This extract from An Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Qigong Forms from the Ancient Texts features Yijinjing exercises taken from a text by Pan Wei from the late Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Yijinjing is a type of dynamic Qigong for limbering up the tendons.
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The exercises featured are designed to improve metabolism and promote flexibility. Yijinjing is attributed to Bodhidharma, the founder of the Chan school of Buddhism in China, during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589). As it is easy to learn it has long been a popular form of exercise. Many styles emerged as it was spread and passed down, but the common practice at present is the set of exercises compiled by Pan Wei.
An Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Qigong Forms from the Ancient Texts features authentic exercises from throughout China’s history. Twenty-six sets of pictures relating to Qigong, Daoyin, diet and living habits are included, each set introduced with a brief overview of the origin, development, changes and practice modes of each method. The book is available to buy from the Singing Dragon website.