Baduanjin

Baduanjin is a fitness method invented in ancient China, consisting of eight body movements. It includes both physical exercises and breath regulation. Some believe Baduanjin is a form of Qigong, while others consider it a branch of Chinese martial arts.

Baduanjin, along with the Five Animal Frolics and Tai Chi, is a widely practiced fitness method in China. On June 28, 1982, China’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and the National Sports Commission issued a notice incorporating Baduanjin and other traditional Chinese fitness methods as part of "health and physical education courses" in medical universities. In 2003, China’s General Administration of Sport promoted the newly arranged Baduanjin and other fitness methods as part of "Fitness Qigong" nationwide.

The name "Baduanjin" is generally believed to have two meanings:

1. It refers to a practice that incorporates various methods.
2. It originates from a type of brocade called "Baduanjin," symbolizing the continuous flow of movements during practice.

History: Legend has it that Baduanjin was created by Yue Fei, or alternatively by Zhongli Quan of the Tang Dynasty, though these claims are not very reliable. In the book Lingjianzi Yin Dao Ziwujiji by Xu Xun from the Wei Jin period, there are records about exercises similar to Baduanjin. However, the first documented mention of "Baduanjin" appears in the Song Dynasty in the book Yijian Zhi by Hong Mai. Taoist health books from the Song Dynasty, like Dao Shu by Zeng Zhi, also record similar fitness methods, so most people believe Baduanjin was created during the Song Dynasty.

The standing form of Baduanjin practiced today generally comes from the appendix "Baduanjin" in the Yijing Jing Tu Shuo compiled by Liang Shichang in the Qing Dynasty, though the author is unknown.

Content: Baduanjin generally consists of eight movements, each referred to as a "segment." Each movement is repeated multiple times, with breath regulation (such as placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth and focusing on the Dantian). The movements of Baduanjin are usually slow and gentle, making it suitable for people of all ages.

There are two main forms: standing and seated. The standing form requires the feet to be slightly apart and shoulder-width apart, while the seated form involves sitting cross-legged. The specific movements vary between the two forms. Both forms can be summarized in eight sentences to outline the essential movements.