8 Pieces of Brocade

The practice of Qigong (Chinese energy work) includes many "sets" of exercises developed over many centuries. The 8 Pieces of Brocade is one of the oldest and most widely practiced sets.

In this class, we will cover both the standing and seated versions of the “8 Pieces.”  This set involves simple movements that both exercise the body and bring focus to key energy centers.  It can be practiced by people of all ages and health conditions.

The 8 Pieces of Brocade set is over 1000 years old. It is part of the medical canon of Qigong, created by Marshal Yeuh Fei for his troops in China during the Sung Dynasty, 1127-1279 AD. While not a doctor, the Marshal knew that his troop’s health was paramount in holding off the Mongolian invaders. In fact, during Yeuh Fei’s time, while the Mongolians conquered much of the world, they left the south of China and the Sung dynasty alone because they found the weather and illness not worth the fight! Marshal Yeuh Fei attributed much of the health of his troops to the daily regimen of the “8 Pieces.”