Baduanjin may be the most widely-practiced qigong form in the world.
Translating roughly to Eight Sections of Silk Brocade, the form gets its name from the soft, silken quality it imparts to the mind and body. It’s been practiced for around a thousand years, spawning numerous variations.
For one of my teachers, Master Yan An from the Shaolin Temple, it’s a go-to recommendation for anyone interested in qigong.
“Shaolin Ba Duan Jin [Eight Sections of Silk of Brocade] qigong is an excellent traditional Chinese health care method,” he said. “Its simple movements yield remarkable effects.”
“The ancients found these movements as soft and supple as a silk brocade tapestry, which is where the form gets its name from,” he explains. “The movements link together, alternating between loose and tight, dynamic and static, regulating your system of qi and softening the bones and muscles.”
If you struggle with focus, anxiety, or depression, this form is for you. If you struggle with joint pain, an aching back, or tension in your muscles, this form is for you.
Follow along with Master Yan An’s graceful movements in this video. After a few days, you may start to notice the effects.