Dao Yin

Dao Yin Waist Exercises

The Soft Internal Way to Develop your Chi

Dao Yin waist exercises were developed during the Qin dynasty some 2000 years ago. The waist in Chinese medicine is an extremely important part of the body and these brilliant exercises will help to develop that vital area for you. Dao Yin should form part of your daily Tai Chi movement practise.

When you exercise your waist it will help to massage your kidneys and a number of vital organs internally. This will then produce a number of health benefits for you that with practice and perseverance can reap rewards over time. It is possible for you to even delay the ageing process whilst training your waist area daily with Dao Yin exercises.

How do I practice these very elegant set of internal Qi exercises?

The title of the exercise gives a hint for how the movements should be practiced.

Dao – Guide or Lead
Yin – Induce or Draw

Dao with the addition of a Chinese character means inch, which then signifies that the energy should be moved gradually inch by inch.  The second character, Yin which is not the same as yang and Yin, translates as ‘bow’ the same as bow, as in the bow and arrow stance, reflecting the pulling nature of these exercises.

The movements are practiced the same as with the eight pieces of brocade, very slowly and carefully. They will help to cultivate the three treasures (qi, jing – essence and shen – spirit) inside your body. So be diligent in you training.

How many repetitions should I do?

It is advisable to normally practice a minimum of 8 repetitions on each side of your body. Always be aware that having balance is of primary importance in Tai chi.  The repetitions can be gradually increased to 36, but please do not rush. You will know if you feel tired, always listen to your body and stop if necessary.

All the exercises are initiated from your left hand (yin) side, with the exception of ‘Subdue the dragon and the tiger’. It is always advisable to remember the greatest benefits with Tai Chi are gained over time. ‘Rome was not built in a day’.

What stance should the exercises practised in?

All the exercises should be practiced in ‘ma bo stance’, with your feet parallel and shoulder width apart. Your arms should be kept very relaxed, breathing natural and your mental focus should be on each movement.

What are the main benefits of Dao Yin waist exercises?

• Strengthens the bones
• Transports your chi and encourages your vascular system to work much better
• Works on your back muscles and spinal area
• Stimulates your kidneys, adrenal glands and reproductive systems
• Builds relaxation
• Encourages overall physical strength and health
• Promotes rhythmic movement to generate your energy

Why is moving energy an important part of this exercise?

It is important to move energy around your body, freely and unhindered as this is a vital way of preventing stagnation of energy in your body. These exercises are mainly for developing your waist area, but they will help to move energy throughout your whole body.

How many Dao Yin exercises are there?

As with the 8 Pieces of Brocade there are 8 waist exercises.

What is the order of these internal Dao Yin qi exercises?

1. Roc spreads its wings.
2. The Sparrow Hawk stoops and turns somersault
3. The old pine tree greets
4. Subdue the dragon and the tiger
5. Two dragons playing a pearl
6. The street vendor beats drum
7. Look up to heaven and press to earth
8. The black bear shakes his body