Baduanjin has a history of over a thousand years. Ancient people compared this set of movements to “jin” (brocade), which means colorful, beautiful and magnificent. This reflects the stretching and graceful nature of its movements. It is regarded as “extremely effective in dispelling diseases and maintaining fitness, with exquisite arrangement and perfect movements” and possesses a complete systematic function of regulating the body, mind and breath. The practice is divided into eight sections, each with one movement—hence the name “Baduanjin” (Eight-Section Brocade). Baduanjin is also known as “Baduanjin” (literally “stretching and loosening tendons”), which has the effect of stretching tendons and bones.
It is a secret method to improve one’s muscles and bones, and transform one’s physiology and temperament. Originally used as a body-training technique in ancient times, it imitates the movements of birds and beasts, conforms to the human body’s structure and movement principles, and incorporates the practice of regulating qi (vital energy) and breath. This aligns perfectly with the principles and essence pursued by the internal styles of traditional Chinese martial arts. Baduanjin is a traditional fitness technique that integrates multiple methods such as qigong, martial arts, daoyin (guidance technique), and tendon-bone stretching. Through the coordination of specific movements and breathing, it aims to regulate the circulation of qi and blood, and promote metabolism. The movement design of Baduanjin focuses on the internal and external coordination of the body, guiding the circulation of qi and blood within the body through specific movements. Additionally, Baduanjin emphasizes breathing coordination—deep and slow breathing can promote oxygen intake and waste excretion, thereby accelerating metabolism. This fitness method is not only suitable for people with weak constitutions, but also enhances immunity and improves the body’s resistance. Those who practice it regularly are often less prone to colds and recover more quickly. Xianjia Baduanjin is an internally passed-down type of Baduanjin in Taoism, with excellent functions for health preservation and longevity. Over 1,000 years ago, during the Tang Dynasty, Zhong Liquan—one of the “Eight Immortals” in Taoism—created this qigong practice consisting of only eight movements while cultivating in the mountains. It was secretly passed down within Taoism; Taoist priests found that this technique could indeed strengthen physical fitness and prolong life, so it has been handed down from generation to generation. Practicing Xianjia Baduanjin does not require strenuous effort to master movements. With just 8 simple movements, the body’s meridians, limbs, and bones can all be exercised, ensuring smooth circulation of qi and blood for practitioners. This helps boost the body’s yang qi (warm, active energy) and metabolic functions, and enhances the body’s ability to resist dampness and toxins. Moreover, its movements are simple, relaxed, slow, and effortless, making it suitable for all groups of people. Xianjia Baduanjin includes standing Baduanjin, sitting Baduanjin, and various breathing methods. Its movements are concise; long-term focused practice can ensure smooth circulation of qi and blood, maintain normal body metabolism, and improve one’s mental state—thus strengthening the body and extending lifespan.
Xianjia Baduanjin was only spread within a small circle and was on the verge of being lost. Teacher Shi Weimin had the opportunity to learn this complete fitness method, and later made this secret technique public, allowing more people to learn and benefit from it.
