The Eight Great Divine Dragon Palms are an entry-level technique of the Daoist Kunlun School’s Antarctic Gate, a blend of soft body techniques and hard qi gong. This method was passed down by Mr. Lu Wenrui, the former director of the Shandong Provincial Martial Arts Hall, and further perfected by the renowned practitioner Fang Zhen. This technique integrates the essence of health preservation, martial arts, and self-defense from ancient and modern sources, guided by classical Chinese medical theory, aimed at strengthening the mind and body, enhancing power through mental focus, and promoting overall well-being.
The Eight Great Divine Dragon Palms represent a robust qigong practice within the Daoist Kunlun School’s Antarctic Gate, serving as the foundation for internal energy cultivation and striking techniques.
During practice, each palm technique manifests different mental intentions, resulting in different effects. This technique emphasizes softness as the primary principle; in softness lies strength, as natural and rational application is key. The Eight Great Divine Dragon Palms focus on strengthening the body’s internal energy flow, opening meridians, and improving the connection between tendons, bones, and internal organs. It aims to enhance physical fitness, fortify internal energy, balance the circulation of qi and blood, eliminate weaknesses in the body prone to disease, and integrate stillness and movement, character and temperament. It fosters the abundance of vitality within the body, improves intelligence, stimulates potential, and boosts immune function. Internal training works on cultivating a unified body, while external training strengthens tendons, bones, and skin, achieving harmony between internal and external aspects and prioritizing hardness initially before transitioning to softness. Through prolonged practice, practitioners reach a state where actions become natural and instinctive, applying their innate abilities effectively and sensibly. With proficiency, practitioners can demonstrate the prowess of hard qi gong, prevent and treat diseases, and bring about physiological changes in the body, enhancing physical fitness and achieving a state of gentleness and spiritual clarity.
First Palm: Divine Dragon Grinding Palms This palm involves three levels of training methods, practiced in a calm and spacious environment.
Preparatory Posture: Stand naturally with feet shoulder-width apart, arms naturally hanging at the sides of the body, eyes either open or closed, tongue against the palate, and mind calm. Eliminate distractions from the seven emotions and six desires, unify spirit, qi, and demeanor, and enter a state of qigong.
Commanding Qi Training Method: Starting Position: Once in the qigong state, focus the mind on the Yongquan points (Kidney 1) of both feet for a moment, imagining energy rising from the Yongquan points along the calves to the Xuehai points (Spleen 10) at the knees. Internally rotate both knees to touch, forming a squatting posture, and exhale while imagining the pores opening and expanding throughout the body, becoming the second respiratory system of the body’s meridians and pores. Note: Keep the knees touching firmly, forming a solid foundation. After a brief pause, naturally raise both hands from the sides of the body, palms facing forward, with fingers slightly curved upwards. The palms should be at chest level and facing each other, forming a circular shape with the thumbs touching. This posture constitutes the static stance of the Divine Dragon Grinding Palms. Effect: Activates qi and blood circulation, promotes meridian flow, and has a therapeutic effect on diseases related to the endocrine system, adrenal glands, prostate, and general weakness.
Nature Training Method: Building upon the static stance, close the eyes and visualize a round mirror between the palms. Through the Yintang points (Extra 1) between the eyebrows, mentally observe the mirror between the hands. The hands should be approximately 1 foot and 2 inches away from the eyes. Concentrate on gathering qi and focusing the mind, then project this focused attention outward while maintaining inner awareness, gaining insight into the subtle changes between heaven and earth and one’s own body. By perceiving the microcosm of the body’s pores, practitioners gain an understanding of the macrocosm of the universe, allowing them to manifest the agility and adaptability of a dragon while maintaining a calm and receptive state. Internal listening and observation allow practitioners to sense the movements of the internal organs and circulatory system, thereby tapping into the body’s latent potential and unique capabilities. This practice follows the natural principles of Daoism, with practitioners cultivating a mindset free from desires and illusions. “Constantly observing desires to observe their essence; constantly devoid of desires to observe their subtlety.” Note: This posture is similar to the static stance, with the only difference being the closed eyes and the accompanying mental focus.
Hard Qi Gong Training Method: Maintain the stance of the static posture. Shift mental focus to the Lower Dantian (Qihai) and inhale deeply, drawing air from the Lower Dantian to the Mingmen point (Du 4) at the lower back, then guide the qi up the spine to the Dazhui point (Du 14) and distribute it to both arms and hands. Both arms should simultaneously expand outwards, filled with internal qi, resembling inflated airbags. The entire upper body expands, with force extending to the hands. Hold the breath. With the left foot, take a step forward, moving without lifting the feet off the ground. The body moves forward as if grinding a millstone or shifting a sack of rice. The hands open up like large gates. With internal qi filling the body, and with the fusion of essence, qi, and spirit under the command of mental focus, the movement of internal qi propels the body forward, cultivating and coordinating the unity of mind and body. This practice also serves as a method for refining overall strength. After taking a step forward with the foot, exhale, allowing the elbows to hang down while maintaining the stance. Advancing half a step or a full step is acceptable; the practitioner determines the extent of movement based on the accumulation of internal energy. The size of the steps should not be pursued, but rather the accumulation of internal energy. Once essence, qi, and spirit are unified and returned to a state of qigong, use the mind to guide the breath and resume the inhalation route, drawing air from the Lower Dantian to the hands. Keep the left foot stationary, using it as the axis, and move the right foot forward. With each inhalation, take a step forward while maintaining the stance. Note: Practitioners should avoid holding their breath or tensing the body during rotation, maintaining the posture of static stance. Each step should be taken with a clear intention, followed by inhalation, retention, exhalation, and the next step.
Closing Posture: Maintain the posture with the knees still touching. Lower the hands to the Lower Dantian, forming the “return to origin” hand seal. After a moment, separate the hands, inhale while raising them upwards, then flip the palms downward and press while exhaling. Separate the knees, straighten the body, rub the hands, rub the face, and conclude the exercise. Note: It is advisable to close the eyes and rest for a moment after completing a set, allowing the internal organs and qi and blood to replenish and recover.
Effects and Requirements: The effects are similar to those of the preceding Divine Dragon Grinding Palms. During walking, the soles of the feet should not lift off the ground. During inhalation, pull
Third Palm: Divine Dragon’s Mighty Palm
Preparatory Stance: Stand relaxed with feet shoulder-width apart, arms naturally hanging at the sides of the body. Breathe naturally, tongue against the roof of the mouth, and maintain a calm and still mind.
Technique: Focus your intention on the Yongquan acupoints (bubbling spring points) in the soles of both feet. Inhale, guiding the Yongquan qi (energy) upward to the Xuehai acupoints (sea of blood) while simultaneously clasping both knees and forming a crotch-locking posture. Lift both hands naturally to chest level, with bent elbows and palms facing downwards, fingers pointing towards each other. Imagine there are thousand-pound iron pillars beneath each hand. Exhale as you press down, sinking three feet into the ground. As your hands reach the lower abdomen, inhale and lift upwards, imagining pulling the thousand-pound iron pillars from the ground. Repeat this pressing and lifting motion 36 times as one set. Extend your arms forward, palms facing upwards, fingers pointing upwards. Imagine a thousand-pound iron pillar in front of each hand, exhale as you push forward and inhale as you pull back, completing 36 repetitions. Separate your hands to the sides of the body, imagining a thousand-pound iron pillar by each hand. Inhale as you pull back, exhale as you push out, completing a total of 36 repetitions. After completing the third set, let your hands drop to the sides and assume the Returning Yuan Standing Pillar posture.
Closing: Same as the first palm.
Purpose and Requirements: Activates and circulates qi and blood, enhances internal strength, and focuses on reaching ten-finger power for combat. The number of repetitions per set can be adjusted based on individual physical fitness, starting from six sets and gradually increasing to 36. It’s normal to hear the sound of joints cracking during the practice. After completion, relax and move the fingers to relax the tendons and muscles, relieving fatigue.
Fourth Palm: Divine Dragon Lifts the Cauldron
Preparatory Stance: Stand relaxed with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, in an upright posture, arms naturally at the sides of the body. Breathe naturally, tongue against the roof of the mouth, and unify the essence, qi, and spirit while maintaining a tranquil mind.
Technique: Upon entering the qigong state, naturally lift both hands to the sides of the body, palms facing downwards, and exhale as the hands descend to the sides of the body. Squat down with the body following the hands, and as the breath is fully exhaled, form claw-like hands on the inside of the feet, palms facing each other. Inhale as you simultaneously lift both hands upwards. As the hands reach above the head, it should feel as if you’re swallowing something hard into the abdomen, hold the breath, then separate the hands to the sides of the head, palms facing outwards, in a supporting posture. The fists should face outwards, arms rounded, and fingers pressing into the ground, holding the breath briefly. Exhale as you lower the hands to the sides, then pause briefly before lifting the hands again to circulate qi. Practice this palm nine times per session, gradually increasing over time.
Closing: Return both hands to the Dantian, bathe and nurture the heart for a moment, following the same procedure as the first palm.
Purpose and Requirements: Enriches internal strength, improves the quality of tendons and organs, enhances resistance to strikes, and develops skills akin to wearing iron cloth or a golden bell. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a rounded posture throughout the body, and for individuals with cerebral ischemia or hypoxia, it’s advised to slightly hold the breath to prevent dizziness.
Fifth Palm: Divine Dragon Supports the Pillar
Preparatory Stance: Stand naturally with feet shoulder-width apart, hands at the sides of the body, breathe naturally, and tongue against the roof of the mouth.
Technique: Upon entering the qigong state, take a step forward with the left foot while keeping the right foot in place, forming a triangular stable posture with the weight on the back leg. As the left foot steps forward, raise the left hand above the nose, palm facing upwards, with bent elbow sinking downwards. The right thumb points towards the navel, palm facing downwards. Except for the extended fingers, the rest of the fingers are slightly curved. Imagine a qi pillar between the hands, akin to the golden hoop rod, connecting heaven and earth. When stability is compromised, bring the left foot back and step forward with the right foot, changing the hands in a scoop and support manner, with the right hand in front and the left hand behind. Practice advancing or retreating.
Purpose and Requirements: Natural breathing, emphasis on intention rather than breath, strengthens leg strength and internal energy in the forearms, roots the legs, allows the mind to lead, and enhances sensitivity and agility. The closing follows the requirements of the first palm.
Sixth Palm: Divine Dragon’s Tongue Palm
Preparatory Stance: Stand naturally with feet together, hands hanging at the sides of the body, breathe naturally, and tongue against the roof of the mouth.
Technique: Upon entering the qigong state, take a step forward with the left foot while keeping the right foot in place, forming a triangular stable posture with the weight on the back leg. The left hand is raised, palm facing upwards, with the index finger slightly straight and the rest slightly curved, higher than the nose. The right hand is placed next to the right hip, thumb pointing to the navel, palm facing downwards. Imagine guiding the qi from the lower Dantian to the Mingmen acupoint, up the spine to the Dazhui acupoint, and then separating to both arms and hands. Hold the breath as the front hand pulls back with internal force, and the rear hand moves forward, with the forearms crossing in front of the chest and rubbing against each other. Exhale as the front hand resembles a claw and the rear hand resembles a file turning upwards. The arms resemble twisting ropes, and the force of the rear hand is guided from the finger to the elbow, while the returning hand resembles a hook with internal force guiding from the elbow to the hand, rubbing against the ribs.
Patting Technique
Internally cultivate a breath, externally cultivate muscles and bones. Patting the body externally to relax tendons and muscles, relieve spasms, and achieve the goal of invigorating qi and blood. Strengthening tendons and bones, under the action of internal qi and intention, enables the true qi to reach the areas being patted, using internal strength to counteract external forces, resist impacts and invasions, improve one’s quality, promote blood circulation in the tendons, dispel illnesses, and prolong life.
Throughout history, practitioners of internal arts believed, “Strengthening the lower dantian harmonizes the internal organs, qi and blood generate naturally, and strong tendons and bones lead to a healthy spirit, capable of adapting to anything.” Practicing patting exercises promotes the circulation of qi and blood, clears meridians, harmonizes the internal organs, enhances the strength of limbs and skin, and plays a role in firmness and stability. It enhances the contraction ability of muscles, provides elasticity, promotes blood circulation, strengthens metabolism, and transforms weakness into strength. Patting technique is an indispensable complementary method in hard qigong. By using inhaled qi to pat, auxiliary force is generated, achieving a body of strong yang.
- Self-Patting
Self-patting involves using palms, fists, or objects (such as a cloth bag filled with green beans and peppercorns) to strike oneself, progressing from light to heavy, in a cyclical and gradual manner.
- Abdominal Patting Method: The abdomen is divided into five lines: two lines from the armpits to the ribs, one line from the chest to the lower abdomen, and two lines from below the collarbones to the abdomen. When patting, use palms or fists with the entire surface touching, not just a point, to prevent accidents. During practice, it’s good to wear a training belt. Inhale through the nose or mouth, focus on the point to be patted, hold the breath, and pat from top to bottom. When patting the body, exhale with a sound “heng”, expand the chest and abdomen, and inhale through the nose. The Ren meridian line from the chest to the abdomen can be pat using palms, from top to bottom, with both hands alternately patting. The two lines below the collarbone along the Yinwei meridian can be pat with palms or fists, inward from top to bottom, with both sides patting using the elbows. The lower abdomen can be pat individually, inhaling while patting, holding the breath, focusing on the point being patted, and inhaling. Advanced practitioners can use objects such as roundwood, bricks, or iron rulers for patting.
- Partner-Patting
Partner-patting is a cooperative practice where one person receives the patting while the other administers it. The recipient stands upright with legs apart, chest raised, and tongue against the palate. The one administering the patting pats the recipient from top to bottom, targeting the three lines of the back, outer sides of the arms, legs from front to back and left to right, and chest and abdomen with empty fists, palms, or elbows, with even and appropriate force. After advancing in skill, patting bags can be used to strike, ensuring the force is just right. When patting the back and front simultaneously, the lower leg can be combined with empty fists for patting. Both sides should be patted simultaneously. The abdomen can be struck with objects like roundwood.
- Wrapping Post Patting
Wrapping post patting primarily involves patting the post, wrapping it with objects like sacks or canvas initially. By patting the post, wrapping, and turning like a dragon, using various methods such as patting, striking, bumping, vibrating, and hitting the post from all angles, up and down, left and right, softness and firmness are used together, allowing the entire body to move on the post with flexibility, no part is stiff or inflexible, the entire body is used, wrapping and patting as desired, allowing the body to move, and the limbs and joints to stretch and relax. When patting the post, there is no fixed posture. Starting from basic exercises to patting training, find the rhythm, up and down, left and right, real and fake, deceiving, connecting moves, letting the body fully play and use, following step by step, no stillness or inactivity in any motion, when the body moves, the hand hooks and returns, allowing internal force to be controlled by intention in the body, desire and intention change, originating from any point, naturally, freely. With one empty point, force can be exerted, and self-defense can be ensured.
