THE EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE is a set of eight simple exercises that can maintain your health & increase your energy reserves if you are healthy, & speed your recovery if you are ill. Every day millions of Chinese do these gentle stretching & turning movements to loosen up their bodies, improve the circulation of blood & Chi (internal energy), & strengthen their internal organs. If you have no inclination to jog, or aren't able to participate in strenous exercises, THE EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE may be for you. You need no equipment & very little space. You don't need a partner or a leader, & you can practice indoors or out. THE EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE is actually two sets of exercises, one done while sitting, & the other while standing. The sitting set is a great way to wake yourself up in the morning, & it is especially good for people who are bedridden, & therefore have sluggish circulation. The standing set is ideal for people of all ages, especially those leading sedentary lives. This manual is designed so you can teach yourself & in addition, discusses the basic theory & principles of Chi Kung (internal energy).