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Qigong (pronounced chi-kung; Qi – energy, Gong – control, cultivation) is a Chinese art of motion, existing over 3,000 years. It is focused on meditative practices, using slow, gentle movements, with an emphasis on breathing. This, as believed by those practice it, helps promote the flow of Chi within the body, strengthens its systems and helps prevent illnesses.

“Eight Pieces of Brocade” is one of the most common Qigong practices: it’s simple, easy to learn and positively affects the nervous system. If you’ve never practiced Chinese methods, don’t stress: it’s an ideal practice for beginners. Here you will find basic practices for better breathing, renewal of energy within your internal organs and motion systems, to start (of end) the day in the most relaxed way possible. It’s recommended to perform each exercise 12 times, according to your breathing.

Exercise 1
Hands down, knees slightly bent, hips back. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in again, stand on the tip of your toes, hand in a 90 degree angle, and breathe out. Repeat several times until the movement becomes effortless.

Exercise 2
An exercise that helps the large intestine and lungs: spread your legs, raise your arm to a 90 degree angle, place your finger and thumb in a 90 degree angle and focus your eyes between the finger and thumb. Clench your other hand into a fist, and raise it to a 90 degree angle as well. Breathe in, bend your knees, breathe out and switch palms.

Exercise 3
An exercise to aid digestion: close your legs a bit, raise one hand towards the sky, and the other – to the ground. Breathe in, breathe out and tilt your body towards the lower arm, looking in that direction. Breathe in and switch arms.

Exercise 4
Good exercise for the neck and shoulders: Arms down, knees slightly bent, hips back. Rise up with your arms in a 90 degree angle from the body, looking to the side. Turn you head the other way.

Exercise 5
A good way to breathe better in the morning: one arm towards the sky, the other – to the ground. Move to the direction of the open hand, following with your head.

Exercise 6
Every night, about ⅓ of the air volume in the lungs remains “stuck”. This is an exercise to release it and let clear air in: Breathe in, and let the air out with a whistle, followed by a movement forward.

Exercise 7
With your hands on your hips, breathe in and when you breathe out – slowly lower your hands towards your knees. Repeat and go a bit lower every time. Don’t forget to go slightly higher too.

Exercise 8
Breathe in, rise to your toes, and breathe out, slightly shaking your body.

It’s important to note that not all Qigong practitioners use the same techniques. Many practice them sitting down, standing up, or without moving at all. The term “Qigong” wasn’t made popular in the world until the 70’s. That’s when the “Qigong wave” started, during which groups of 10,000 people and more practiced the art in Chinese stadiums. This type of practice was made illegal by the government in 1999, fearing that those assemblies might turn into political protest movements, along with Falun gong. Regardless of stadiums, Qigong doesn’t suffer at all in terms of public relations: over 200 million people practice it worldwide, with the goal of strengthening the body and improving overall health.

Talking about the exercises:

About the video – I followed the exercises several times, but I try to focus and do them at least 4 times a week, and on the weekend. It helped me improve my breathing and overall feeling, so thank you so much!

It only takes 10 minutes a day, the exercises are very easy and you can see an improvement in your health .meital