8 Pieces of Brocade with Mark Melchiorre

The Eight Pieces of Brocade is an easy to learn and practice form of medical qigong used for health restoration and enhancement. The exercise dates to the Song Dynasty (circa 1150 AD) and is also know as the Eight-Section Brocade, Eight Silken Movements, and Baduanjin (八段錦). 1) Two Hands Hold up the Heavens This move is said to stimulate the internal organs. It consists of an upward movement of the hands, which are loosely joined and travel up the center of the body. 2) Drawing the Bow While in a lower horse stance, imitate the action of drawing a bow to either side. It is said to exercise the waist area, focusing on the kidneys and spleen. 3) Separate Heaven and Earth This resembles a version of the first piece with the hands pressing in opposite directions, one up and one down. A smooth motion in which the hands switch positions is the main action, and it is said to especially stimulate the spleen and stomach. 4) Wise Owl Gazes Looks Back This is a stretch of the neck to the left and the right in an alternating fashion. 5) Swing the Head and Shake the Tail This is said to regulate the function of the heart and lungs. Its primary aim is to remove excess heat from the heart. In performing this piece, the practitioner squats in a low horse stance, places the hands on thighs with the elbows facing out and twists to glance backwards on each side. 6) Two Hands Hold the Feet to Strengthen the Kidneys and Waist This involves a stretch upwards followed by a forward bend and a...