The Eight Pieces of Brocade is a series of qì gōng exercises designed to regulate the internal organs and can be used as a form of self-therapy for good health:
To smooth the flow of qì through the triple heater, to give the entire body a boost, and to circulate qì and blood. Breathe in while raising the hands, and as the hand come down breathe out.
3. SEPARATING HEAVEN & EARTH
Regulates the yīn and yáng of spleen and the stomach to treat lack of harmony in the middle heater. Breathe in as the hands press apart, and breathe out as the hands come back together.
4. WISE OWL GAZES BACKWARDS
To open and clear the rushing vessel the girdling vessel and the gall bladder channel to treat strain induced neck and lumbar injury. Breathe in as the arms lift outwards, and breathe out while regathering.
5. TORTOISE ROCKS THE HEAD AND WAGS THE TAIL
Soothes the heart, pericardium and small intestine channels, drains heat, ameliorates lack of consciousness and dizziness, while strengthening the energy of the lumbar region and knees. Breathe in while rotating the body outwards, and breathe outward returning to the neutral position.
6. PRESSING THE EARTH, TOUCHING THE SKY
Opens the kidney and bladder channels, strengthens the muscles, tendons and bones, stabilises the kidneys and the lower back, treats aches and pains in the back, as well as weakness or soreness in the lower back or knees. Breathe in while reaching upwards, and breathe out while reaching downwards.
7. PUNCHING WITH ANGRY EYES
Soothes irritation in the liver and gall bladder channels, makes liver blood abundant, clears the intestines, while strengthening the muscles, tendons and bones. Breathe out while punching, then breathe in while grasping qì into the fist.
8. DROPPING ONTO THE HEELS
Said to remove one-hundred illnesses, dispelling evil and supporting the proper, reconnecting sequestered qì and blood, particularly for trembling difficulties. Breathe in while rising onto the balls of the feet. Breathe out once the heels have planted themselves again onto the ground.