Shibashi (meaning 18 in Mandarin and pronounced sher baa sher) is a series of 18 energy-enhancing exercises that co-ordinate movement with breathing and concentration. It is a gentle, beautiful and flowing Tai Chi Qigong exercise routine that is both a joy to do and deeply relaxing for people of any age.
Shibashi was developed by Professor Lin Hou Sheng in 1979. Professor Lin is a renowned Qigong Master, scientist and Master Healer. His remarkable credentials include Professor of the College of Chinese Medicine in Shanghai, Director of Qigong Research Institute in China and Honorary President of the International Society of Natural Cures. He based the Shibashi on the philosophies of Tai Chi and extracted some of the movements from Yang style Tai Chi Chuan while keeping the exercise simple to learn and practice. He places great emphasis on synchronizing the 18 movements with proper breathing techniques.
Shibashi is designed to improve the general health and wellbeing of the practitioner. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. The overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. This Qigong is very effective and easy to learn. It is practiced around the world by over 10 million people, and is considered a national health exercise in Malaysia and Indonesia.
