Where did chikung originate?

Chikung comes from ancient dances and celebration ceremonies in which the physical movements and music collectively hypnotized people into a trance. The internal spirit worked together with external stimuli according to the state of resonance, whether the people were aware of it or not. When some people realized this experience was good for both their body and mind, they passed down the physical movements through the succeeding generations which in turn adapted the movements and restructured the disciple and practices. As the culture advanced, these practices became more meaningful and significant as masters in different ages interpreted and further perfected the process.

In China, the earliest known type of chikung practice was the five animals practice and the earliest chikung theory was found written on jade belt ornaments from the Warring States period, some 2500 years ago. During the Southern and Northern dynasties, many types of chikung were invented, among which are the ba-duan-ji (the eight styles movement), the yi-ching-ji(the internal stretching practice), and the shi-shui-kung (the transformation practice) passed down by Bodhidarma.

Chi Kung Culture Society of TAIPEI