Here is a basic overview of the movements included in the Eight Pieces of the Silk Brocade.
This isn’t intended to teach you how to do the practice. Rather, it’s to explain the energies and outcomes of each movement in the practice.
The first movement is called Two Hands Hold Up the Heavens. Through the slow, raising and lowering movements of this practice, practitioners seek to activate their Qi in the Triple Burner and circulate it to the rest of their organs. This is a great activating exercise that stimulates energy from the rest of the movements.
Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Hawk is the next movement. It strengthens the kidneys and tones the waist area. The kidneys correspond to the water element, so this exercise is very helpful for cultivating the flowing qualities of water both emotionally and physically.
The next movement is called Separate the Heaven and the Earth. This exercise helps to regulate and balance the spleen, liver, and stomach. It also activates key meridians (energy pathways) to ensure that your Qi is flowing fluidly throughout your entire body.
The Wise Owl Gazes Backward increases flexibility and heals common ailments caused by emotional injury or upset. It also helps to boost your Yin organs and balances your Qi in each organ.
Next, you move on to Sway the Head and Shake the Tail. This exercise helps to relax the muscles in your lower body as well as reduce excess energy in your heart… calming and nourishing your emotional self.
Two Hands Hold the Feet and Strengthen the Kidneys and Waist is the next exercise. It’s an excellent practice that strengthens your overall muscle health and tone, as well as improves your kidney health (giving you more energy). It also increases strength and flexibility around the waist.
The next exercise is called Clench Your Fists and Glare Fiercely. This practice lifts your spirit and increases overall vitality. It’s the most outward of all the exercises and also helps to increase muscle strength throughout your entire body.
The last exercise is called Bouncing on the Toes. It helps “smooth out” your Qi and integrate all the energies you cultivated from the previous exercises. After this exercise, practitioners usually stand quietly for a few minutes to fully absorb their experience.