History:

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The earliest known reference to daoyin  exercise has been found in the keyi( steeling one’s will) chapter of the book of zhuangzi a classic of the pre-qin period ( c2100-221 bc) breathing in and out to get rid of the old and take in the new, imitating a bear climbing and a bird spreading its wings to prolong life-such are the practices of daoyin adepts and those who wish to build a better body and live as long as peng zu(a legendary long-lived figure)

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History also shows that practitioners who had dedicate them selves to daoyin and other body-building exercises were know in the pre-qin period. According to the record, daoyin exercise can regulate the flow of qi and blood through breath control, and increase flexibility through stretching. Rich and diverse in content, ancient  daoyin exercise can also enhance your health.

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Originating in a primitive society when people practiced body movements to promote the circulation of qi and blood and expel pathogenic cold and dampness, ancient Chinese health preservation developed from the early aoyin method described by Zhuangzi as “ breathing in and out” and “ imitating a bear climbing and bird spreading its wings”, to the forms demonstrated on the picture of daoyin exercise. A complete set of daoyin exercise took shape during the Qin and Han nasties(221 BC –AD 220), CONSISTING OF PHYSICAL AND BREATHING EXERCISE, MENTAL CONCEENTRATION AND MASSAGE. Later health –preserving methods, including yijinjin (literally book of muscle/tendon change—NO 8  Qi Gonog exercise)  and wuqinxi (five animal Frolics--NO 5 Qi Gong exercise), liuzijue ( a six0character formula for treating internal organ distress—No 6  Qi Gong exercise), and baduanjin ( eight –routine exercise—NO 8 Qi Gong exercise), that can be traced back to the picture of daoyin exercise. Demonstrated continuity abd evolution from the picture.

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Based on the picture of daoyin exercise, we have selected 17 exercises. The starting stance from the picture as a good preparation for the movements that follow; the final routine,i.e. folding the hands in front of the body as if holding a ball, can guide qi back to its origin and calm the mind.  The exercises are suitable for all to practice, especially the middle-aged and the elderly.