Naming the 18 Movements of Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi

A list of the names of the 18 movements of Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi can be a helpful learning tool

When I first discovered Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi I found that learning the name of each movement was helpful in learning the full set of 18 movements. The names spoke to me of the connection to nature and how many of the practices of qigong are replicated from observing the natural environment. I enjoy using them. 

When I started to teach I abbreviated some of the movement names occasionally for practical reasons. You will notice that I use the abbreviations sometimes when teaching, and that they are at times on the videos. You can purchase a guided video of both the seated and standing variations of the Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi [here]

Over the years I have studied with different teachers who sometimes use other names for some of the movements. You may come across this in your qigong journey. Keep an open mind and notice how the name of each movement speaks to you in your personal practice. 

I consider Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi to be an art form or an expressive movement form. I encourage you to find what speaks to you. As you practice the movements notice how you experience them. What is the energy of each movement? Is there a sense of a deeper shift in your energy with certain movements? How does that change over time? If you were to rename a movement based on your present personal experience what name would you use? 

There is a definite advantage to using the names as a learning tool. Here is my favourite list. I hope this list helps ease your ability to recall the movements as you become more familiar with this beautiful form of qigong. The names in the parenthesis are alternatives I have come across while studying qigong.