This is the final third of Taiyi Swimming Dragon.

Study a Taoist routine to exercise your body and mind with Master Hao Zi Xia from the Wudang mountains.

Tai Yi Swimming Dragon Form is a special routine designed by Taoist monks trying to strengthen control of the body, exercise the Qi, and develop the mind. This practice is believed to be inherited by Taoists from shamans of the mystical Xia dynasty. Most of this development occurred on Wudang Mountain during the Song Dynasty (~960-1279), reaching more or less its present form in the Qīng Dynasty (1644-1911). It was a secret method of health preservation of the Emperor’s royal family and wasn’t accessible outside of the palace until recently. Tai Yi Swimming Dragon Form has only been widely taught within the last thirty years. You can find out more in our Tai Yi Swimming Dragon post.

This routine was designed specifically for our spine. Our spine is meant to turn, to twist, and to bend, all these movements are included in the form. It also includes movements to exercises our joints and fascia tissue. You will also be learning the name of every exercise, helping you understand the thought behind the movements. Master Hao instructs the form from all angles, explaining every movement thoroughly. The course has been recorded in Yuan He Guan – an ancient Taoist temple in Wudang mountains. If you want to learn more about the temple, check out our article on YuanHe Temple.