|  | Alternative Medicine | Qigong

Qigong Movements for Beginners

Qigong is practiced both as a martial art and for Chinese medical benefit. Whether the type of qigong you are studying is tai chi, gong fu or one of the other schools, the Eight Brocades are frequently the first movements studied in qigong.

  1. The Qi

    • Qi is defined as a natural force present in all living things. Some schools of thought describe it as a natural energy that flows through everything, including the earth. When out of balance, qi can both indicate a deeper physical problem or be the cause of physical illness. Manipulating and creating balance in the qi is the goal both of Qigong and of Chinese medicine.

    What is Qigong

    • Qigong has been practiced in China since prehistoric times. It is a ritualized system of conscious movement that collects, concentrates and manipulates the Qi. Many people in the West see it as separate from gong fu or kung fu. However, gong fu is actually a school of study under Qigong. Qigong can be either a purely healing practice, such as with tai qi, or an effective fighting art, as with the many schools of gong fu. Qigong simply refers to the practice of strengthening and manipulating the Qi.

    The Eight Brocades

    • The most basic Qigong movements are called The Eight Brocades. Eight is considered an auspicious number in China, and these eight movements relate to the eight directions of the compass. The Eight Brocades are as follows: Pressing the Heavens With Two Hands, Drawing the Bowstring and Letting the Arrows Fly, Separating Heaven and Earth, Wise Owl Gazes Backward, Punching With Angry Gaze, Bouncing on the Toes, Big Bear Turns From Side to Side, and Touching the Toes Then Bending Backwards.

      The origins of the Eight Brocades and the reason they are the basis for Qigong has been lost in antiquity. The first mention of these movements was in a Song Dynasty encyclopedia called the Dao Shi, published around 1150. The Eight Brocades have been featured in encyclopedias, fiction and military manuals many times since 1150.

    Examples of Some of the Eight Brocades

    • Although it is almost always better to study Qigong with a master or other teacher, video tutorials can also work. If you work with a video, try to use a full length mirror to make sure your movements and positions are correct.

      One of the first movements that you will study is Pressing the Heaven With Two Hands. In this movement, stand with your hands at your sides. Raise your hands in front of your body with the palms upward. Inhale throughout the entire motion of raising your hands. As your hands pass in front of your face, turn the palms so they face upwards and press high above your head. Some people recommend lifting your heels. Reverse the motion while exhaling until your hands are at your side.

      Another of the Eight Brocades is Touching the Toes then Bending Backwards. Stand in a relaxed position with your feet separated below your shoulders. Raise your arms and lean back while inhaling. Bend forward and touch your toes. Keep your legs straight throughout the transition between bending backwards and touching your toes. Exhale throughout the transition.

Qigong - Related Articles