The Ba Duan Jin

Without learning the Internal focus of any Qigong you will never get beyond arm waving!

There are many variations of the Ba Duan Jin set being taught today and that is not really surprising given their age. They date back at least to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) so they have had in the region of 800 years and a countless number of lineages for those variations to develop. Having variations is not really an issue as long as the principles of true Qigong are present. Those are exactly the same principles of Daoyin, or of Neigong. The problem today, and it is a huge problem for those who wish to learn the Ba Duan Jin, is that the majority of the teaching does not include the Internal and these exercises are then reduced to being of a physical nature only.

These Qigong target (use) specific meridians to Internalize the movement. You will learn the proper focus here.

The Embroidered Brocade

Although having similar names, the Embroidered Brocade and the Eight Pieces [Sections] Brocade, also known as the Ba Duan Jin, are two entirely different Qigong sets. The Embroidered Brocade is a set of seven exercises. Namely: Folding Over, the Circle of Light, the Billowing Sail, the Sun and the Moon, the White Crane, the Snake, and the Taiji Walk.

The numerous benefits of these exercises includes: –

• Stimulating the Qi flow in the Yin and Yang meridians of the legs.
• Stimulating the Qi flow in the arm Yin and Yang meridians.
• Opening Mingmen.
• Opening Daizui. Daizui is located at Du Mai 14 and is also known as the Big Bone. This is the first thoracic vertebra and this is where Qi can very often get stuck.
• These exercises also bring awareness of and help to build the skills of sinking the Qi while raising the Shen.

The Five Elements Dance

These recordings are of the Five Elements Dance classes. They begin with the basic, physical, movements before working with the Internal. We then go on to explore this Qigong at a deeper level than is possible in an individual course. This makes them an invaluable asset for practitioners.

I have seen many examples of this Qigong on Youtube and none of them has worked with the Qi. They have been no more than arm waving and big grins. Without the Qi this set of movements is of little worth. You need to know what you are working with, how to focus on it, have awareness of the Internal flows and enhance those flows for the beneficial effects of the Five Elements Dance to achieve their true potential.

Five Elements Qigong
Putting theory into practice

The Taiji symbol, representing the constant flux between Yin and Yang, shows us the interdependance of everything within the Tao. However, it is impossible to describe one state without comparison to another. Within the Five Element Theory, the qualities of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are used to describe the basic elements of the material world. By allocating these qualities, or essences, to a particular Element it made it easier to describe physical, emotional and spiritual states.

This interdependance, the cause and effect, within the material world are explained within Five Element Theory. All relationships between the physiology, pathology and psychology are seen here too. It does not stop there. The environment in which we live is also governed by the Five Elements, as is Traditional Chinese Medicine.

There are two main relationships: The Sheng (Nurturing) Cycle and the Ko (Controlling) Cycle. We will use both to tailor Qigong regimes for specific uses.

In these lessons we are working practically, using the Five Elements Theory in order to understand these Qigong experientially. This, in turn, deepens your understanding Qigong exercises in general and how to use them more efficaciously.

Five Elements and Eight Vessels

These lessons cover the methods used to access the 12 Classical Meridians and also the Eight Vessels (AKA the Extraordinary Meridians, or the Eight Exceptional Vessels).

All Five Elements Qigong works with the Qi that flows throughout the meridian system, enhancing the quality of the Qi in the 12 Classical Meridians. The Eight Exceptional Vessels Qigong concentrates on the Qi that is held in these, reservoir-like, vessels.

The qualities of the Qi in each is different and this can only be experienced through the practice of both.

The differences in these qualities is in the density and in the perceived “flow”. With Five Elements Qigong (meridians) it is generally experienced as a linear flow but this is only the start as the Qi flows in all directions and is not constrained by linearity. The Qi in the Extraordinary Meridians is not generally perceived as linear and is slower moving, almost tidal, with an ebb and flow.

These classes explore these Qigong at a deeper level than is possible in a weekend, or even a week-long course.

The Five Taoist Yin

These recordings are of the Five Taoist Yin Qigong classes where we start at the basics before going on to explore these Qigong at a deeper level than is possible in an individual course. This makes them an invaluable asset for practitioners. It is recommended that you go through the classes in sequence.

The Five Taoist Yin Qigong adhere to that underlying precepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These classes, as well as the Five Taoist Yin course, are true Qigong. They work with the Meridians and Vessels Internally because without this they are no longer Qigong.

Also known as the Five Yin Qigong, this set is commonly taught only using five of the Yin meridians. This weakens the set as there are six Yin meridians and each should be enhanced. There are also variations for three of the exercises. These variations came about as the set was passed down through different lineages. They are working with the same Qi but using different focus and/or movement.

Shen Qigong

The Shen Qigong exercises in these classes are a mixture of Active and Passive Qigong. They are Spiritual in that they are working with the consciousness and can be used to alter states of awareness, giving access to higher levels of being and increasing perception. In addition to the Shen exercises we also incorporate Qigong from other sets (Shibashi, Ba Duan Jin, Connecting Heaven and Earth, the Orbits, etc.) so that a deeper understanding and more profound experiences gained from them. This means that the classes are often organic and they find a direction of their own, that direction governed by the needs and wishes of the participants.

• The exercises involve the Shen, that finer quality of Qi that is connected to our consciousness, our Mind, our Higher Self.
• They are used to increase the vibration of the Shen, and the awareness of self, the Qi of our body and mind.
• They can increase awareness of other as our awareness is expanded beyond our physical body.
• Finally, they can be used to gain access to our Higher Self so that we can have meaningful dialogue and receive guidance.

These Shen Qigong classes are not suitable for beginners. The Qigong contained in these lessons is of an intermediate and advanced level.

The Taiji Shibashi

These archived recordings of the Taiji Shibashi classes taken from our live (streamed) classes and can also be used as a follow up to the on-demand Taiji Shibashi course.

These classes are suitable for beginners and intermediate practitioners of Qigong.

The content that is listed for each lesson only overs the exercises practiced during the lesson. It does not include all of the advice and guidance that is given.

All too often these wonderful Qigong are taught as physical exercises with know real mention of the Internal workings. What does that mean? It means the movement of the Qi, your life energy. That is what Qigong is all about! Qigong is the art, the skill, of working with Qi and without the Qi there is no Qigong. So, if your only experience of these exercises has been a physical one be prepared for a few surprises.

Advanced Shibashi classes

These classes are not really suitable for beginners. If you wish to learn the Shibashi please see our on-demand Taiji Shibashi course or the archived Shibashi classes.

Des takes you through the Shibashi and, among other things, shows you how to: –

• Change the Primary Element for a number of them.
• Practice the set in a Neigong manner.
• Practice more Internally.

The content that is listed for each lesson only overs the exercises practiced during the lesson. It does not include all of the advice and guidance that is given.

The Silk Exercises

Over the millennia, the original “Silk Exercises” were developed and the Internal focus changed as Masters explored their full potential. They are the forerunners of many Qigong including the Ba Duan Jin (the Eight Section Brocade) and also the Ten Fundamental Treasures. This development continued and an example of this is that it has also led to a number of variations of the Ba Duan Jin being taught. Some of these variations progressed with the Internal while others reverted to being more physical in nature. It is the Internal that we are working with as it is this that raises physical exercise to the level where it is truly Qigong.

Des will be guide you through how the Silk Exercises developed and became more focused as the Internal movements and flows were discovered. You will have the opportunity to experience how the complexity of the Internal movements increases as the sets developed. Des will also draw your attention to Qigong that use very similar movements (sharing the same roots) yet have completely different Internal effects and outcomes.

The Eight Exceptional Vessels

In these classes we work at a deeper level and explore the finer details of these Qigong. Some of the classes also have Five Element Qigong so that students can start to appreciate the differences in the qualities of the Qi in the twelve meridians and the eight vessels.

The content listed is a bare outline of the Qigong covered. It cannot cover all the insights that Des brings to these Qigong. Insights, observations and tips that demystify this art. Going by the feedback he has received from, worldwide, students this has made a huge difference to them as they explore their Qi.

Eight Exceptional Vessels Qigong adhere to the underlying precepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The courses that preceded these classes, as well as the classes, are true Qigong. They work with the Meridians and Vessels Internally because without this they are no longer Qigong.

The Ten Fundamental Treasures

The Ten Fundamental Treasures Qigong are ancient and are little seen let alone practiced nowadays.  These treasures have a shared lineage with the Ba duan Jin (The Eight section brocade) as they both developed from the Silk Exercises. This means that, to the external observer, the exercises look extremely similar but their focus is not the same. The Internal movement is not the same and the Qi is receiving different guidance. If you already practice the Ba Duan Jin as a truly Internal Qigong then this set will broaden your horizons as well as your experience.

These Ten Fundamental Treasures Qigong classes are for intermediate to advanced practitioners and they are not suitable for beginners.  The emphasis, as with all Active Qigong, is on creating Internal movement that has been stimulated, in part, by external (that is physical) movement.

Zhan Zhuang

These recordings are of the Zhan Zhuang Qigong classes. The lessons are set out in the form of a course. They begin with the basics, the physical stance, breathing, etc. before focusing on the Internal movement of the Qi.

Zhan Zhuang is a system of Passive Qigong that is known by many names. Among these are: Standing as a Column, Standing on a stake, Standing Qigong, Standing Like a Tree and Post standing.

Practice is in a fixed stance using the Yi to guide the Qi so that any movement sensed is the movement of the Qi.