Many of the essential truths of Falun Dafa were taught in private for thousands of years. It was common in China's history to teach this way, as these timeless principles were often passed from a teacher to a single student. In the 1960's and 1970's, many of these practices were introduced to the public. At that time, mostly just the exercises and some basic principles were taught, and by doing these qigong exercises, people were able to improve their health.

　　Since Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice for both the mind and body, a practitioner not only does the exercises o transform the energy of his body for increased health, but also strives to elevate his character by following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. The five exercises themselves are easy to learn and practice.　Mr. Li Hongzhi gives explanations of each of the exercises in Falun Gong, and they are quoted as follows:

　　The first exercise is called “Buddha Showing a Thousand Hands.”

　　“The core of Buddha Showing a Thousand Hands is stretching of the body. This stretching unblocks areas where energy is congested, stimulates the energy within the body and under the skin so that it circulates vigorously, and universe. This enables all of the meridians in a practitioner's body to open at the beginning. When one performs this exercise, the body will have a special feeling of warmth and of the existence of a strong energy field. This is caused by the stretching and opening of all meridians throughout the body.”

　　The second exercise is called “The Falun Standing Stance.”

　　“Falun Standing Stance is a tranquil standing meditation composed of　four　wheel-holding　positions.　Frequent performance of Falun Standing Stance will facilitate the complete opening of the entire body. It is a comprehensive means of cultivation practice that enhances wisdom, increases strength, raises one's level, and strengthens divine powers. The movements are simple, but much can be achieved through the exercise. Beginners' arms may feel heavy and painful. After doing the exercises, the whole body will immediately feel relaxed, without feeling the kind of fatigue that comes from working.”

　　The third exercise is called “Penetrating the Two Cosmic Extremes.”

　　“Penetrating the Two Cosmic Extremes channels the cosmos' energy and mixes it with the energy inside one's body. A great amount of energy is expelled and taken in during this exercise, enabling a practitioner to purify his or her body in a very short time. At the same time, the exercise opens the meridians on top of the head and unblocks the passages underneath the feet.”
  

    The fourth exercise is called “The Great Heavenly Circuit.”

　　“Falun Heavenly Circuit enables the energy of the human body to circulate over large areas--that is, not just in one or several meridians, but from the entire yin side to the entire yang side of the body, back and forth continuously. This exercise is far beyond the usual methods of opening the meridians or the Great and Small Heavenly Circuits. Falun Heavenly Circuit is an intermediate- level cultivation method. With the previous three exercises as a base, the meridians of the entire body (including the Great Heavenly Circuit) can be quickly opened through performing this exercise.”

　　The fifth exercise is called “Strengthening Divine Powers.”

　　“Strengthening Divine Powers is a tranquil cultivation exercise.　It's a multi-purpose exercise　that strengthens divine powers (including supernormal abilities) and gong potency by turning the Falun using Buddha hand signs. This exercise is above the intermediate level and was originally a secret exercise. Performing this exercise requires sitting with both legs crossed. Single-leg crossing is acceptable at the initial stage if double-leg crossing cannot be done”.