“Breathing in and out in various manners, spitting out the old and taking in the new, walking like a bear and stretching their neck like a bird to achieve longevity - this is what such practitioners of Dao-yin, cultivators of the body and all those searching for long life like Ancestor Peng, enjoy.”
- Chuang-Tzu, Chapter 15, circa 300 BCE.
Five Animal Frolics Qigong
This document includes a bibliography, links, resources, and quotations about the Five Animal Frolics. Some descriptions of various movements of the Bear are provided.
“Chinese medical chi-gung emphasizes soft, slow, rhythmic movements of the body synchronized with deep diaphragmatic breathing. The purpose of these exercises is to stretch the tendons, loosen the joints, and tone the muscles, to promote circulation of blood, and to regulate all the vital functions of the body. The medical school adapted many forms of ‘moving meditation” exercise for
therapeutic use, including the ancient Dao-Yin and ‘Play of the Five Beasts’ forms based on animal movements, martial forms such as ‘Eight Pieces of Brocade’ and Tai Chi Chuan, and special exercises developed specifically to treat various internal organs.”
- Daniel Reid, A Complete Guide to Chi Kung, p. 52.
Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong
This large document includes a detailed description of each movement of the Eight Section Brocades, benefits of the movements, and alternatives and options for each movement. It also includes the largest bibliography, link list, and resources list for this popular Chinese exercise set. A historical introduction to the form is provided. A few of the movement descriptions include animated graphics. One of the movements is called “The Big Bear Turns from Side to Side.”
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