Animals in the wild are often incredibly healthy and fit, which can inspire envy in us humans. Over centuries, the Chinese have taken cues from animals when it comes to exercise and physical activity. This tradition, known as “physical culture,” incorporates a variety of exercises, including calisthenics, stretching, bodywork, kung-fu, qigong, tai chi, and sports, all of which take cues from the natural movements of animals.
Chinese physical culture inspired by animals
Early Daoists and Buddhists who established Chinese physical culture were fascinated by the movements and energy patterns present in the animal world. As such, they created various exercise methods based on their observations of animals in nature.
For instance, Chinese kung-fu has multiple styles based on different animals, such as the tiger/crane system, the white crane system, monkey boxing, dog boxing, eagle claw, snake fist, and many others. Each animal system has its own unique physical structure, energy movement, and spirit that you embody as you practice the forms.
Similarly, Chinese Qigong health systems have also derived inspiration from animals. The “Five Animal Frolics” (Wu Qin Xin) is one of the oldest known wellness exercises in China, said to be created by legendary physician Hua Tuo.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is highly focused on disease prevention, and the Five Animal Frolics were created as a way to promote self-regulated breathing and stretching exercises to maintain good health. The five animals in this system are the dragon, tiger, leopard, snake, and crane, with each animal movement designed to benefit specific internal organs.
For example:
- The dragon strengthens the kidneys
- The tiger supports the lungs
- The leopard helps the liver
- The snake benefits the spleen
- The crane supports the heart
The Five Animal Frolics, like other Qigong methods and acupuncture, aim to stimulate energy movements and blood flow within specific organs. The idea is that each organ in TCM has a paired organ that can impact or be impacted by it. By closely following a select number of postures and movements, you can essentially massage and stretch the entire body, invigorating all major organ systems and toning muscles.
China’s newest animal exercise trend
The latest animal-inspired exercise trend in China is rather simple – walk like an animal on all fours. Lu Peiwan, deputy chief physician at the Henan Province Hospital, claims that this form of exercise can help strengthen muscles that humans don’t often use and fortify ligaments and bones.
However, it’s important to note that humans have evolved into bipeds, and walking on all fours can strain one’s wrists, knees, and lower back while also sending excess blood to the head. So, it remains to be seen whether this latest trend will stand the test of time and become a lasting part of Chinese physical culture.
In the meantime, consider trying Chinese physical culture systems based on animal movements, such as Qigong and martial arts. If no classes or instructors are offering animal-based physical culture, try finding videos online and follow along for a unique, enjoyable, and potentially transformative workout experience.
