Qigong: The 8 Brocades

If you’re looking for a gentle way to improve your health and wellbeing, Qigong might be a perfect fit for you.

Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong“) is an ancient Chinese exercise technique that involves meditation, controlled breathing, and gentle movement.

This practice is thousands of years old and is a part of traditional Chinese medicine, similar to practices like Tai Chi.

Today, we’re focusing on a specific set of movements called the 8 Brocades, or Baduanjin.

PS: This page has a handful of videos of different versions of this exercise routine, some gentler than others.

The 8 Brocades Tutorial Videos

The 8 Brocades is a popular and widely practiced form of Qigong. Below, you’ll find a few video tutorials:

Click on the play button above to watch the video.

Watching the video step-by-step and following along with the exercises can provide you with a relaxing and energizing experience.

Note: Take it slow and listen to your body’s limits! If you can’t do a certain movement, modify it to suit your ability.

Gentler Version of 8 Brocades (10 mins)

There are many versions of the 8 brocades on YouTube.com, here is a version that is easier than the previous video:

Seated 8 Brocades

Here a a version you can do while sitting:

Gentle 8 Brocades + Warm Up (20 mins)

This is another version that also has a guided warm-up and stretch that feels great:

Go ahead and search YouTube for “8 brocades” and you’ll find dozens of variations. Find some that work for you, and you enjoy doing so that it is easy to make a daily habit.