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Yijinjing
易筋經 / 易筋经
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: China · Tradition: A qigong form in the Shaolin family · Movement
What it is
A traditional form described as extending and organising the muscles and tendons. It includes fairly firm stretching and holding of postures.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- If you are not confident in flexibility, start with a gentler form such as Baduanjin.
- Learn the form and the breath with a teacher.
- Do not stretch to the end by enduring pain.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Muscle stiffness
- Posture
- Tiredness
- Low back pain
Related symptom videos
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
RCTs of Yijinjing exist, but reviews are not as thick as for Baduanjin. Understand it within the evidence on qigong in general.
Sources
Safety notes
Over-extension, and load on a joint with a health condition.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- Acute low back pain or a flare of arthritis
- Strong flexion or twisting in severe osteoporosis