One of the best known and most practised Qigong sequences. It builds inner strength, nourishes the organs and keeps the practitioner flexible in body and mind. It is said to have been created by General Yui Fea around 1100 AD to keep his soldiers in good shape for battle.
An army that cannot adapt will be defeated.
—Tao Te Ching No. 76
The 8 Brocades, BaDaJuan in Chinese, so named because, with its practice, the body becomes supple and moves smoothly like silk so the Qi can flow through the meridians as easily as water.
Living plants are flexible and tender,
the dead are brittle and dry.
—Tao Te Ching No. 76
Shibashi
Another Qigong sequence that is widely practised around the world. But this one is much more modern having been created by Lin Housheng in Shanghai, about 40 years ago. LinHou Sheng tested the effectiveness of movements on patients retaining only the most successful. Shibashi consists of sequences of 18 gentle, graceful but powerful movements that relax the body while stimulating strength, fluidity and general good health.
Fragrant Buddha
This Qigong sequence can be practised standing, sitting, or lying down; good in confined spaces like buses, cars, planes to keep the circulation flowing.