八段锦 | Ba Duan Jin Exercise

This session will be conducted bilingually (English & Mandarin).
本次活动将以中英双语进行。

Ba Duan Jin, also known as the “Eight Brocades,” is a traditional Chinese health and wellness exercise with deep classical roots. Its foundational philosophy of Daoyin (guided physical and breathing exercises) originates from the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon). Over centuries, the movement patterns evolved through early texts like the Dao Shu (Song Dynasty) and were formalized into rhythmic verses in Shi Lin Guang Ji. By the late Qing Dynasty, the work Xinchu Baoshen Tushuo standardized the terminology "Ba Duan Jin" along with illustrations and the classic eight-verse mnemonic—such as "Holding Palms Up to Regulate the Triple Burner" and "Drawing the Bow to Left and Right Like Shooting an Eagle"—which remain the foundation of the practice today.

The practice consists of eight coordinated, gentle movement sequences. It is accessible, adaptable, and naturally suited for individuals of all fitness levels—particularly older adults and those managing chronic health conditions as part of a modern wellness strategy.

Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each movement targets specific internal organs and meridians. By integrating stretching, controlled movements, natural breathing, and mindful attention, Ba Duan Jin harmonizes the movement of Qi and blood, relieves bodily tension, and fosters mental tranquillity.

Through regular and mindful practice, this time-tested ancient discipline serves as a gentle, practical, and highly integrative exercise supporting healthy ageing, physical vitality, and holistically balanced living.

八段锦是一项历史悠久的传统导引养生功法，其源流可追溯至《黄帝内经·素问·异法方宜论》中“中央者……其治宜导引按蹻”的养生智慧。经过历代演进，八段锦的功理与形式不断丰富：宋代《道枢·众妙篇》已记载其动作雏形；南宋陈元靓《事林广记》中定名为“吕真人安乐法”并将其歌诀化；直至清末《新出保身图说》，正式以“八段锦”为名并附绘图谱，确立了“两手托天理三焦，左右开弓似射雕”等经典的八式套路与歌诀，沿用至今。

八段锦由八组连贯舒缓的动作组成，强度适中、简单易学，可根据个人体能灵活调整，适合不同年龄层人士，尤其适合作为中老年人及慢性疾病患者日常健康管理的一部分。

在传统中医理论中，八段锦通过伸展、转动与屈伸练习，配合自然呼吸与专注心神，巧妙调理五脏六腑与经络气血——从托天理三焦、开弓调肝肺，到单举安脾胃、攀足固肾腰，使身体活动、呼吸节律与心理状态和谐统一，达到舒展筋骨、调畅身心、促进整体健康的效果。

通过持续而规律的练习，这项承载千年智慧的导引术可成为一种温和、实用且容易融入现代日常生活的养生方式。

🟢 Who should attend?

This movie screening is open to all.

About the Facilitator

Ms Ho Swee Hong, TTSH Acupuncturist, Complementary Integrative Medicine. Bachelor of Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine) from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine 2021. Advanced Diploma in TCM - Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2021. Ms Ho is a fully licensed acupuncturist and TCM practitioner dedicated to holistic patient care. Her clinical interests include acute and chronic pain relief, post stroke rehabilitation and preventive wellness. Using acupuncture, cupping and lifestyle guidance, Ms Ho supports her patients in achieving long-term health well-being.