8 Pieces of Brocade - Ba Duan Jin

The 8 pieces of brocade are eight individual mindful movements (exercises) that are practiced in a silken and smooth way. Over time the breath will be deep and slow, and you want to coordinate the slow movement to sync in with the breath.

The 8 Brocades’ history and origin are still unclear but we have an idea that it was mentioned in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) text. It has also been traced as far back as 300 B.C. in Yellow Emperor’s traditional Chinese medical text. Some Qi Gong scholars and historians believe it was developed in the fifth century, some in the tenth century as well as the twelfth century to increase soldier vitality. What is clear is that the practice has helped many practitioners improve their overall well-being, balance, strength, focus and concentration. Today, there are many 8 Brocade traditions and forms but its essence remains the same. The version I’m sharing was taught to me while living in southern China.

The Ba Duan Jin as a whole is broken down into eight separate exercises, each focusing on cleansing and stimulating a different physical area and various qi meridians.  The 8 Brocades are also wonderful for anyone with lower back issues.  You do not need to practice all 8 Brocades if you don’t have a lot of time. You may want to pick one or two that are most relevant to you in the moment and practice each portion 5-10 times. But I do suggest to always start with #1 Bring Earth to Heaven and to always end with #8 Heaven Falling. And, did you know that you can practice Ba Duan Jin sitting or standing up?

Click here try out the sequence or try a free sample.

Enjoy your practice. May your practice flourish in happiness and joy,

Hang