
In this first lecture you can meet the course tutor and designer, Andy Wright. You'll see and hear about his life and work, with testimonials from real people/students (he teaches classes daily as well as on line). His work encompasses teaching in NHS hospitals as well as Sport Centres and for charitable organisations such as Parkinson Society and MS Society.
Introduction to Fang Song Gong from the Hun Yuan style of tai chi and qigong. In this lecture you will learn the origin and history of the set.
Some tips and tricks for practice.
Introduction to Zhan Zhuang and how it relates to FSG
A brief introduction to TCM and how it relates to qigong.
Introduction to Yin Yang Theory
A concise overview of Five Elements (Wu Xing)
Essential element of FSG, and HunYuan is the process of Silk Reeling
Indepth details on each movement.
How Hun Yuan fits into the process and links everything together.
Advice for practising FSG from a chair
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Yin Yang Harmony
Yin Yang Harmony
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Bear presses palms
Bear presses palms
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Emperor cartwheels
Emperor cart wheels
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Plucking the blossoms
Plucking the blossoms
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement White ape presents fruit
White ape presents fruit
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Insert palms into sleeves
Insert palms into sleeves
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Pouring water
Pouring water
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Wind blows lotus leaves
Wind blows lotus leaves
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
Wind sways willow tree
Wind sways willow tree
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Collect qi to dantian
Collect qi to dantian
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Heaven and earth, open and close
Heaven and earth, open and close
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
In this lecture you will learn how to perform the movement Heaven's Qi clears obstruction
Heaven's Qi clears obstruction
Here you can practice the movement, replay until you're completely happy and can do it without the video.
This is the full 12 Move demonstration.
In this resource lecture you will learn to practice the essential element of wuji stance
In this resource lecture you will learn to practice the essential element of abdominal breathing
A brief explanation of Qigong and Tai Chi differences
In this resource lecture you will learn a brief overview of qigong benefits and practice
In this resource lecture you will learn some common questions about qigong
In this Resource lecture you'll learn about real people, talking about qigong
FANG SONG GONG
The 12 moves of fang song gong form part of the HUN YUAN [hun-yoo-ann] system of tai chi and chi-kung.
Fang song gong means "to cultivate relaxation" through the "gong" (energy work). The set of 12 moves is extremely effective at reducing stress and increasing feelings of relaxation.
Introduction to Hunyuan Fangsong Gong Movements
Hunyuan Fangsong Gong, an advanced relaxation practice within the Hunyuan Taijiquan system developed by Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang, comprises 12 standing movements (or postures) that integrate slow, deliberate weight shifts with fixed arm and body configurations. Each movement is designed to progressively deepen "fangsong" (releasing tension) at physical, energetic, and mental levels, fostering the flow of primordial qi (hunyuan qi) in circular, unified patterns. The set is performed standing, lasting 20–40 minutes total, with 8–12 repetitions of weight shifts per movement to build suppleness without strain.
General Instructions for All Movements:
Posture Foundation: Feet parallel, shoulder-width apart; knees soft (song), not locked; spine elongated yet relaxed (imagine a string pulling the crown upward while the tailbone tucks slightly); shoulders dropped, chest open but not thrust forward; tongue on the roof of the mouth.
Weight Shift Technique: The core action is a relaxed lateral shift. Shift 70–80% of weight to one foot (e.g., right), lifting the left heel slightly (1–2 inches) while pressing the right Yongquan (KI1, Bubbling Spring) point firmly into the ground. Pause, feel qi rising up the leg meridian (especially the Kidney channel for grounding and vitality). Exhale to sink deeper, then shift smoothly to the other side. Movements are slow (3–5 seconds per shift), fluid, and avoid jerky motion, like water.
Breathing: Natural diaphragmatic (belly) breathing—inhale to expand the lower abdomen, exhale to release tension. No forced counts; observe the breath coordinating with the shift (inhale on preparation, exhale on sinking).
Mental Focus (Yi): Use intention without force. Visualise tension dissolving like mist, qi circulating in soft circles. Scan for blockages (e.g., tight shoulders) and "breathe into" them.
Progression: Beginners: 4–6 shifts per side, eyes open. Intermediate: 8–10 shifts, eyes closed. Advanced: 12+ shifts, add micro-movements (subtle twists) for deeper silk-reeling (chan si jin).
Benefits Overview: Releases fascia, improves meridian flow, balances yin/yang, reduces stress hormones, enhances Taiji power (peng jin). Practice daily, ideally morning or evening.
The movements are not named in classical texts but are often numbered sequentially in modern teachings (e.g., from lineages like Chen Zhonghua or Taoist Studies Institute). Below is an in-depth description of each, including step-by-step execution, key alignments, breathing integration, energetic focus, and benefits. Use a mirror initially for alignment.