Daoïst health-exercises

The Daoïst health exercises consist of a set of 24 repeated standing exercises practiced with the eyes open. Although these exercises are embedded in Yang Style traditional principles, the exercise are much comparable to the in China more widely known ancient old YiJin-Jing exercises used for muscle tendon stretching and to develop inner breathing. The movements strengthen the tendons and sinew system, allows flexibility to the muscles, enhances blood circulation nurturing the marrow of the bones, the brains and organs. All parts of the body move together, not isolated. Movements are dynamic with intend but carried calmly with a relaxed attitude. When fulfilling the whole set the upper body and spine has moved into all directions. Likewise all acupuncture points are energized.

Daoïst meditation and self massage

The principles concerning the body posture in the sitting mediation are similar to the uprightness in Tai Chi form practice and standing meditation. Daoïst sitting meditation is not specifically about a mental self-reflection or calming the mind to be at peace, it’s a corporate experience involving breathing exercises to circulate the Qi (vital energy), guiding to a spiritual awareness were the mind no longer dictates the movement, a state of being sometimes described as ‘empty’.
The Daoïst self massage is supportive in connecting the Yi (intend) and Chi in the whole body and in brings the body in a relax state.

Mostly done while sitting.

Relaxation and opening the tissues brings a natural delicate softness in the flow of breathing. Naturally the flow of breath will be longer and deeper.When the body is not relaxed the breathing exercises can be experienced as forceful. Respiration and exhalation will be short.

Qi Kung, Baqua Qi Kung, Yi Kung

These exercises belong to the secret tradition of the Yang family to develop Qi and intend. They were only taught to family members in olden times. It’s practiced in stillness and or with movement in the upper and lower body whilst maintaining the back upright. It can be associated with post standing (Zhan Zhuang) practiced by divers inner martial arts. It creates awareness of a central equilibrium and a sensitivity to tension in specific areas in the body.

 Tai Chi (long) Form

The Tai Chi Chuan form exists out of 3 parts (Earth, Men, Heaven). Learning the whole form choreography can take up to a year or 1,5 year.

For beginners learning the form we distinct:

- part 1 -

Form A - First part till ‘Raise two hands’

Form B - First part till ‘One hand- ten strokes’ 

- part 2 - 

Form C - Second part till ‘Cloud hands’

Form D - Second part till ‘One hand- ten strokes’ 

- part 3- 

Form E - Third part till Gold Pheasant

Form F - Third part till return to origin

Every Tai Chi Chuan posture is in essence energetically perfect. To prepare the body you will first learn to find a balanced position in opening the joints (or meridians) in stillness as well as the transitions from posture to posture. Accordingly we test with a practice partner and explore its stability and balance, later we test the ‘Internal Principles’ and learn to develop the inner strength dynamically in partner exercises. 

In the tests we use a gentle continued push or pull. When in answer on the push or pull muscle strength is required or resistance is triggered to maintain the balance, the position is not yet correct. 

The more advanced learners will in the end test more energetically. The touch will be very light.