Daoyin Yangsheng Gong, or Medicinal Chi Kung, or Qigong for Health, was created by Professor Zhang Guangde of the Beijing Sport University. It combines Professor Zhang’s knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), wushu, and qigong to create a unique series of movements that are beautifully choreographed and efficacious forms of exercise in themselves, while also employing the principles of qi flow and meridians in TCM.

In 1993, Master Malee Khow learned Daoyin Yangsheng Gong directly from Professor Zhang in Beijing. Later, in 2001, he visited her school to teach seminars on additional sets from this system.

Daoyin Baojian Gong
Daoyin Exercise of Keeping Fit

Daoyin Yangsheng Gong consists of over a dozen sets that largely focus on particular systems of the body. Daoyin Baojian Gong, Daoyin Exercise of Keeping Fit, can be considered an introductory set.

Section 1 — Adjust the Breathing
(Tiao Xi Tu Na) (focus on the dantian)

Section 2 — Push the Boat Downstream
(Shun Shui Tui Zhou) (focus on the laogong)

Section 3 — Shoulder the Sun and the Moon
(Jian Dan Ri Yue) (focus on the mingmen)

Section 4 — A Roc Spreads Its Wings
(Peng Niao Zhan Chi) (focus on the dantian)

Section 5 — Lift Up a Millstone
(Li Ban Pan Shi) (focus on the dantian)

Section 6 — Push the Window Open to Look at the Moon
(Tui Chuang Wang Yue) (focus on the laogong)

Section 7 — Brush the Dust Facing the Wind
(Ying Feng Dan Chen) (focus on the laogong)

Section 8 — The God of Longevity Strokes His Beard
(Lao Weng Fu Ran) (focus on the dantian)

Acupuncture points:

Dantian (丹田, elixir field). The center of your body, three fingerwidths below your belly button. Source of qi, protector of yuanqi (元氣), vital energy.

Laogong (勞宫, palace of labor). The center of your palm. Connected to your heart, associated with energy levels.

Mingmen (命門, life gate). Located between your kidneys. Associated with warmth and life, also regulates calcium levels in your body.

Tips:

Try learning the movements first, followed by focusing on the listed acupuncture points and practicing “reverse breathing.” In reverse breathing, you tense your abdominal muscles while inhaling, then relax them when you exhale.

You don’t need to follow the exact order of movements if you can’t remember them or don’t have time to do the whole set.