Presently, research shows that incidences of various illnesses like cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases have increased sharply worldwide. For instance, in 2020, health statistics indicated that over 70% of men and 63% of women across the globe were overweight or obese[1]. On the other hand, coronary artery disease (CAD), cancer, and diabetes are among the world’s top deadliest illnesses. Most studies indicate that this situation directly relates to the widespread consumption of unhealthy diets and, more importantly, adopting the modern lifestyle. Health experts have developed and are still creating solutions for the current global health crisis throughout the world. Recently, physical fitness has emerged as one of the most feasible approaches in preventing and combating escalating health issues. The increased popularization of physical fitness has led to establishing fitness centers or “gyms” in most urban centers where residents exercise to maintain their physical health and wellness. Although most fitness exercises employ modern state-of-the-art equipment, a sizeable portion of the world’s population still utilizes traditional fitness approaches. Chinese traditional gymnastics are the most resilient traditional fitness exercises. Unlike Western fitness exercises that mainly focus on keeping the body in contact, tense, and firm, traditional Chinese exercises focus on the internal and external aspects that keep the body energized, and more importantly, flexible. This paper focuses on Dao Yin as a Chinese traditional fitness exercise, its application and health benefits
According to Chen et al., Dao Yin originated around 2146 BC in China[2]. Due to depression, people developed a mysterious disease that caused muscle wasting and body weakness. In response to the situation, people created a dance that could facilitate bone growth and promote circulation in the body. Primarily, the dance involved various limb and breathing exercises that were essential for prolonging one’s life. With the advancement of Chinese medicine during the Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties, researchers like Dai Jin-gang developed a much more comprehensive understanding of the exercise and recommended it as a cure against various illnesses.
Dao-Yin is recognized as an effective therapy and part of traditional Chinese medicine. Primarily “Dao” denotes the process of obtaining balance through consolidating and directing internal body energy. On the other hand, Yin is the process of becoming flexible through stretching and flexing. Ultimately, both of these exercises create an internal harmony that prevents illnesses and aids in recovery from a limb injury. Dao Yin’s meaning is both multifaceted and simplistic. In its broad sense, Dao Yin is consists of various exercises involving meditation (Zuo Chan), breathing in and out (Tu Na), and stretching (Lian Dan)[3]. When practicing Dao Yin, different body postures and stretching exercises are for specific objectives. For instance, standing is for strengthening the body and increasing stability, while sitting resonates with spirituality and meditation. Like in aerobics, Dao Yin movements involve moving various parts of the body. However, Dao Yin’s movements are slow, well-coordinated, and easy to understand. Although the exercises involve moving external body organs, the effects of such movements gradually reflect and directs internal body functions like circulation and thought processes. Unlike when performing a regular fitness exercise, Dao Yin encourages slow, even, quiet, and smooth breathing patterns and, in some instances, holding breath. These techniques help in regulating the flow of Qi in the body and prevention illnesses. In its narrow perspective, Dao Yin is a collective form of the above-stated exercises. Although Dao Yin was previously in use for thousands of years, much more evidence emerged from the 1984 excavation of the Han Dynasty tombs in Jianglin and Zhangjiashan. Among the materials recovered, two specific documents contained profound discussions concerning various ways of boosting circulation, different body movements and gestures, and the link between Dao Yin and disease treatment and prevention. In making Dao Yin more suitable, creative, and applicable to modern settings, China’s Health Qi Dong recreated the exercise into more potent forms. These include the Grand Dance, Shi Er Duan Jin, also known as the twelve silken movements[4].
Consisting of 31 styles each with a different impact on a specific part of the human body, Dao Yin stands as one of the most beneficial therapies of ancient Chinese medicine. Dao Yin emerges with numerous health benefits by integrating regulated breathing, psychological adjustment, and physical movement. Dao Yin is considered the most effective approach to ancient Chinese medicine. People from across the globe use it as a practical technique for alleviating pain and treating various illnesses. Presently, over 30 countries have officially recognized and adopted Dao Yin. Below are some of the most notable applications of Dao Yin[5].
Several elements of Dao Yin are effective against heart diseases linking with aging. For instance, Wu Qin Xi’s slow and continuous movement increases blood circulation and stabilizes heart contraction. In this sense, the heart pumping ability increases with time. Additionally, Liu Zi Jue prevents cardiovascular diseases by strengthening internal body functions that generally fail in the process of aging. According to Santee (2019, 27)Dao Yin works to treat and reduce heart diseases by integrating respiratory, physical, and mental functions that regulate heart rate and blood pressure within safe levels[6].
Moreover, the technique is crucial for increasing motivation and reducing stress among patients. In proving the efficacy of Dao Yin in treating cardiovascular illnesses, Wang and Xi conducted a twenty-week study with a sample of 80 participants divided into exercise and control groups. The exercise group was subjected to various Dao Yin exercises while the control group remained idle throughout the study. As per the findings, the exercise group showed a significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure while the control group showed no development[7].
Besides, studies point out that Dao Yin helps treat disorders linking to the Central Nervous System. Typically, the CNS receives and processes information from all parts of the body. If an illness or an injury to the spinal cord, a person loses their ability to move voluntarily. In this light, Dao Yin ensures that patients suffering from CNS disorders recover their functions by concentrating primarily on the specific movements that have been impaired. As Chen et al. (2019) stated, the integration of Dao Yin with Western strategies in treating CNS disorders is highly effective. In specific conditions, Dao Yin exercises can help prevent illnesses and maintain fitness essential for recovery.
Moreover, Dao Yin strengthens the immune system. The human immune system is an “automatic” mechanism that protects the body from diseases and other harmful elements. As people age and due to illnesses like HIV, their immune systems become weak and compromised, thereby providing an opportunity for diseases to attack the body. In this situation, physical exercises are crucial in strengthening the immune system and slowing down aging. The Mawangdui Dao Yin boosts immunity by increasing the number of white cells that help fight pathogens once they enter the circulatory system[8].
Psychological disorders are increasing dramatically across all societies. Due to the increase in social issues like divorce, alcohol and substance use, and financial problems, a significant (over 700 million) suffers from mental health disorders. Among these, over 200 million have depression[9]. Unlike ordinary diseases, treating mental disorders is an intricate process, one that requires a combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective approach in Western medicine. Typically CBT focuses on learning how to break one’s negative emotions and thoughts and transform them into a positive perspective. Like CBT, Dao Yin provides an opportunity for the patient to adjust their thoughts and emotions, eradicate any negative aspect and return to a state of normalcy. By working on the patients, psychological and physiological domains, Dao Yin stabilizes emotions, relieves stress, releases tension, and adjusts the mind. All of these aspects are essential in treating psychological illnesses. Using the Mawangdui Dao Yin exercise, Ma et al. conducted a five-month study with a study sample of 80 participants consisting of an equal number of elderly and middle-aged women grouped into exercise and control categories. As per the findings, participants in the exercise group exhibited lower anxiety, stress, and depression levels than their counterparts, who showed no notable change before and after the study. Further studies by Wan and Liu et al. (2010) demonstrated that Dao Yin positively influenced mental health[10].
Besides the conditions stated above, Dao Yin is effective against lung diseases. Since Dao Yin exercises involve slow and deep breathing, they provide the body with enough oxygen, enhancing physiological functions and strengthening the immune system against diseases like bronchitis and asthma. According to Zhou et al. (2021), pulmonary Dao Yin is helpful for patients suffering from Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) – a rare but chronic lung disease currently affecting over 2 million across Asia, Europe, and the United States[11]. Currently, Dao Yin is among the most crucial therapies for treating symptoms related to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)[12].
Also, Dao Yin helps treat musculoskeletal illnesses. Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries or illnesses in the main body parts that facilitate movements like joints, muscles, the spinal disc, tendons, and cartilages. Some of the most notable musculoskeletal disorders include low back injury, hernia, Carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. Usually, patients who have musculoskeletal disorders experience pain and avoid moving or touching the affected area. Consequently, this reduces physical activity and increases the chances of swelling. Since Dao Yin involves slow and well-coordinated movements, it is essential for regulating joint muscles and increasing tissue fluid[13]. In the long run, Dao Yin enhances the patient’s agility and flexibility. A specific study by Chen et al. (2019) proved that Dao Yin helps in alleviating lower back pain and knee arthritis.
Cervical spondylosis denotes an illness that affects the spinal discs below the neck. Despite that it is often associated with aging, studies indicate that it is increasingly affecting the younger generation. Due to working for long hours without relaxation, muscles and tissues around the neck are adversely affected and cause pain. Since Dao Yin exercises boost circulation in the neck area, they help treat cervical spondylosis. In assessing the efficacy of Dao Yin, Jing et al. conducted a study with 60 cervical spondylosis patients grouped into two sets. Although both groups received spinal therapy, one group was additionally subjected to Dao Yin exercises. As per the results, half of the patients who practiced Dao Yin exercises experienced lesser pain than their counterparts. In this sense, combining Dao Yin exercises with other approaches is crucial in treating cervical spondylosis.
Presently, aging is a critical concern across all societies. Besides being a top risk factor for chronic illnesses, aging presents an economic crisis by reducing the global workforce, burdening healthcare systems, and reducing productivity. Currently, the United States is experiencing a staff shortage in healthcare and other occupations due to its large aging population[14]. Since training more professionals will take some time, keeping the elderly staff healthy and physically fit is the most suitable short-term solution. In this context, Dao Yin consists of 8 exercises that rejuvenate the body and restore the “childhood feeling.” Typically, anti-aging exercises focus on increasing circulation, which then strengthens internal body organs[15].
This paper examined Dao Yin and its application as part of ancient Chinese traditional medicine. Although there are monumental achievements in health and medicine, it is difficult to ignore the escalating health concerns across the globe, increasing disease resistance to drugs, and the adverse side effects stemming from the increased use of pharmacology as a health intervention. There is a significant shift towards sustainable and practical approaches like ancient herbal medicines and therapies like Dao Yin. As illustrated in this paper, Dao Yin has been extensively researched and proven to be effective prevention and treatment for the highlighted illnesses. In my view, as much as governments invest in developing drugs and vaccines, they should equally focus on Dao Yin and other ancient therapies which are more affordable, convenient, and suitable for all people.
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[8] Chen et al. (2019)
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[10] Liu et al. (2010)
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[13] Chen et al. (2019)
[14] Haddad et al. (2020)
[15] Santee.(2019)
