Eight-Section Brocade

 General Requirements of Doing the Exercise

Wear loose clothes when you are preparing to do the exercises. Go to the bathroom before practicing.  Find an open space with fresh air.  Be relaxed both mentally and physically.  You should have the the sun at your back if you choose to stand under the sun.  The breathing should be deep and even.  Breathe through your nose and no sound can be heard even by yourself.  Always pay some attention, especially when you exhaling, to your dantian, which is the internal point in your belly located one palm below your navel.  Do not practice within one hour after a big meal or a half hour after a small meal.

Take a few deep and slow breaths before beginning the routine.  Be relaxed both mentally and physically. Breathe through your nose and no sound can be heard even by yourself.  The breaths and movements should be even, slow, and natural. Stretch your sinews through gentle exertion.  Stop for a half second after each inhaling or exhaling.  Repeat each form two to eight times.  It takes five to twenty minutes to do so.

Feel the sensation in your body during practice.  Being comfortable is more important than mimicking the illustration pictures. Apply the movements smoothly and gently.  Exert consciousness rather than physical strength.  When finishing an exercise, stand still with your attention on dantian for awhile before you move around.
 
 

The Preparation Form 

The Forms 

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