The Eight

Pieces of
Brocade
 八段錦
Bā Duàn Jǐn
The Eight Pieces
of Brocade
Eight Pieces of Brocade
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 The Eight Pieces of Brocade
"Seven disorders and hundreds of illnesses disappear and are left behind your
back; hundreds of illnesses are caused because the body is weak. The feet up,
achievement is hard to describe by pen. The head up and press down to reach
to the end of the toes. Hold the waist, and hold the chest, up and down movements.
(It is) effective in getting rid of sickness and eliminating disasters (illness)."
The secret words of the eighth exercise

The origins of The Eight Pieces of Brocade - - Bā Duàn Jǐn 八段錦 may date back as far as the
Han Dynasty (206BCE-220), and illustrations very similar to what we know as the eight pieces
today appear in 'On caring for the Health of the Mind and Prolonging the Lifespan' written by
Tao Hongjing 陶弘景 (456-536).

The 8th century Taoist treatise The Ten Treatises on Restoring the Original Vitality - Xiu Zhen
Shi Shu, attributes the development of The Eight Pieces of Brocade - Bā Duàn Jǐn 八段錦 to
one of the legendary Eight Immortals of Chinese folklore, Chong Li-quan.

However they are often credited to Marshal Yue Fei 岳飛 (1103-1142) of The Song Dynasty
(960-1280), the creator of Eagle-Claw Boxing and Xíng Yì Quán 河北形意拳.

He used Bodhidharma's 菩提達摩 (482-539) Muscle Tendon Changing Classic - Yìjīn Jīng
易筋經 exercises as a base to create twelve exercises to improve the health of his soldiers. These
were known as The Twelve Pieces of Brocade - Shí'èr Jiàn Duàn Jǐn 十二件段錦.

Through the years they were simplified into eight exercises, to become The Eight Pieces of
Brocade - Bā Duàn Jǐn 八段錦.

Many variations have come to exist, including sitting versions. The standing version is as taught
by Wukong Monk, a Buddhist Monk of the Jiming Temple in Nanjing in 1982.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 The Eight Pieces of Brocade
Newly Published Health & Fitness Illustrations Bā Duàn Jǐn 八段錦 - Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

Hold the hands high with the palms upward to regulate

the internal organs,
and pose as an archer shooting both left & right.

Hold one arm aloft to regulate the functions of the spleen

and stomach,
and look backwards to prevent sickness and strain.

Twist the head and lower back to relieve stress,

and move the hands down the back and legs and touch
the feet to strengthen the kidneys.

Thrust the fists and make the eyes glare to enhance

strength,
and raise and lower the heels to cure various diseases.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 The Characteristics of the Eight Pieces
Vital components of the Eight Pieces are:
· In body: Use strength when needed; remain relaxed at all other times.

· In mind: Use a focused mind to guide a natural breath.

· In spirit: Maintain a peaceful mind and a calm mood.

Successful Practice
For successful practice of the Eight Pieces:
· The movements should be relaxed and gentle.

· Pay attention to stances and posture.

· Move as naturally as possible

· Make the movements flow.

· Keep the breath relaxed, steady and even.

· Let go of the monkey mind.

· Practice all the exercises, in order, for the maximum benefits.

· Practice regularly for the maximum benefits.

Contraindications
The Eight Pieces should not be practiced if any of the following apply:
· Balance and physical ability should be taken into account in all the exercises.

· Due consideration should be given to muscle strength.

· Due consideration should be given to joint, bone issues.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Functions & Effects
The overall effect of practicing The Eight Pieces of Brocade is to:

· Improve joint flexibility.

· Improve spine flexibility.

· Increase range of motion.

· Soothe the sinews.

· Improve breathing.

· Improve limb strength.

· Improve mental health.

· Improve Energy - Qi 氣 circulation.

· Improve blood circulation.

· Improve cerebrospinal fluid movement.

· Regulate the nervous system.

· Boost immune system.

· Improve balance.

· Develop coordination.

· Relieve fatigue.

· Prolongs life.

· Good for:

o Osteoporosis.

o Arteriosclerosis.

o Digestion.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Important Points

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Breathing
Abdominal

Reverse

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Stances
Wújí 無極

Horse Stance

Bow Stance

Sitting

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Hands
Fist

Yang fingers

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Meditation
Characteristics of meditation
· Phase: n/a
· Direction: n/a
· Season: n/a
· Colour: n/a
· Yin Organ: All
· Yang Organ: All
· External Organ: All
· Associated Tissues: All

Successful Practice
· Maintain correct posture.
· Focus on the Lower Dan Tián - Xià Dantián 下丹田.
· Say 'calm' as you inhale.
· Say 'relax' as you exhale.
· Relax the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, muscles.
· Relax the mind.
· Relax your desire.

Functions & Effects

· Rids the internal organs of tension.
· Rids the body of tension.
· Regulates organ function.
· Improves blood circulation.
· Improves Energy - Qi 氣 circulation.
· Relaxes and calms the mind.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Meditation

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Two Hands Uphold the Heavens to
Nurse the Triple Warmer
Characteristics of nursing the triple warmer
· Phase: n/a
· Direction: n/a
· Season: n/a
· Colour: White
· Yin Organ: Pericardium
· Yang Organ: Triple Warmer
· External Organ: n/a
· Associated Tissues: n/a

Successful Practice
· Raise the heels only if balance allows it to be done safely.

Functions & Effects

· Regulates the functions of the Triple Warmer - Sānjiāo 三焦.
· Regulates fluid metabolism.
· Improves fluid metabolism.
· Stretches the limbs.
· Stretches the torso.
· Distributes blood throughout the torso.
· Improves breathing.
· Improves posture.
· Mobilizes the muscles.
· Mobilizes the organs.
· Eliminates tiredness.
· Sedates hot flashes.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Two Hands Uphold the Heavens to
Nurse the Triple Warmer

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Hawk
Characteristics of drawing the bow
· Phase: Metal
· Direction: East
· Season: Fall
· Colour: White
· Yin Organ: Large intestine
· Yang Organ: Lung
· External Organ: Nose
· Associated Tissues: Skin & body hair

Successful Practice
· Ensure you connect both the Palace of Toil - Láo Gōng 勞宮 (PC8) points to the Chest
Centre - Shān Zhōng 膻中 (REN17) when crossing the arms.

Functions & Effects

· Improves posture.
· Improves Energy - Qi 氣 circulation.
· Improves blood circulation.
· Improves breathing capacity.
· Increases resilience of the lungs.
· Increases thoracic capacity.
· Exercises the:
o Hands.
o Arms.
o Muscles of the thoracic region.
o Shoulder muscles.
· Good for digestion.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Hawk

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Harmonizing Spleen & Stomach
Characteristics of harmonizing the spleen & stomach
· Phase: Earth
· Direction: Center
· Season: Indian summer
· Colour: Yellow
· Yin Organ: Spleen
· Yang Organ: Stomach
· External Organ: Mouth
· Associated Tissues: Flesh, fascia & muscles

Successful Practice
· Movement of the Lower Dan Tián - Xià Dantián 下丹田 is important.
· Watch the Palace of Toil - Láo Gōng 勞宮 (PC8) when stretching upward.

Functions & Effects

· Massages the internal organs.
· Stimulates the internal organs.
· Harmonizes the digestive system.
· Adjusts the digestive system.
· Improves peristaltic action of the intestines.
· Stimulates digestive process.
· Good for:
o Intestinal diseases.
o Stomach diseases.
o Duodenal ulcers.
o Stomach ulcers.
o Stomach inflammation.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Harmonizing Spleen & Stomach

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Look Backward to Amend the 5 Impairments
Characteristics of looking backward
· Phase: n/a
· Direction: n/a
· Season: n/a
· Colour: n/a
· Yin Organ: n/a
· Yang Organ: n/a
· External Organ: n/a
· Associated Tissues: n/a

Successful Practice
· Connect the Hall of Impression - Yin Táng 印堂 (EX-HN3) with the Supreme Stream - Taixi
太谿 (K3).

Functions & Effects

· Strengthens the eye muscles.
· Improves eyeball range of motion.
· Alleviates weariness in the brain and central nervous system.
· Tones neck and chest muscles.
· Develops & strengthens the lung meridian.
· Good for:
o Blood circulation.
o Degeneration of sexual ability.
o Constipation.
o Depletion of Energy - Qi 氣.
o Lack of seminal fluid.
o Thin seminal fluid.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Look Backward to Amend the 5 Impairments

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Head Shaking & Tail Swaying to Rid Heart Fire
Characteristics of head shaking & tail swaying
· Phase: Fire
· Direction: South
· Season: Summer
· Colour: Red
· Yin Organ: Heart
· Yang Organ: Small intestine
· External Organ: Tongue
· Associated Tissues: Blood & blood vessels

Successful Practice
· Ensure the hands are positioned correctly to block the downward movement of heart fire.

Functions & Effects

· Purges heart fire.
· Enhances organ function.
· Stimulates digestion.
· Stimulates the nervous system.
· Improves blood circulation.
· Reduces waistline.
· Good for:
o Restlessness.
o Insomnia.
o Mental uneasiness.
o Thirst.
o Rapid pulse.
o Colds.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Head Shaking & Tail Swaying to Rid Heart Fire

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Pull the Toes to Strengthen Kidneys & Waist
Characteristics of pulling the toes
· Phase: Water
· Direction: North
· Season: Winter
· Colour: Blue / black
· Yin Organ: Kidney
· Yang Organ: Urinary bladder
· External Organ: Ears
· Associated Tissues: Bones, bone marrow & head hair

Successful Practice
· Breathing should be as slow as possible.

Functions & Effects

· Cultivates Energy - Qi 氣.
· Eliminates toxins.
· Increases elasticity of the waist.
· Exercises:
o Waist muscles.
o Lumbar vertebrae.
o Central nervous system.
· Beneficial to the:
o Kidney.
o Adrenal glands.
o Urethra.
o Abdominal aorta.
o Abdominal vein.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Pull the Toes to Strengthen Kidneys & Waist

Contraindication: Those with blood pressure issues should not bend too far.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Punching with Angry Eyes
Characteristics of punching
· Phase: Wood
· Direction: West
· Season: Spring
· Colour: Green
· Yin Organ: Liver
· Yang Organ: Gall bladder
· External Organ: Eyes
· Associated Tissues: Sinews, nerves, tendons & ligaments

Successful Practice
· Use glaring eyes.
· Tense on the inhale, relax on the exhale.
· Visualize releasing anger, jealousy, frustration & rage with each punch.

Functions & Effects

· Cultivates Energy - Qi 氣.
· Balances liver Energy - Qi 氣.
· Stimulates the cerebral cortex and autonomic nervous systems.
· Strengthens the metabolism.
· Promotes organ health.
· Promotes strength & endurance.
· Good for:
o Anger.
o Depression.
o Hypertension.
o PTSD.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Punching with Angry Eyes

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Seven Jolts to Prevent All the Ailments
Characteristics of the Seven Jolts
· Phase: n/a
· Direction: n/a
· Season: n/a
· Colour: n/a
· Yin Organ: All
· Yang Organ: All
· External Organ: All
· Associated Tissues: All

Successful Practice
· Visualize releasing the seven toxic emotions, one with each jolt.
· Allow each jolt to end before starting the next.
· Only ever 7 repetitions.

Functions & Effects

· Dredges the channels.
· Releases stagnant Energy - Qi 氣.
· Releases toxic Energy - Qi 氣.
· Releases blocked Energy - Qi 氣.
· Improves posture.
· Rectifies unhealthy build.
· Strengthens memory.
· Aids relaxation.
· Releases toxic emotions.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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 Seven Jolts to Prevent All the Ailments

Contraindication: Due consideration should be given to joint and bone issues.

Eight Pieces of Brocade

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Eight Pieces of Brocade

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