Ba Duan Jin - Qigong

Yesterday I read a wonderful article  by @sirwinchester on Yin and Yang "https://steemit.com/sirwinchester/@sirwinchester/yin-and-yang-deeper-meanings-of-sacred-geometry".  In it he remarks on the bodies energy and exercises called Qi Gong to balance these energies.  So I thought I would share with you the exercise I have used and taught for 30 years in 45 countries the Ba Duan Jin... it is something the people  always request I teach when visiting.

It is a single 8 movement set that is a concise but full body and nerve stretching exercise that can be done in only 10 minutes, or longer if you wish.  This powerful Chinese Qi Gong (Chi Gong) pattern contains postures that are also seen in Indianic Yoga but in a short transitional movement based practice that is far easier t accomplish than it's Yoga counterpart.  It is a perfectly balanced and complete method of holistic health maintenance as it not only stretches every muscle in the body, but also the peripheral nerves as it aids lymphatic movement and cleansing. 

Because of the wide array of health attributes the Ba Duan Jin produces, it is the second most widely practiced form of Chi Gong in the world (next to Tai Chi) that is perfect for our modern time limitations and even space restraints as it can be practiced ina 2' x 4' area.  The name translates as "eight pieces of brocade" (a brocade being a richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics).

The Vital Point understanding this internal energy is first to realize what it is, it is not mythical or magical, it is a biological and universal reality.  We must never seek to increase or decrease it, nor should we try to store it.  The best way is to let it flow naturally and freely through the body as naturally as possible.  This is not easy with our modern lifestyles like sitting for long periods, using repetitive straining actions, however this exercise was developed to accomplish just that.

This ancient Chi Gong (氣功) exercise was developed in the 1300’s by Chinese Field Marshall, Yue Fey. He originally designed it to prepare his troops for battle as it relieves the anxieties and stress, while developing stamina, flexibility, coordination as well as clear focused minds.

"Although our modern battlefields have changed, the symptoms of stress and their crippling effects have not...  This ancient exercise has withstood the test of time, still preparing the individual for their personal battles and pursuits”. - Evan Pantazi

Just Google the name Ba Duan Jin and there are many video examples (many varieties of style as well), to choose from.  

Good Health - Evan Pantazi