19th Health Qigong Instructor Course - Forms Introduction

Health Qigong Liu Zi Jue (Six Healing Sounds): Breath‑Sound Therapy for Internal Organ Regulation  

1. Historical Background and Core Philosophy

Liu Zi Jue originates from the Southern and Northern Dynasties, later refined by Ming‑Qing physicians. Its core principle is simple yet profound: “Use sound to regulate qi; use qi to nourish the organs.”

Each of the six sounds—Xu, He, Hu, Si, Chui, Xi—corresponds to one of the six major organs in TCM. The practice uses exhaled sound vibration to clear pathogenic qi, harmonize emotions, and strengthen organ function.

It embodies the TCM idea of “treating internal disorders through external regulation.”

2. Detailed Exercise Techniques

Breath–Sound Integration

Each sound is produced on a long, slow exhale:

  • Xu (Liver) — releases anger, soothes liver qi

  • He (Heart) — calms agitation, nourishes heart yin

  • Hu (Spleen) — strengthens digestion

  • Si (Lungs) — clears phlegm, improves breathing

  • Chui (Kidneys) — anchors qi, warms kidney yang

  • Xi (Triple Burner) — balances upper/middle/lower qi

Gentle Movements with Organ Focus

Movements are minimal but precise:

  • Liver: side stretches

  • Heart: chest‑opening motions

  • Spleen: abdominal massage

  • Lungs: rib expansion

  • Kidneys: waist‑lower back rotations

  • Triple Burner: whole‑body harmonizing gestures

Mind Regulation

Practitioners maintain soft focus on the organ, combining intention with breath.

3. Meridian and Qi-Blood Regulation

Liu Zi Jue directly influences:

  • Liver Meridian → emotional regulation

  • Heart Meridian → circulation, sleep

  • Spleen Meridian → digestion, metabolism

  • Lung Meridian → immunity, respiration

  • Kidney Meridian → vitality, aging

  • San Jiao pathway → fluid metabolism

The sound vibration acts like internal massage, clearing stagnation.

4. Health Benefits and Therapeutic Effects

Ideal for: Stress, emotional imbalance, respiratory issues, digestive weakness.

Key Benefits:

  • Reduces anxiety, anger, irritability

  • Improves lung capacity and breath control

  • Enhances digestion and metabolism

  • Strengthens kidney qi (fatigue, aging)

Clinical Evidence:

  • Effective for COPD, asthma rehabilitation

  • Improves HRV (heart rate variability)

  • Reduces hypertension through breath regulation

Health Qigong Ma Wang Dui Dao Yin: Ancient Meridian Stretching from Han Dynasty Tombs 

1. Historical Background and Core Philosophy

Ma Wang Dui Dao Yin is reconstructed from the Mawangdui Han Tomb silk scrolls (168 BCE). These ancient drawings depict therapeutic exercises for:

  • Pain relief

  • Organ regulation

  • Longevity cultivation

Its philosophy is “guiding qi with movement, stretching meridians to restore balance.”

Compared to modern qigong, Ma Wang Dui is more medical and meridian‑focused, reflecting early Chinese rehabilitation methods. It is a total workout on the 12 main meridians in the body and boosts energy flow through all organs.

2. Detailed Exercise Techniques

Meridian‑Specific Postures

Each movement targets a meridian:

  • Lung channel stretches

  • Liver/Gallbladder side bends

  • Kidney channel forward folds

  • Spleen/Stomach torso rotations

Spiral and Extension Movements

The hallmark of Ma Wang Dui is spiral twisting, which activates fascia lines and improves mobility.

Natural Breathing

Breathing is gentle and unforced, following the principle of “qi follows intention.”

3. Meridian and Qi-Blood Regulation

Ma Wang Dui strongly influences:

  • Du Mai (Governing Vessel) → spine health

  • Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) → reproductive health

  • Liver/Gallbladder Meridians → flexibility, emotional balance

  • Bladder Meridian → back pain relief

Its stretching method is ideal for modern sedentary stiffness.

4. Health Benefits and Therapeutic Effects

Ideal for: Office workers, chronic stiffness, meridian imbalance.

Key Benefits:

  • Improves spinal mobility and posture

  • Reduces neck/shoulder/lower‑back pain

  • Enhances flexibility and joint lubrication

  • Regulates digestion and hormonal balance

  • Boosts Qi Flow along all 12 meridians

Clinical Evidence:

  • Effective for chronic musculoskeletal pain

  • Improves balance and proprioception

  • Supports rehabilitation for lumbar issues

Health Qigong Daoyin Yangsheng Gong 12 Fa (Standing & Seated): Comprehensive Organ-Nourishing System

1. Historical Background and Core Philosophy

Developed by Professor Zhang Guangde of Beijing Sport University, Daoyin Yangsheng Gong integrates:

  • Traditional Dao Yin

  • Modern sports science

  • TCM meridian theory

The 12 Fa (twelve methods) are designed to nourish organs, regulate emotions, and strengthen the body through coordinated movement, breath, and intention.

Both standing and seated versions exist, making it accessible for all ages and physical conditions.

2. Detailed Exercise Techniques

Standing Version

Emphasizes:

  • Whole‑body stretching

  • Dynamic joint opening

  • Coordinated breath–movement

  • Dantian‑centered posture

Examples: “Regulating Liver,” “Strengthening Spleen,” “Harmonizing Heart.”

Seated Version

Designed for:

  • Elderly

  • Mobility‑limited individuals

  • Office workers

Techniques include:

  • Gentle spinal rotations

  • Shoulder/neck mobilization

  • Abdominal massage

  • Calm breathing

Breathing Methods

Uses abdominal breathing and intent‑guided qi circulation.

3. Meridian and Qi-Blood Regulation

Targets:

  • Ren/Du Vessels → central qi regulation

  • Liver/Spleen Meridians → digestion, emotional balance

  • Kidney Meridian → vitality, bone health

  • Heart/Lung Meridians → circulation, immunity

Movements follow the principle of “stretch tendons, regulate qi, harmonize organs.”

4. Health Benefits and Therapeutic Effects

Ideal for: Seniors, rehabilitation, emotional imbalance, chronic fatigue.

Key Benefits:

  • Improves joint mobility and posture

  • Enhances organ function

  • Reduces anxiety and emotional tension

  • Strengthens lower back and legs

Clinical Evidence:

  • Effective for hypertension, diabetes support

  • Improves balance and fall prevention

  • Enhances respiratory function

Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades): The Classic of Strength, Flexibility, and Qi Regulation 

1. Historical Background and Core Philosophy

Ba Duan Jin dates back to the Song Dynasty, later standardized by Ming‑Qing physicians. It is one of the most widely practiced qigong sets in China.

Its philosophy: “Strengthen tendons and bones, regulate qi and blood, harmonize body and mind.”

Each of the eight sections targets a specific organ or meridian.

2. Detailed Exercise Techniques

Eight Movements with Distinct Functions

Examples:

  • Two Hands Hold Up the Heavens → Triple Burner regulation

  • Drawing the Bow → Lung/Liver balance

  • Separating Heaven and Earth → Spleen/Stomach strengthening

  • Wise Owl Gazes Backwards → Neck mobility

  • Swaying Head and Tail → Heart fire regulation

  • Two Hands Hold Feet → Kidney nourishment

  • Punching with Fiery Eyes → Liver qi activation

  • Shaking the Body → Whole‑body qi circulation

Breath Coordination

Uses natural abdominal breathing, synchronized with movement.

Mind Regulation

Focus on dantian, calm intention, and smooth qi flow.

3. Meridian and Qi-Blood Regulation

Ba Duan Jin influences:

  • Du/Ren Vessels → central qi

  • Liver/Gallbladder Meridians → flexibility

  • Spleen/Stomach Meridians → digestion

  • Kidney Meridian → vitality

  • Lung Meridian → immunity

Its movements combine stretching + strengthening + qi regulation.

4. Health Benefits and Therapeutic Effects

Ideal for: Beginners, seniors, chronic fatigue, stress.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhances strength and flexibility

  • Improves posture and spinal health

  • Boosts immunity and lung function

  • Reduces stress and improves sleep

Clinical Evidence:

  • Effective for hypertension, metabolic syndrome

  • Improves balance and muscle endurance

  • Supports mental health and emotional stability