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Daoyin / meridian stretching

導引

A listing is not a recommendation.

Origin: China (also transmitted to Japan) · Tradition: The daoyin and qigong family · Movement

What it is

Traditional daoyin that combines breathing with slow extension. It is sometimes presented today as “meridian stretching”. It overlaps with forms such as Baduanjin.

A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)

1. Extend without bouncing, and without holding the breath.
2. Do not stay in a position of sharp pain.
3. Learn a structured form from a teacher.

Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice

• Muscle stiffness
• Stiff shoulders
• Low back pain
• Breathing
• Posture

Related symptom videos

• Stiffness / flexibility
• Stiff neck & shoulders
• Low back pain
• Breathing practice
• Posture

Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)

C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read

There is research on daoyin, qigong, and Baduanjin, but a distinct effect of the marketed name “meridian stretching” has not been shown.

Sources

• NCCIH: Qigong: What You Need To Know
• Zou et al., Systematic review and meta-analysis of Baduanjin RCTs (PMC5359459)