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You’ve probably heard how Chinese culture is packed with ancient and modern methods for staying fit. Baduanjin, also known as Eight Pieces of Brocade, doesn’t demand much space or time and uses special breathing and concentration techniques to improve both physical and mental well-being. Today, let’s take a closer look at these Chinese exercises that have been helping people stay healthy for centuries.

Baduanjin is one of the most ancient forms of Chinese qigong (a system of deep-breathing exercises). It is renowned for its health benefits, combining gentle movements with breath control. This qigong style centers on breathing — by taking slow, deep breaths, it helps muscles relax and calms the mind as well.

Baduanjin, which originated in the Bei Song Dynasty and has a history of more than 800 years, was initially developed as a way to enhance the physical health of soldiers. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive system of exercises practiced by both martial artists and common people. In ancient times, jin was a kind of high-graded silk. The ancients compared a set of movements to “jin”, which means colorful, beautiful, and luxurious brocade (织锦).

Regular practice of Baduanjin is believed to bring numerous health benefits, such as: enhance physical fitness, improve sleep, improve mental state, and relieve stress. The great advantage of Baduanjin lies in its accessibility. People of all ages and fitness levels can practice it without any special equipment or prior experience. Whether performed in the park or the comfort of one’s home, Baduanjin provides gentle yet effective care for both body and mind.

There are a total of eight movements in Baduanjin, each with its specific focus. Baduanjin has been handed down through the centuries as eight short, simple sentences.

1.Baduanjin is mainly featured by __________.

A calm mind

B breath control

C slow move

D healthy diets

解析：选B。B推理判断题。根据第一段中的“uses special breathing and concentration techniques”以及第二段中的“is one of the most ancient forms of Chinese qigong (a system of deep-breathing exercises).”“This qigong style centers on breathing”可知，八段锦是气功的一种，以呼吸为中心。故选B。

2.Who was Baduanjin originally designed for?

A Martial artists.

B Soldiers.

C Common people.

D Students.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。根据第三段中的“was initially developed as a way to enhance the physical health of soldiers”可知，八段锦最初是为了增强士兵的身体素质而开发的。故选B。

3.Which of the following doesn’t belong to Baduanjin’s advantages?

A Reducing stress.

B Improving sleep.

C Relaxing muscles.

D Improving breathing.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据第二段中的“it helps muscles relax and calms the mind as well”和倒数第二段中的“enhance physical fitness, improve sleep, improve mental state, relieve stress”可知，八段锦可以放松肌肉、减轻压力、改善睡眠。并未提及改善呼吸。故选D。

4.What may the passage talk about next?

A The origin of Baduanjin.

B The benefits of Baduanjin.

C The postures of Baduanjin.

D The meaning of Baduanjin.

解析：选C。C推理判断题。根据最后一段内容可知，文章最后讲到八段锦共有八式，每式要点各不相同。由此可推知，接下来作者可能会详细介绍八段锦的八式。故选C。