Let’s become the Master of Baduanjin
Baduanjin is recommended by Edward Chan, Senior Occupational Therapist from David Trench Rehabilitation Centre, as a family-friendly and easy choice of exercising. It only takes 14 minutes to finish a set of eight simple moves in Baduanjin, making it a suitable exercising for people of different ages to practise at home and outdoor.
Baduanjin has widely been included in occupational therapy for the psychiatric, geriatric, orthopedic, medical, pain and cancer patients. 15 years ago, Edward dabbled in the practice of this Qigong because of work. Three months later, he found that his painful waist, back and knees were cured without medical help and became an enthusiast later on. He even acquired the coaching licence and has taught hundreds of students in years. “In every lesson, I remind patients and my colleagues that memorising the moves is certainly important, but they do not need to cling onto the details obsessively. The focus should be on the control of breath and calming down the mind with movements. Patience is a must.”
This set of Qigong also includes sitting moves. Edward believes that it suits his colleagues with desk jobs. “By practising the sitting moves, they can maintain a health regimen while keeping it low key. They can also relax the mind with diaphragmatic breathing.”
He emphasises that Baduanjin is more comprehensive. “Take Move 7 as an example, while the palm is moving, both eyes have to stare at the fist. Besides moving our eyeballs, it also pulls our mind away from work.” He admits that he usually practises the Qigong after work to relax. “It is like switching channels for myself, from being at work to being at home. It is good for family harmony too.”
Edward believes that Baduanjin showcases a philosophy of life of loosening and tightening. “Some moves relax immediately after tensing up, and it is just like our life, where you cannot be stretched so tightly, and excessive relaxation can make us ‘tang ping (lying flat)’. We need to strike a balance.”
Baduanjin has widely been included in occupational therapy for the psychiatric, geriatric, orthopedic, medical, pain and cancer patients. 15 years ago, Edward dabbled in the practice of this Qigong because of work. Three months later, he found that his painful waist, back and knees were cured without medical help and became an enthusiast later on. He even acquired the coaching licence and has taught hundreds of students in years. “In every lesson, I remind patients and my colleagues that memorising the moves is certainly important, but they do not need to cling onto the details obsessively. The focus should be on the control of breath and calming down the mind with movements. Patience is a must.”
This set of Qigong also includes sitting moves. Edward believes that it suits his colleagues with desk jobs. “By practising the sitting moves, they can maintain a health regimen while keeping it low key. They can also relax the mind with diaphragmatic breathing.”
He emphasises that Baduanjin is more comprehensive. “Take Move 7 as an example, while the palm is moving, both eyes have to stare at the fist. Besides moving our eyeballs, it also pulls our mind away from work.” He admits that he usually practises the Qigong after work to relax. “It is like switching channels for myself, from being at work to being at home. It is good for family harmony too.”
Edward believes that Baduanjin showcases a philosophy of life of loosening and tightening. “Some moves relax immediately after tensing up, and it is just like our life, where you cannot be stretched so tightly, and excessive relaxation can make us ‘tang ping (lying flat)’. We need to strike a balance.”
Making Baduanjin popular
Amidst the epidemic, Edward video calls his son who is studying abroad and they practise the Qigong together. “Surely sometimes he goes out for a run or to the gym, but when the weather is bad or there is a lockdown in the foreign country, he will practise Baduanjin to stretch his muscles.”
Baduanjin has always been deemed as an elderly sport so why are teenagers willing to become the master of the sport? Lai Cho-ming, a post-90s Occupational Therapist II from Queen Mary Hospital, opines that Baduanjin can rid minds of miscellaneous thoughts and enhance attention. “Sometimes you can do particular moves according to your need, the choice is up to you. It is similar to Yoga.” Lai also practises the Qigong with his parents who work in offices for health and offer mutual advice. He believes that Baduanjin has what it takes to be popularised.
Baduanjin has always been deemed as an elderly sport so why are teenagers willing to become the master of the sport? Lai Cho-ming, a post-90s Occupational Therapist II from Queen Mary Hospital, opines that Baduanjin can rid minds of miscellaneous thoughts and enhance attention. “Sometimes you can do particular moves according to your need, the choice is up to you. It is similar to Yoga.” Lai also practises the Qigong with his parents who work in offices for health and offer mutual advice. He believes that Baduanjin has what it takes to be popularised.
Two moves to relax shoulders, neck and upper limbs
(Suitable for: those who sit or stand for a long time, people of different ages and genders, sports beginners)
Tips
During practice, one should focus on the asymmetrical form of the body. Reflections on mirrors and glass walls can be helpful. When one realises that their body is tighter on one side and more relaxed on the other, they can try to adjust themselves and let the tightened muscles implicate the relaxed status on the other side.
Video of Baduanjin
TipsDuring practice, one should focus on the asymmetrical form of the body. Reflections on mirrors and glass walls can be helpful. When one realises that their body is tighter on one side and more relaxed on the other, they can try to adjust themselves and let the tightened muscles implicate the relaxed status on the other side.