Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water - the Five Elements of Daoist Qi Gong
Week 7 - Yi, and What Makes a Movement Belong to an Element
Dan Brierley · 70 minutes · recorded July 15, 2026
Dan explains what makes a movement belong to an element: partly its physical qualities, like the water lake movement's waist twist pressing the diaphragm onto the kidneys and adrenals, and partly Yi, mind and intention. He describes Yi as asleep in habitual action, and shows how bringing it in deliberately sharpens a movement's effect. The class practises Wu Chi, the five breaths and the full form, each element held with its own intention.
Habits and change Sleep and rest Qi gong