General Introduction
History
Benefits

General Introduction
Referring to the preciousness of this set (as in a fine brocade of cloth) and to the intricate system of energy flow inside the body, Baduanjin is a very old and extremely popular Qi Gong set and is one of scores of exercise sets in the large Chi Kung (Qigong) family. These exercises are non strenuous and simple to learn but they hold greatbenefit for people who can find the time to practice them on a regular basis.

Ba Duan Jin, which literally translates as eight pieces of silken brocade, has always been a very popular exercise in China. Its unusual name derives from the fact that the Chinese character for silken brocade jin also has the archaic meaning of that of a set of exercises composed of different movements. Hence the title eight pieces of silken brocade can be interpreted more accurately as an exercise composed of eight sets of movements. 

History
Ba Duan Jin has a written history of over 800 years. During this period of time, many modifications and innovations have been added to the original form. Although the variations are numerous, they can be broadly categorised into themes related to the seated and to the standing postures, with the latter further sub-divided into the Northern and the Southern styles. The Northern style claims its legendary founder to be Yue Fei, who was a famous general in the Sung Dynasty (960-1279AD).

Benefits

• Regulates all internal organs, from your heart and lungs in your upper torso through to your kidneys and intestines in your lower abdomen.
• Relieves fatigue, increases inhalation, and helps prepare your body for the exercises that follow.
• Helps invigorate the muscles and bones of your back and waist and can help correct poor posture of the upper back and shoulders.
• Strengthens the activity of your eyeballs, your neck and shoulder muscles, and your nerves, and is excellent for alleviating high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries.
• Increases the flow of energy along both sides of your body, and benefit your liver, gall bladder, spleen, and stomach. They help to prevent diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract.
• Prevents against fever and reduce tension in the sympathetic nervous system.
• Strengthens your kidneys, your adrenal glands, and the arteries, veins, and nerves associated with them; helps maintain a healthy balance in your internal environment.