As I stated in the previous blog (Taiji Yang Sheng - aka Taiji Stick Health Preservations Exercises) Daoyin is believed to date back to 168 BC. Qigong appears quite a bit later in history. The first time Daoyin was documented in medical manuscripts was around 200 BCE. At that time, specific moves and doses prescribed were correlated to symptoms.
“Dao” (导) means to guide Qi, in order to create an internal balance. “Yin” (引) means to lead or stretch the body, in order to gain strength and flexibility. Together, Daoyin can be considered “guiding and leading”. Daoyin is more Yang, while Qigong is more Yin. However, both focus on improving health.
Compared with Qigong, Daoyin breathing is more vigorous and the exercises are more precise and complex. Daoyin emphasizes stretching, cleansing, and clearing impurities and stagnation from the body. Tissue channels are aligned to open and invigorate the body. The mind focuses on the extremities and even beyond.
Interestingly, some scholars feel that what ancient people called Daoyin is exactly what we now call Qigong. Some feel that Qigong is just a modern version of Daoyin exercise. And after extensive investigation, another scholar/researcher feels that Daoyin, Qigong, and health Qigong all share the same goal of health preservation but during different times. In their opinion, Qigong became a new form of Daoyin within the traditional Chinese culture, during and after China’s period of reform.
Daoyin teaches the practitioner to improve their health through a “combination of mental awareness, controlled breathing, and slow physical movements”. It focuses on Qi (aka vital, life, or internal energy) and Daoism. Later developments included movement sequences, breathing instruction, prayers, and visualization. The Daoist integrated system of “advanced immortality practice” includes Daoyin, rules of moderation, and guidelines for healthy living. The way Daoyin “envisions and transforms the body” is said to be “uniquely Chinese”.
How does Daoyin lead to health preservation (aka body strengthening, prevention and treatment of disease, and longevity)?
According to so-called experts, it is through controlled breathing exercises; the flexing, twisting, and stretching of the limbs; regulated breathing; form and consciousness! Daoyin also regulates metabolism, as well as facilitates transforming and harmonizing blood, Qi, and body fluids. Along with the cleaning/clearing of main and collateral channels, Daoyin balances Yin and Yang. The result is disease prevention, improvement of health, and “accelerating" limb function recovery. That’s a tall order!
Daoyin research involves many different areas, including mental/psychological disorders, heart disease, central nervous system disorders, peripheral musculoskeletal disease, immune system dysfunction, and orthopedic conditions, such as lumbar and cervical spondylosis. Both ancient and modern Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acknowledge Daoyin as an effective, traditional orthopedic therapy. Recent scientific research supports the decision to use Daoyin for those who can benefit from its healing properties.
Daoyin Health Preservation Qigong contains the benefits of both Qigong and acupressure massage. It is based on the 12 Movements of Daoyin Health Preservation (Daoyin Yang Sheng Gong Shi Er Fa). The “regulation” speed is a bit fast for beginners. Below are some slower versions.
A video of Daoyin Yangsheng Gong 12 Method Qigong with slower movements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-FSEj1Ltmw
Another 12 Method video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvYJIpC4H-E
My comments:
As a Qigong instructor, I have trouble accepting that Qigong is a “modern version of Daoyin”. Most Qigong we do today could not be classified as “vigorous”. Nonetheless, I realize that not all Qigong is slow and “effortless”. Perhaps Daoyin could be considered a third category of Qigong (static, dynamic, and Daoyin)? Most Qigong does not focus on the external or even beyond. Maybe “Health Preservation Qigong” should be a category of its own. Then new students might have an inkling of the challenges to come.
Perhaps it’s cultural, but when “experts” talk about it being appropriate for people of all ages, I don’t think that’s a valid claim (at least in our Western society today). I know very few elderly students who are able to touch their toes and twist their bodies in these positions. Of course, as Tai Chi and/or Qigong instructors, we know how to modify positions and movements.
The linked video by Suzette Hosken (Jade Lady) is one of the best Daoyin one I’ve come across: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axF6EKn8lFA Her instructions are clear and she does the Qigong movements in a flowing, lovely manner. Love her honest advice: “Some of the moves are very challenging so it's important to remember that this may be unaccustomed activity for you and could make you sore if you push too hard. Be moderate in your stances: don't go too low or wide in your horse stance; likewise don't go too low in the cross-legged crouch if it strains too much; if overhead moves are a problem for your shoulders/neck/upper back then bring your arms further forward of the head. Modify any moves as needed and make the form feel beautiful for you.”
Bottom line:
I would love to hear what other instructors (or even long term students) think about Daoyin (Health Preservation Qigong) being a modern Qigong.
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