The Eight-Step Vajra Skill, also known as the Eight-Part Vajra Skill or Vajra Longevity Skill, is a traditional health-preserving exercise that combines traditional Qigong culture with Chinese medicine theories. Through movements that blend rigidity and flexibility, it regulates the balance of the body and mind. Below is a detailed introduction to the Eight-Step Vajra Skill:
1. Origin and Inheritance
The Eight-Part Vajra Skill was founded by Zhang Ziyang, the Fifth Ancestor of Taoism in the Southern School. Originally, it was a secret Taoist health-preserving method passed down through generations. Later, in order to alleviate the suffering of the people, Zhang Zhishun, the 21st generation disciple of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect of Taoism, made this method public.
2. Characteristics of the Practice
The Eight-Part Vajra Skill consists of two parts: the Vajra Skill (external eight parts) and the Longevity Skill (internal eight parts). The Vajra Skill emphasizes external movements and focuses on internal rigidity and strength. It uses curved arm movements to clear the meridians and correct spinal misalignments. It is suitable for practice in the early morning to align with the rising Yang energy. On the other hand, the Longevity Skill focuses on inner calmness, concentrating on nurturing the mind and pre-natal energy. The movements are gentle, subtle, and are best practiced at night to harmonize with the gathering Yin energy.
The practice follows the natural law of “Heaven and Man in Unity” and integrates the Chinese medicine theory of “Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.” Through eight sets of movements, the method applies internal rigidity to clear the body’s meridians, improve the connection of the body, bones, and joints, and adjust certain spinal misalignments. This helps restore normal function to the nervous system. Additionally, it coordinates the functions of the internal organs and expels pathogenic energies from the body, achieving balance between Yin and Yang, preventing diseases, improving health, and prolonging life.
3. Practice Methods and Precautions
Practicing the Eight-Part Vajra Skill requires following specific methods and principles. Before starting, it is important to warm up properly, focusing on the knees, waist, wrists, and ankles to prevent sprains. When practicing, progress gradually and according to one’s physical capacity, while keeping the body relaxed, clearing the mind, and focusing the spirit.
Choose a quiet, spacious, and comfortable place for practice, wear comfortable clothing, and maintain a good mood. Regarding breathing, maintain deep breaths, preferably through the nose, and avoid mouth breathing. Expand the abdomen when inhaling and contract it when exhaling.
The practice consists of eight movements: the initiation stance, hand and foot movements to strengthen the kidneys and waist, balancing the spleen and skin with a single-arm lift, liver and lung exercises, turning the head to eliminate heart disease, relieving fatigue by gazing backward, phoenix-wing movements for full-body strength, and grounding movements for digestion. Each movement has specific benefits and key points to pay attention to during practice.
4. Effects and Value
The effects of the Eight-Part Vajra Skill primarily manifest in the physical body, internal organs, and energy levels. The vigorous movements correct spinal misalignment, enhance the resilience of muscles and bones, coordinate the functioning of the internal organs, and improve circulation of Qi and blood. It clears the meridians, expels pathogenic factors, and balances Yin and Yang. Long-term practice can also improve immunity and delay aging.
Moreover, as a representative of Taoist health-preserving martial arts, the Eight-Part Vajra Skill integrates Taoist “body refinement and energy cultivation” ideas with Chinese medicine’s meridian theory. Its movements incorporate traditional elements from Tai Chi, Five Animal Frolics, and more, carrying significant cultural value. In 2023, the Eight-Part Vajra Skill was included in the Provincial-level Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Hunan Province, marking its dual status in both traditional medicine and cultural preservation.
In conclusion, the Eight-Part Vajra Skill is a health-preserving exercise that integrates traditional Qigong culture and Chinese medicine theory. It balances the body and mind through movements that combine rigidity and flexibility, offering various health benefits. If you are interested in traditional culture or health practices, you might want to give the Eight-Part Vajra Skill a try!
八步金刚功，也被称为八部金刚功或金刚长寿功，是一种传统的养生功法，它融合了传统气功文化与中医理论，通过刚柔并济的动作来调节身心平衡。以下是对八步金刚功的详细介绍：
一、起源与传承
八部金刚功由道家南五祖张紫阳所创立，原本是道家秘不外传的养生之法。
后来，中国道教全真龙门正宗第二十一代传人张至顺道长，为了怜悯苍生多灾多难，特地将此功法公之于众。
二、功法特点
八部金刚功由《金刚功》与《长寿功》两部复合而成。金刚功（外八部）以外动为主，强调刚性内劲，通过双臂弧形动作来疏通经脉，调整脊椎变形，适合清晨练习，以顺应阳气升发。长寿功（内八部）则以内静为核心，注重心神与先天之气的调养，动作虚静柔和，宜于夜间练习，以契合阴气收敛。
该功法应用“天人合一”的自然规律，结合“阴阳五行”的中医理论，通过八套动作来运用刚性内劲疏通全身的经脉，达到身躯、骨骼、关节的连接畅通，并调整脊椎骨的某些变形与错位，使其神经系统恢复正常。同时，它还能协调五脏六腑的运作，排除体内各种病气，从而达到阴阳平衡、祛病健身、延年益寿的目的。
三、练习方法与注意事项
练习八部金刚功需要遵循一定的方法和原则。在练习前，要做好充分的准备活动，如活动膝盖、腰、手腕脚腕等，以避免扭伤。练功时要循序渐进，量力而行，并保持全身放松、排除杂念、心志专一。
练习时，应选择一个安静、宽敞、舒适的地方，穿着舒适、合适的衣服，并保持良好的心情。呼吸方面，要保持深呼吸，尽量用鼻子呼吸，避免用嘴呼吸。吸气时可以扩张腹部，呼气时可以收缩腹部。
具体动作方面，八部金刚功包括起势、手足前后固肾腰、调理脾肤需单举、左肝右肺如射雕、回头望足去心疾、五劳七伤向后瞧、凤凰展翅周身力以及两足顿顿饭嗜消等八套动作。每套动作都有其特定的功效和练习要点。
四、功效与价值
八部金刚功的功效主要体现在形体、脏腑以及能量层面。通过刚劲的动作，可以矫正脊椎错位，增强肌肉骨骼的韧性；协调五脏六腑的运作，改善气血循环；疏通全身经脉，排除病气，平衡阴阳。长期练习还可以提升免疫力与抗衰老能力。
此外，八部金刚功作为道教养生武术的代表，融合了道家“炼形养气”思想与中医经络学说。其动作设计蕴含太极、五禽戏等传统元素，具有很高的文化价值。2023年，八部金刚功被列入湖南省省级非物质文化遗产名录，这标志着它在传统医学和文化保护中的双重地位。
综上所述，八部金刚功是一种融合了传统气功文化与中医理论的养生功法。它通过刚柔并济的动作来调节身心平衡，具有多种功效和价值。如果你对传统文化或养生功法感兴趣的话，不妨尝试一下八部金刚功哦！
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