Tai Chi Feature
The Story of Dao Yin Chi Kung... and the Routines Performed Today

Prior to tai chi as we know it today, ancient Dao Yin was the foundation of Chinese calisthenics and martial arts. It originated over 3,000 years ago when a sort of therapeutic dance was designed to ward off the ill effects of a damp environment - lung conditions, muscular and joint complaints amongst others.

At this time Chinese civilisation was centred in the flood-prone basin of the Yellow River. In a 2,000 year old text dating from the Warring States Period appears the following passage:

“In ancient times, due to flooding of the rivers and streams, excessive Yin and heavy dampness filled the air, causing energy stagnation among the people and making their joints and bones stiff and painful. Therefore, they practiced certain dances to relieve these symptoms.”

These therapeutic dances were called Dao Yin (literally, "to guide and gather"). They consisted of various movements learned by watching animals in nature. "Guide and gather" referred to the therapeutic effects of these dances, which gathered essence and energy and guided it rhythmically throughout the entire body to dispel "bad Chi" and rebalance the system. They conformed to the Taoist principle of blending body and breath, balancing essence and energy.

In the more recent times, these ancient exercises have been rediscovered and taught by practitioners of Chinese medicine. Most recently, Professor Zhang Guangde, a famous specialist in the field of health promotion has collected, systematised and combined them with principles of modern Chinese medicine, Western medicine, Tai Chi and Chi Kung to form a new style of alternative curative science called Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong. This system has been honoured by the Chinese people as a "life saving exercise".

Routines Performed Today: The Therapeutic Exercises for Healing

There are 8 sets of skills that are practised today to prevent illness. They are:

1. Health Protection skill. This is now available in a workbook and DVD format. If you'd like to know how to get a copy, please call us on +61 3 9796 1066 or use the contact us form at the end of this page.

2. Heart and Blood stimulation skill which is to prevent and cure cardiovascular disease

3. Enhancing breathing and Lung recuperation skills which is to prevent respiratory system diseases

4. Relaxation of the stomach and invigorating the function of the spleen skill which is to prevent and cure digestive system diseases

5. Stimulate the circulation of the Blood and strengthen the Bones skill which is to prevent and cure diseases in athletes

6. Clear the mind and pacify the spirit skill which is to prevent and cure diseases of the five senses organs an nervous system

7. Moment of 49 forms of channels and collaterals skill which is conductive to prevent and cure difficult and complicated cases such as cancer

8. Relax the Liver and clear the Gall Bladder skill which is to prevent and cure liver and Gall Bladder diseases

These tai chi related dao yin therapeutic exercises are easy to learn, simple to practice, with a beautiful and graceful appearance, gentle and light, with the obvious result of improvement in health.

For more information on Dao Yin Seminars or to order a copy of the Dao Yin DVD and Workbook, please contact Master Charles below.