Ba Duan Jin (8 Treasures Qi Gong)
The Ba Duan Jin (8 treasures, eight silk brocade) is one of the oldest known forms of QiGong. Because of its age a staggering number of variations have been made with a variety of theoretical correlations. As with all forms of QiGong or Martial Arts when practicing we must understand the reasons behind the movements. Movement without purpose is meaningless and thought without action is a daydream. This text and video is meant to be a supplement to classes taught by an endorsed instructor from The Tai Chi Life and is not meant as standalone information.
Two Hands Press the Heavens
|
This movement opens the Three Burners and increases circulation throughout the body. With the arms stretch to the heavens it is the most Yang movement in the form. While pressing the heavens we must always remember that we are connected to the earth so we do not float away.
Correlations: Chinese Meridian System: Triple Burner Trigram: Chien, Heaven Direction: South Phase: Intense Yang |
Separate Heaven and Earth
|
Our hands spiral up and down from our center. Heaven, Human and Earth are all apparent. We must drop our breath to the abdomen while lifting the top of our head.
Correlations: Chinese Meridian System: Stomach, Spleen, Liver Trigram: Kun, Earth Direction: North Phase: Intense Yin |
Draw the Bow to Shoot the Vulture
|
This movement opens the chest and lungs while teaching us to drop our breath into the dan tien. As we shift our stance from side to side feel the interplay of yin and yang. Our eyes are open wide to see the target in the distance.
Correlations: Chinese Meridian System: Lung, Liver, Spleen, Kidney Trigram: Sun, Wind Direction: Southwest Phase: Yang |
Wise Owl Gazes Backwards
|
The movement of the arms activates all yin and yang organs to build immunity. We must be careful not to loose our center as we move though the inhale. The exhale is brief but grounding.
Correlations: Chinese Meridian System: All Meridians are activated Trigram: Kan, Water Direction: West Phase: Yang-Yin |
Sway Head Shake Tail
|
Here we empty the fire from our heart to calm the spirit. We sink more and more into bliss with each exhale. Do not loose the root as the head dips.
Correlations: Chinese Meridian System: Heart, Dai Mai, Kidney Trigram: Ken, Mountain Direction: Northwest Phase: Yin-Yang |
Two Hands Hold the Feet
|
First we stretch the Du Mai opening from our tail bone though our spine to the top of the head. Then we reach down to touch the bubbling spring at the base of our feet. The kidneys are massaged vigorously the the end of this movement.
Correlations: Chinese Meridian System: Kd, Du Mai Trigram: Tui, Lake Direction: Southeast Phase: Yang-Yin |
Clench Fist and Glare Fiercely
|
We strengthen the tendons trough the Liver and gallbladder. Legs become stronger with each movement. Exhale slow to work. Inhale fast but deep.
Correlations: Chinese Meridian System: Liver, Ren Mai, Du Mai Trigram: Li, Fire Direction: East Phase: Yin-Yang |
Bouncing on the Toes
|
We bounce 9 times clearing the channels and strengthening the Kidney Jing to end this form. All of the meridians are clear.
Correlations: Chinese Meridian System: Kidney Trigram: Chen, Winter Direction: Northeast Phase: Yin |
