Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa
Therapeutic Qi Gong
Therapeutic Movement for Strength, Mobility & Restoration
“Lian Gong” can be translated as “health cultivation exercises” or “practising a healing art.”
Liangong Shi Ba Fa — also known as Liangong in 18 Forms — is a therapeutic movement system developed in Shanghai, China by Dr. Zhuang Yuan Ming, a specialist in Traumatology within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Created through extensive clinical research, Liangong combines principles from:
Qi Gong
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tui Na therapeutic massage
Martial arts stretching methods
Sports rehabilitation and movement therapy
The practice was originally designed to help relieve acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain experienced by both patients and healthcare practitioners. Since its introduction, Liangong has become widely practiced throughout China and internationally, gaining recognition for its effectiveness in improving mobility, posture, flexibility, circulation, and overall wellbeing.
A Form of Self-Healing Bodywork
Liangong is often described as a form of therapeutic self-massage through movement. The exercises combine gentle stretching, breath coordination, posture alignment, and targeted pressure techniques that help release tension from the connective tissue and fascia.
Unlike conventional stretching, Liangong emphasizes:
precise body positioning
controlled internal expansion
breath-guided movement
focused pressure on specific areas of the body
This creates a deep therapeutic effect similar to massage therapy — but self-generated and internally guided.
Regular practice may help:
relieve stiffness and muscular tension
improve flexibility and posture
support joint mobility
enhance circulation and breathing
reduce stress and fatigue
support recovery from physical strain or injury
Many practitioners find Liangong particularly beneficial for discomfort in the:
neck and shoulders
lower back
hips and legs
knees and feet
Breath, Fascia & Internal Stretching
A unique feature of Liangong is its use of what is sometimes referred to as an “internal stretch.” Rather than forcing muscular elongation, the practice encourages gentle expansion through posture, breath, and subtle structural alignment.
By lifting through the chest, releasing unnecessary tension, and relaxing the spine and joints, the exercises work deeply into the fascia and connective tissue system. This helps the body reorganise naturally, restoring balance, ease of movement, and structural support.
Breathing is carefully coordinated with movement throughout the practice, helping to:
increase oxygen flow
deepen relaxation
improve body awareness
enhance the therapeutic effect of each exercise
For Everyday Wellness & Active Recovery
Liangong is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness. It can be practiced:
for general wellbeing
as part of rehabilitation and recovery
to complement sports training
for stress management and relaxation
to improve balance, posture, and mobility
Athletes, therapists, movement practitioners, and healthcare professionals increasingly recognise the value of therapeutic stretching and fascia-based movement practices for injury prevention, recovery, and long-term physical resilience.
Gentle yet deeply effective, Liangong offers a mindful and restorative approach to movement that supports both physical and energetic wellbeing.
Today, Qi Gong is practiced worldwide and increasingly supported by modern research for its benefits in reducing stress, improving mobility, enhancing energy, and supporting overall wellbeing. Its slow, mindful nature makes it suitable for all ages and levels of ability, including beginners and those recovering from illness or physical strain.
I have been trained by Tai Chi & Qi Gong Master Dr Aikhan Kuhn founder of the Tai Chi & Qigong Healing Institute. In my teaching, I guide students through this therapeutic system in a calm, accessible way—helping you reconnect with your body, regulate your energy, and build a sustainable practice that supports long-term health and inner balance.