This course is about the first and most popular form of Taiji Qigong Shibashi. Shibashi means 18 forms/movements. It was taught to me directly by its creator, Professor Lin Housheng, former director of the Shanghai Qigong Research Institute.

Created in 1979, Taiji Qigong Shibashi set 1 combines the beauty of Taiji (Tai Chi) movements with the healing effect of Qigong and Meditation. Simpler then Taiji, the fluid movements follow your breathing, creating a soothing sensation flowing through your body. The mind is relaxed and observes the movements or creates an image inspired by the name of each movement: “Expanding the chest”, “Rowing in the middle of the lac”, “Fisherman casting his net”. This Qigong leaves you relaxed and fully energized in less than 20 minutes.

Taiji Qigong Shibashi is taught in Chinese Medicine University. It develops vitality and longevity in healthy people and is recommended for people with hypertension, lung disease, digestive issue, back pain, etc… It is also used to support patients during Cancer treatments.

Taiji Qigong Shibashi is promoted as a health exercise by the government of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapour, and Thailand. In 1991, the United Nations Development Programme recommended the promotion of Taiji Qigong Shibashi worldwide.

Of all the Qigong systems I have practiced, Taiji Qigong Shibashi is by far the most complete and effective. The system has a total of 8 forms, created between 1979 and 2010. Deceivingly simple, it is easy to miss the subtle internal development it provides. Since a “light” practice produces health benefits, many practitioners won’t search to develop the “inner form”. But with a deeper practice, it becomes a powerful tool that incorporates all the variations of energy movements within the body.

the movements are slow, fluid and connect the whole body;

breathing in through the nose and gently out through the mouth;

the breathing gives the rhythm of the movements;

the body movements guide the circulation of the Qi;

the mind is observing the movement or creating an image inspired by its name;

the body movement directs the Qi, the breathing regulates it, the mind observes it.

Movement 1: Beginning the form and regulating breathing

(Jing) Posture Key points: Relax the shoulders, elbows, and fingers. Body weight is centered between the feet. Buttock straight like sitting on a bench, not sticking out. Arms rise and fall at the same time as the rest of the body. Pay attention to the coordination.

(Shen) Meditation state: Empty the mind. Begin the movement with a relaxed body. The whole body moves up and down like a fountain.