About Daoyin Yangsheng

Daoyin Yangsheng is a premier health care system devised at the Beijjing University of Physical Education by Professor Zhang Guangde over the last 30 years. Consisting of traditional movements updated for the modern world (i.e. by taking into account such things as modern knowledge of anatomy, physiology and illness) it has hundreds of different exercises arranged into routines which are designed to promote health in all the major organ systems of the body.

Qigong is very popular in China and its oldest and most diverse form is Daoyin. Daoyin is not only used as preventatives against old age and sickness, but is also used to cure both chronic and acute diseases. Daoyin is often classified as either part of traditional medical knowledge or among the various practices of Yangsheng which consists of adopting a way of life according to psycho-physical hygienic principles.

Dao refers to the fact that physical movements are guided by the strength of the mind and in turn stimulate the internal flow of Qi within the body. Yin means that with the aid of physical movements, Qi can reach the bodily extremities. There are many postures and movements in Daoyin exercises, but the emphasis is on achieving a state of harmony between body and mind.

Over the last few decades Master Zhang has taught many thousands of people Daoyin Yangsheng Gong, including many teachers, but only a very small number of these people have been chosen to be trained as second generation successors of the system.

These people are known as Ru Shi Di Zi, closed-door disciples. Gordon Faulkner, head of the Chanquanshu school and President of the Scotland & Wales Daoyin Yangsheng Gong Association, is one such person.

Master Zhang Guande

Master Zhang Guangde was born in Tangshan, Hebei Province, in 1932. Coming from a medical family background, he was encouraged to developed an interest in the Chinese system of health promotion through exercise.

In 1955 he was enrolled in the Wushu Dept of the Beijing University of Physical Education where he remained ever since, progressing from student to Senior Professor of the Institute.

In 1972 Master Zhang began to suffer from hypertension, coronary heart disease and hepatitis. To add to this in 1974 he was diagnosed as having tuberculosis and haematopathy. Worst of all, he was deprived of medical treatment due to his hypersensitivity to chemical drugs. At death's door he undertook a deeper study of the classical theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine such as Daoyin, Yangsheng and Longevity schools. He had inherited a family owned ‘‘Exercises for Chronic Diseases’’ and basing his work on this huge wealth of traditional knowledge, Master Zhang developed Daoyin Yangsheng Gong. It was through the use of this health system that it is claimed that he overcame his own illnesses.

Since that time, he has continued his studies as well as sharing his knowledge through teaching visits to other countries. It is estimated that throughout the world close to four million students are involved in its practice.

Chanquanshu

This site is hosted by the Chanquanshu (CQS) School of Daoist Arts and is a division of the Health branch of that site.

To access that site click on the Chanquanshu button on the side menu.