Yi Jin Jing (aka Muscle and Tendon Changing Classic or Yinjinjing) is a 1,500 year old Qigong that originated from the Shaolin Temple. It was a guarded valuable secret in ancient times according to Dr. Jesse Tsao, author of Practical Tai Chi Training. “Yi” means change, replace, alter, or transform, while “Jin” means muscle/tendons/sinew. While “Jing” means “sutra, classic or bible”, it is most often used to mean a “valued piece of work”.
Even though Yi Jin Jing has been around in China since the Liang dynasty (502 a.d. ), it was a well-kept secret until the last 50 years. Since then, many Qigong practitioners (and Chinese medical scientists and bio-scientists) have become interested in it. Yin Jin Jing is one of the most intense Qigong forms that is recognized by the Chinese Health Qi Gong Association. Because of its long history, it has been adopted by a large collection of masters, many who add or change certain movements or postures. Therefore, there are many different variations.
“Muscles and tendons” actually not only refer to the muscles, tendons, but include some internal organs. This intense Qigong form makes the muscles and tendons in your body strong, healthy, and flexible. Yi Jin Jing is the training method which improves your physical body and helps you maintain your physical health. In order to do this, Qi energy must be regulated and the body must be exercised and stimulated.
Yi Jin Jing is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and emphasizes symmetrical postures, a calm, meditative mind, and breathing in a harmonious manner. It is believed to balance Yin and Yang and to prolong life. Because of its ability to reduce pain, it is often used to treat osteoarthritis, skeletal muscle balance disorders, and other diseases, while it improves the cardiovascular system.
Yi Jin Jing specializes in Qi circulation in the twelve primary Qi channels and the two major Qi vessels (Conception and Governing Vessels). It is believed that the key to maintaining health and slowing down physical body degeneration is the smooth circulation of Qi in the primary channels and the internal organs.
Yi Jin Jing Qigong uses combinations of movements to build strength and flexibility in your muscles and tendons. Posture is improved as well as flexibility of the practitioner’s core. Progressively stretching and releasing your muscles, tendons, and ligaments also stimulates inner energy flow. This improves your range of motion, resiliency, mobility and improves movement of bodily fluids (blood, lymph, and synovial fluid).
Yi Jin Jing is often used for healing as it helps injured muscles and tendons recover more quickly and improves the contraction function and coordination of skeletal muscle. It may also prevent diseases and painful or frozen joints. Because the movements require strong will power in order to maintain the exertion of muscular strength, endurance is improved. Yi Jin Jing Qigong will also improve and/or build body awareness and proprioception. Another plus: regarding mental health, it is said to help regulate emotions and relieve stress.
Yi Jin Jing movements are supple and gentle but vigorous and intense, as well. The slow movements help the practitioner achieve deep muscle flexion. The mind and body must be focused while the breathing is natural. This allows Qi to flow freely throughout the body. Depending on the physical condition of the practitioner, adaptions can be made to reduce torsion or stretching.
Characteristics of Yi Jin Jing:
Uses intention of muscles exertion to hold static poses,
movements must use maximum extension to “achieve flexibility”,
active tension is held for a period of time when in a static pose,
movements are slow and relaxed in between,
all movements are done standing, with some forward bending or crouching, and
eyes are always open.
It’s easy to learn and there is no time or space limitation, and
it’s safe and effective as a adjuvant treatment of certain medical conditions.
Like Tai Chi, Qigong is both an external and internal movement practice and
can be used as an alternative or as a complement to cardiovascular or strength training workouts.
Here are some examples of what is available on YouTube. Remember, I am not judging nor promoting any of them. That being said, I think these are well done and are good examples of this intense Qigong!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvQUttWLVWc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d-aBIOKg_8 (with instruction in English)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbIDzfd_kVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7oDEH53yAE
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