Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health: The Eight Pieces of Brocade

Chapter one of the book includes a short discussion on what qi and qigong are, followed by a few pages on the history of qigong and its development through several of the dynastic periods right up to the present. This is followed by a history of the Eight Pieces of Brocade, a discussion of qigong theory, and an explanation of the health and curative benefits of practicing qigong.

Chapter two goes into further detail on energy, explaining the Three Treasures of Life, jing, qi, and shen which are three types of (for lack of a better term) life force energies. This section also discusses the need to regulate the breath and keep the mind calm and centered.

Chapter three explains the performance of the seated version of Eight Pieces of Brocade which is an excellent practice for people who are unable to stand for a period of time. The positions in this set are slightly different than the standing practice since they are designed to help a person regain health.

The standing form, designed to build or enhance internal energy, is detailed in chapter four. Both chapters three and four describe in detail how to perform each exercise, and include valuable information on the organs of the body that benefit from each.

Always a challenge for a book, it does a fairly good job of describing the movements required for each of the eight postures in both the seated and standing forms. It ends with an extensive glossary and translation of Chinese terms useful in understanding the practice of the Eight Pieces of Brocade.

The book is an excellent adjunct to attendance in a class where you will be able to directly observe and follow the movement of a teacher.

The DVD version of The Eight Pieces of Brocade includes most of the historical and theoretical material from the book told to you by Dr. Yang either in the introduction, or as he instructs you in the forms. It also includes the pages of the glossary of Chinese terms in a display format that you may view.

Of course, the great advantage of having the DVD is that you can see and follow the exact movement required so that you can reap the greatest benefit of the exercises to your health and wellness. If you cannot attend a class with a live instructor, the DVD is a fair alternative.

The practices of the seated and standing forms are divided into two sections each. One section analyzes the movement and, through demonstration and explanation, you are instructed in great detail how to properly perform each posture. The second section is a practice segment where you follow Dr. Yang as he guides you through the prescribed number of repetitions for each posture.

With relaxing music as the background, this section is the ongoing practice that will bring you the complete health and wellness benefits from the practice of the Eight Pieces of Brocade.

The Eight Pieces of Brocade is one of the most effective health and well-being practices I have ever known. I have been doing this since 1997, and I know you too will find it easy and extremely effective.

This is the DVD
Run Time: 195 minutes
Average Customer Review: based on 16 reviews.

Here is the book.
Average Customer Review: based on 9 reviews.

At the time of this writing, if you wish to purchase the book and video together, click on the link to the book, and you will see the "Better Together" special offer to purchase both with one click.

If you would like to learn more about qigong and baduanjin in particular, read my article "Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong for relaxation, health, and longevity."