Baduanjin Qi Gong
(8 Silk Brocades)
Benefits of the practicing Baduanjin
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Strengthens Vital Organs – Supports Lung, Heart, Spleen, Liver, and Kidney systems in TCM.
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Improves Qi & Blood Circulation – Opens meridians and enhances overall vitality.
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Promotes Flexibility & Reduces Tension – Opens the tendons/fascia/sinews of the body.
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Builds Martial Foundation – Trains rooted stance, whole-body integration, and internal power.
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Reduces Stress & Balances Emotions – Calms the mind and eases tension.
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Supports Longevity & Recovery – Boosts immunity, aids digestion, and improves fatigue, burnout and energy levels (combined with some Zhang Zhuang for best results)
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Removes Stagnation of Qi, Blood and Lymph — Get rid of that sluggish, stiff and heavy feeling, detoxify with deep stretching.
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Trains the Mind to be calm well focused — great body awareness is developed.
Baduanjin (八段锦), often translated as the "Eight Pieces of Brocade," is among the most widely practiced forms of Qigong globally. This sequence of eight graceful movements is rooted in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Chan Buddhism, and Taoist teachings—designed to cultivate balance, nourish the body’s energy (Qi), and support both physical and mental well-being.
Why "Eight Pieces of Brocade"?
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“Ba” (八) means eight, reflecting the number of distinct movements.
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“Duan” (段) signifies a meaningful stage or segment—implying phase-by-phase progress.
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“Jin” (锦) refers to brocade, evoking the smooth, flexible, and refined quality the practice imparts to body and spirit.
Internal Energy Cultivation —
Opening the Sinews/Fascia for Qi Flow.
The term “brocade” refers not only to the rich silk robes worn by imperial dignitaries — symbolizing health and vitality — but can also be interpreted as to the “silken” quality of the body’s fascia/tendons/sinews.
The Silk of the body is awakened through this practice, to nourish the Qi in deeper layers of the body, including the Channels/Meridians. This is done through a deep stretch coming from release, separating the bone and flesh (Yin Jin Jing principle).
This then contributes to the accumulation and correct circulation of Qi, which can be stored in the Lower Dan Tian and used for improving Vitality or Martial Arts.
Origins
According to many oral traditions, Bodhidharma developed the Baduanjin around the 5th century in the Shaolin Monastery. Some sources claim that the Baduanjin was derived from the 18 Lohan Palms — also credited to Bodhidharma.
In the 12th century, General Yue Fei is said to have refined it to improve the health and resilience of his soldiers.
However, the Health Qigong Management Center (under the National General Administration of Sport of China) states that its exact origins remain unknown. Illustrations discovered in a Han dynasty tomb (206 BCE – 220 CE) depict at least four movements similar to those in the modern Baduanjin.
The Eight Movements
Each movement is composed of exactly seven Chinese characters that poetically describe both the posture and its intended effect:
(Here are longer and more literal translations, which may differ from what this school uses when teaching)
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两手托天理三焦 – Two Hands Lift the Sky to Harmonize the Triple Burner
Energizes the upper body, opens the chest, and activates the energy pathways.
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左右开弓似射雕 – Draw a Bow Left and Right as if Shooting an Eagle
Enhances lung and liver health, improves shoulder flexibility, and boosts Qi flow.
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调理脾胃须单举 – Raise One Hand to Nourish Spleen and Stomach
Supports digestion and harmonizes the spleen and stomach systems.
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五劳七伤往后瞧 – Look Back to Prevent Five Wastes and Seven Ailments
Stretches the spine, relieves neck tension, and combats stress-related imbalances.
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摇头摆尾去心火 – Shake Head and Tail to Disperse Heart Fire
Helps soothe excess emotional heat and brings clarity to the mind.
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两手攀足固肾腰 – Two Hands Clasp Feet to Strengthen Kidneys and Waist
Fortifies the lower back and stimulates kidney energy.
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攒拳怒目增气力 – Clench Fist with Fierce Gaze to Enhance Strength and Qi
Uplifts spirit, builds internal power, and activates liver energy.
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背后七颠百病消 – Bounce on Heels Seven Times to Dispel Illnesses
Balances full-body energy, stimulates circulation, and revitalizes the nervous system
Demonstration by Timothee Puget (Teacher Tim) of the Baduanjin / 8 Silk Brocades Qi Gong