Dao Yin 導引 actually translates as guiding and leading. The version I practice is derived from the Long Men 龍門 (Dragon Gate) Sect which is branch of the Quanzhen 全真 Complete Reality School.

A practice session would normally start with some self massage, this is done to ensure the body is relaxed and gently warmed up.

Having carried out the massage practice would move onto the actual postures. The first few are very gentle, in fact it can feel as if you are hardly doing anything at all, this phase is a continuation of the warming up that started with the massage.

The session then moves onto more demanding postures, all postures should be carried out softly in order to promote relaxation and a sense of comfort.

With experience the practitioner should endeavour to coordinate their breathing with the moving into and out of each posture.

The main purpose of practice is to develop a healthy, flexible and strong body that is able to achieve the aligned posture required for effective meditation.

Practice can be carried out with increasing levels of physical difficulty as the practitioner develops flexibility and strength.

Strengthening practice can also include Nei Gong which is the essential foundation of internal martial arts.

Most practitioners find that meditation is more effective and comfortable if it is done after a Dao Yin session.

After a prolonged session of sitting a shorter follow up Dao Yin session is a great way to invigorate the body.

The problem most of us face of course is finding sufficient time. When time is short a more compact physical preparation is carried out before meditation.

This practice is called Ba Duanjin 八段錦 (Eight Step Brocade). This is looked at a little more in the meditation section.