Taoist temple exercise helps city workers relieve stress(2)

Improving fitness

Over the past seven years, the baduanjincourses offered by Baiyun Temple have changed in their intensity, while interaction with the public has evolved.

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's been a surge in young people interested in exercises to improve their health, Deng said. This increase has been achieved with the help of government support, he added.

However, some baduanjin novices struggle to complete even one round of training, he said. "During our classes, we noticed students experiencing dizziness, nausea, and difficulty standing up," Deng explained. "To prevent fainting or hypoglycemia, we provide huoxiangzhengqi water (a traditional herbal formula) and glucose."

Deng attributed the struggles of novice students to declining overall fitness levels and the teaching methods, which are challenging for newcomers. "We've since adjusted our approach to be less intense," he said.

Deng believes that many urban residents suffer from physical stress brought on by overthinking. But by practicingbaduanjin they stretch and open up all their joints and limbs, and allow their entire bodies to slowly relax. This can calm their minds and provide them with a much-needed feeling of tranquillity, he said.

"During this practice, individuals can engage in self-reflection and gradually reduce stress, discomfort, and excessive mental anxiety," Deng said.

"The things that city residents bring about through social burdens, life and work pressures, can be easily removed through our classes at the temple," Deng said, adding that trainees have been eager to learn and find solutions to relieve their stress.