Health and Longevity Practices
Generally speaking, Daoist practice centers on the conservation and refinement of
vital essence (jing 精), subtle breath (qi 氣), and spirit (shen 神). Within the Daoist
tradition, there is an emphasis on the inseparability of mind and body as conventionally
understood. Daoists view health as foundational for more advanced training and longevity
as a sign of accomplishment. Here health is understood as psychosomatic integrity
and wellness, specifically as the proper circulation of qi, subtle breath or "energy",
throughout the orb (organ)-systems and meridian networks. In contrast, disease is
defined as stagnation or obstruction. Health and longevity practices are employed
in different ways within the Daoist tradition. Sometimes they are remedial (curative/corrective),
while at other times they are methods for health maintenance. However, health and
longevity practices are almost invariably seen as preliminary and foundational, rather
than as the culmination of Daoist training. Modern Qigong 氣功 (Qi Exercises) is one
such practice. Although rooted in earlier yangsheng 養生 ("nourishing life") and daoyin
導引 ("guiding and stretching"; calisthenics) practices, both Daoist and non-Daoist,
Qigong is neither originally nor inherently Daoist. There are also many types of
Qigong, including Buddhist, Daoist, martial, medical, and so forth. Some Qigong forms
traditionally utilized by Daoists include Baduan jin 八段錦 (Eight Sectioned Brocade),
Huashan 華山 (Mount Hua) forms, Wuqin xi 五禽戲 (Five Animal Frolics), as well as specifically
alchemical forms.
