I like Eight-Section Brocade Qigong (let’s call it 8SB for short) because it is complete and balanced. I can get so much done in just a few minutes. Let’s first consider its completeness.
Yes, there are eight movements in 8SB, but the number eight is also a reference to Ba Gua, the eight trigrams which in Chinese numerology means completeness.

So, how is 8SB complete? It activates and balances all body organs and regulates the Three Burners. The Three Burners store the precious substances of Jing (Essence), Qi, and Shen (Spirit). In other words, 8SB benefits not only physical organs, but also strengthens and harmonizes body, mind, and spirit.

The 8SB song (see last post) has lines that say it heals all imbalances and the hundred diseases. Quite a tall order! So how does it accomplish that? I can offer a simple, physical explanation: virtually each and every movement in 8SB is focused on mobilizing the spine, from the cervical to the coccyx. There is lengthening, flexion, extension, rotation, vibration and combinations thereof. These movements stimulate the central nervous system via the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system via the spinal nerves. They also regulate the thoracolumbar outflow of the sympathetic and the cranial sacral outflow of the parasympathetic nervous system. 8SB is a physical as well as a neurological workout, with immense benefits. The nervous system is like an electric grid that supplies all body organs and functions. Working through it, 8SB can reach all the targets. It is ‘complete’ in this way.