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Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong



Perform each motion a minimum of six times...
    1. Press the Sky with Both Hands
    2. Draw the Bow to Shoot the Arrow
    3. Touching Both Heaven and Earth
    4. Wise Owl Gazes to the Back
    5. The Big Bear Sways from Side to Side
    6. Reach Toward Earth to Stretch the Spine
    7. Punch with Tiger Eyes
    8. Drumming the Earth with the Heels
Conclude the practice with Standing Meditation


Linda’s Notes:
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat, comfortable shoes
  • Maintain good yet relaxed posture during the practice (back straight and shoulders down)
  • Clear your mind of external thoughts (focus on the motions and your breathing)
  • Breathing
    • Use diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing
    • Inhale through the nose (unless allergies prevent you from doing so)
    • Do not overfill the lungs
    • Exhale through the nose, mouth, or both at the same time
    • Breathing should be done slowly and quietly (not forceful and loud)
  • The tip of the tongue should be lightly touching the upper palate of the mouth
  • Each motion is performed a minimum of six times (twenty four times maximum)
  • An inhalation plus an exhalation = one motion
  • When a motion has both a right and left component, the left side is done first
  • When bending the knees, the knees should not extend past your toes
  • Movements 1, 3, and 4 are performed with the feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart
  • Movements 2, 5, and 7 are performed with a low, wide stance (horse stance)
  • Movements 6 and 8 are performed with the feet hip-width apart
  • Modify motions to your own physical abilities (you should NEVER experience pain)
    • If you have back problems and a motion includes bending and twisting, keep the back straight and only move the arms
    • If you have knee problems only bend them as low as is comfortable
    • If you have shoulder problems only move your arms within a range of motion that is comfortable for you
  • Press the Sky with Both Hands Note
    • Place the palms one on top of the other if performing this motion with interlaced fingers causes discomfort in either the fingers or the shoulders.
  • Standing Meditation Note
    • Men – The left hand is closest to the body with right hand over left
    • Women – The right hand is closest to the body with left hand over right




This page was originally created and is maintained by: Linda Gatson
Last Updated: May 7, 2011