The Baduanjin is primarily designated as a form of medical qigong, meant to improve health.

[3] The exercise was later expanded from eight to twelve movements over the centuries and was described in the boxing manual Illustrated Exposition of Internal Techniques (1882) by Wang Zuyuan, a famed practitioner of the Sinew Changing Classic set.

[3] Nineteenth century sources attribute the style to semi-legendary Chinese folk hero General Yue Fei,[4] and describe it as being created as a form of exercise for his soldiers.

[5][6] Martial historian Prof. Meir Shahar notes Yue's mention as a lineage master in the second preface of the Sinew Changing Classic manual (1624) is the reason why he was attributed as the creator of Baduanjin qigong.

[4] The Baduanjin as a whole is broken down into eight separate exercises based on the eight extra meridians each focusing on the free flow of qi for the unification of mind and body for physical and emotional stability and heath.