qi Gong.
With great thanks to Mimi Kuo-Deemer inspiring me to make this video and her kind permission to use her words.