5 comments about The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing.

1. Ken Cohen's book is a very complete and illustrative book on the
   subject. I would almost put it in the category of a college text book on the subject of Qigong. He is as qualified to write and teach about the subject as anyone out there. A must for anyone's reference library on Qigong. It is an important work that will stand the test of time. I had read a library copy, bought a copy in the past and gave it away. This copy is, again, for my own my reference collection.



2. "The Way of QiGong" attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of qi gong, from its history to its applications in healing and improved sexual vigor. Other reviewers have done an adequate job of cataloging the book's strengths and shortcomings, so I'll touch on the one aspect that I haven't seen mentioned: the section on diet and nutrition.
   
   The author does himself a great disservice by including the chapter "Dao and Diet", as it lowers the overall quality of the book substantially. The chapter is especially dangerous because it intersperses sound nutritional advice - try to eat local foods, try to eat organic foods - among absolutely terrible advice.
   
   The first clue that the author has ventured outside of his area of expertise is when he references Barry Sears and endorses Sears' dietary recommendations. Sears is more of a snake-oil salesman than anything else; his work has never appeared in a peer-reviewed journal and has been widely discredited. (For a thorough indictment of Sears, and some actual valid nutritional advice, check out "The Food Revolution".)
   
   The author then goes on to suggest that the reader take plenty of vitamin supplements and should strive to receive 30% of their calories in the form of protein. This is simply horrible, horrible advice. You don't need that much protein, and you're raising the likelihood of contracting a number of diseases if you structure your diet around these recommendations. For some statistics on the correlation between high protein consumption and cancer rates (as well as other diseases), check out "The China Study". (If you have a genuine interest in your health, and how food affects it, both of the books I mentioned are worth reading.)
   
   Long story short: the book is worth checking out if you're new to qi gong, but disregard the author's stint as an armchair nutritionist.



3. A great book. Writen simply and clearly to understand the life from the jin and yang phylosophie that is far from being only black and white.
   The excercises in the book are easy to follow.
   Shipping was fast as well.



4. It is a very good book, and has lots of great information for both beginners and advanced students.



5. Although I haven't finished with this lecture, I have found it quite interesting. Language is easy and for a person who has very little experience in this subject, this is a very useful book with lots of interesting data especially scientific ones (this gives the author more credibility). Great book!

5 comments about The Way of Energy: A Gaia Original.

1. This book really does a good job of explaining standing (Zhan Zhuang) and Qigong to the beginner. My sifu had recommended that I do standing practice, and had taught me a qigong set, and I found that reading this book helped me along. Some of the things (such as the Ba Duan Jin qigong set) differ slightly from the way I was taught, but basically the book is right on the money, and does a good job of helping you understand what everything is for. I also like the warm up exercises before standing that he shows, they really do help. The book is very well illustrated also, which is a plus. Highly recommended, especially for anyone into internal martial arts.



2. This book is arguably the very finest introduction currently available to the practice of QiGong, especially for those who do not have access to a trustworthy living teacher. QiGong's burgeoning popularity has generated a plethora of both violently skeptical and credulously New-Agey essays. Rather than taking either on faith, you can actually experience internal Qi for yourself and make up your own mind as to its value, using this volume as a guide. Lam Kam-Chuen is one of a tiny handful of QiGong teachers who are fully qualified to write a practical instruction manual geared to the average Western person. For those who want to actually experience the truth about Qi for themselves rather than chew an academic cud of pre-digested dogma, this book is worth its weight in gold!



3. The Way of Energy provides a step-by-step, almost month-to-month introduction to the practice of Qigong.
   
   Many Qigong books are too "Eastern" for Westerners to read, or are too technical/textbook like, spending many pages going over the meridians, cavities, times of day and orientation. This is required knowledge for advanced practicioners, but gets in the way and is intimidating for introductory students.
   
   The Way of Energy starts of with a simple, straightforward standing meditation. After a brief introduction to Qigong, Part One introduces two standing positions, discusses how to start with a few minutes then work your way up to many, a good section on breathing and has an excellent section describing the sensations most people experience when starting Qigong practice (this section is worth the price of the book for most beginners).
   
   Part Two (which the text recommends proceeding to after a few months) introduces the Eight Pieces of the Brocade Qigong exercies (called Ba Duan Jin in this text) and introduces three additional and advanced standing positions. The reader is instructed on how to integrate these two new pieces into their practice. While the Eight Pieces of Brocade positions vary slightly from other texts, their descriptions are excellent and their purpose briefly but clearly explained.
   
   Part Three describes four advanced standing positions and imagery exercises for the practicioner to begin managing their Chi. The last part of the book describes how to integrate these disciplines into everyday life.
   
   In summary, an excellent introductory step-by-step guide. For more technical works, I would recommend the Qigong Meditation series by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming (Embryonic Breathing, Small Circulation and the forthcoming book on Grand Circulation).



4. This system of movement has assisted me to release old tensions that I was unable to access or release in any other way. Truely a way to rejuvenation.



5. The past few years I've been practicing various types of meditation and decided I wanted to combine meditating with movement, so I turned to the internal martial arts (Qigong, Tai Chi, Xiang Yi, Ba Gua). After speaking to several internal arts teachers from sound linneages, they all recommended starting with Qigong, and to spend at least half a year only mastering several postures before moving on to the other forms of the internal arts. I bought this book because Master Lam's method seemed in tune with this belief, and I was pleasantly shocked at the results of this book:
   
   --The book says to expect changes over a span of weeks; after the first day alone my back felt more loose, stress free and relaxed then it had in years.
   --I no longer have the need to drink caffeine in the morning to keep me up throughout the day.
   --I've slowly started to be able to detect an actual physical presence of chi throughout my body (this is coming from a fairly rational/logical, non new-agey type of guy).
   --My overall mood and energy has improved.
   --I have a much more peaceful state of mind.
   --My hypertention has been completely erased; I can calm anxiety driven behavior down much more easily, and have learned to control and regulate my breathing.
   --It has helped my cardio activities, long distance running & basketball, immensely. I feel I have more endurance, more balance, and more confident in both sports.
   
   I owe a huge thank you to Master Lam for publishing a book that is simply written and easy to understand, while containing a wealth of information about the forms, postures, breathing, visualizations, anecdotes, meridians, and other information about Qigong, and Lam's specialty of Zhang Zhuang in particular. I'm still shocked at how much learning these postures has improved my life and brought me both physical relief as well as inner peace. Highly recommended.

5 comments about The Secret Art of Seamm Jasani: 58 Movements for Eternal Youth from Ancient Tibet.

1. I've done various exercise systems over the years and I'd say this one is far beyond all others in terms of giving a workout to the fingers and wrists, major sources of stress in the computer age. It is also a very methodical system, going step by step; for example, one exercise involves the legs, the next adds arm movements, and then another integrates breathing and visualization.
   
   It seems to me that there are several key questions when trying to learn exercises from a book:
   
   1. Are the exercises beneficial?
   2. Are they explained clearly enough thru static images and words?
   3. Are they presented in a way that encourages the learner to continue practicing them regularly?
   
   I just completed the 12-week program in the Chart of Pedagogy and enthusiastically answer YES to all three questions. The system provides a thorough workout, carefully and compassionately filled with reminders not to push oneself. I found the reminders helpful because my initial stance was nowhere nearly as wide as that shown in the cover photo, but it increased as time went on. I should mention here that I'm over 50 years old.
   
   The book has only a few minor flaws:
   
   a. typo on page 68 (exercise 28 was already introduced in Week 3, so Week 4 should refer to exercise 35 instead)
   b. exercise 11 on page 98 would be clearer if the arrow arc on the left side was swapped with the one on the right side
   c. exercise 33 on page 126 has impossible arrows, which would make sense if the left and right ones were switched.
   
   But the exercises constitute only about 100 pages of this 200-page book. If it focused exclusively on them, I'd rate it a 4 plus.
   
   Before reaching the experiential part, the reader must wade thru more than 60 pages of background info, including an Introduction in which Asanaro portrays himself as a rebellious Prometheus who decided to teach against the advice of his guide. There is also the hype about Eternal Youth and the Art being 10,000 years old, as well as repetition of the urban legend that humans only use 10% of our brains. All this theory and preparation is chatty, but smooth narrative flow is not sufficient evidence of truth.
   
   I suppose that having a school of meditation compels a teacher to explain how the exercises fit into broader goals, but Asanaro comes across as merely teasing: first hinting about advanced practices, then saying "That part of the art is secret and can't be taught through books." Then why mention it? In my opinion, keeping the book focused on the exercises would have been a clearer and cleaner approach, exuding the confident recognition that those who want more info will ask for it.
   
   By the way, has anyone noticed a strong correlation in the feedback from fellow customers regarding whether a review is "helpful"? It seems that a review that gives this book 4 or 5 stars will get 90% "helpful" votes but any review that gives the book less than 4 stars gets under 50% "helpful" votes and is rebutted in a subsequent review. If someone feels disturbed by the few critical remarks I've made here, perhaps he or she should read my review of Halevi's book School of the Soul.



2. This book is fantastic and has just captivated me. I found it searching for simple and effective body-mind-spirit techniques to increase my healing power, stamina and body wisdom. Illness and emotional problems happen when our energy is blocked, but we all have inside the power to heal ourselves, and I have verified that these exercises are excellent to unblock stuck energy.
   
   Most of the times we are so absorbed in what we are doing that we forget to move or even to breathe, with serious consequences to our health until we realize we need to change our habits.
   
   The book explains through clear and easy to follow drawings and instructions 58 simple and effective exercises of breathing and movements, which now I know are essential for the free flow of energy through the body, producing immediate balance, health and well-being; of course that you need to be constant and follow the program given by the author.
   
   I'm so happy to have discovered it! The practices have worked very good for me, proving once again that living a positive lifestyle can make a difference. Besides, the author has a corky sense of humor that really made me laugh.
   
   I've become vital and healthy through these simple but powerful exercises, and they have absolutely given me a boost. An incredible energy practice!



3. I am a former professional athlete and currently a martial arts practitioner for 10 years. I have been practicing this art for 3 months and I have read the book 3 times. Each practice session is a new journey. What makes this art unbelievable is that you do not have to practice each day to feel the benefits. The movements add benefit to everything you do. I would suggest this to all former athletes who want to feel the thrill of the energy of their playing days. I would also suggest to continue to read this book as it is full of clues to unlock personal limitations.
   
   Many compliments to Asanaro for providing the road map to Discipline!!!



4. Having practiced various martial arts, tai-chi, chi-gung, yoga and pilates for over 40 years this is by far the most effective and practical exercise I have encountered. By far. The book is excellent, the art of Seamm-Jasani is amazing.
   First, I was able to actually learn it from the book. I read some reviews that call the author pompous and such but I did not get that from the book at all. He is blunt and unapologetic about preferring this gentler and less violent method of exercise to say karate or weight lifting or marathon training etc. Some others observed that this is simply chi-gung revisited. Apparently these people have not had any exposure to chi-gung other than by reading books. It is not warmed over chi-gung. There are some similarities but did it ever occur to those so-called critics that this art precedes chi-gung by millennia. Chi-gung is like Seamm-Jasani not the other way around. Besides, so the genesis of the art or even the author may be in question...the results are not.
   My experience: I bought the book and practiced and learned many of the moves. I saw results very quickly and without any pain. I felt better, slept better and thought better after I started Seamm-Jasani. Mark me completely satisfied at that point.
   Then I found out that Asanaro (the author) was conducting a weekend class at the Boston Baobom School in Brookline Ma. I live in Texas on modest means but I cashed in some miles and rewards points, signed up for the session and enjoyed the best training days of my life. It turns out that the book instructions were very good and I was doing most of the movements approximately right. But the weekend transcended the practice of Seamm-Jasani. Every member of the school staff and to my pleasant surprise, each participant were simply wonderful people.
   As for the author himself, it would be hard to describe the humble, kind, almost monk-like Asanaro. The man exudes love, contentment and friendship. To say he is unique I would be guilty of vast understatement. He would patiently answer every question of every student until there were no more. He was such an amazing teacher that even people who had not read the book learned all the movements easily during the weekend's five mini workshops. His only request was not to practice the art in front of anyone because doing so would show ego and not be true to the energy of the art, which is after all, eternal youth and vitality. On that note I must add that upon my returning my friends and colleagues and co-workers could not stop talking about how much better I looked after my weekend trip.
   Let me clear up some confusion about the so-called secret part of the art of Seamm-Jasani. Each student is shown and taught all the appropriate information for their level. Each level, provides more of the art but is given as the student demonstrates the commitment to the art. There were many questions I had about things during the session and many went politely unanswered. This did not bother me, as I knew that I was simply a beginner. Some people might have a problem with that, though I can hardly imagine why. The whole process, in fact the whole art, has tremendous integrity.
   Great book, excellent instruction, easy to use and most of all it truly works. You may want to find and visit the Baobom website and see when they will repeat the course. It is priced incredibly low and no where near the value it provides for a lifetime.



5. I loved this book, and found its teachings very useful. Only problem is the repeated claims that the practice will bring about eternal life, but then again I haven't died even once since I started...

5 comments about Born A Healer: I was born a healer. You were born a healer, too!.

1. THe book was very interesting, Chunyi Lin has lived an amazing life!



2. This is a very enlightening book, first because it gives a much clearer picture of Chunyi Lin and his previous life and second because of the opinions of the students. Through the book comes a quiet passion for qigong and a love for his fellowman, which is why what he does has such a powerful effect on others. I am overwhelmed by the impact he has through the book and the videos. I highly reckon this book for anyone undertaking his lst level in qigong.



3. 'Born a Healer' offers a message of hope to everyone. The message is simple. Be kind, forgive (yourself & others) and love unconditionally. When you are kind to someone, they feel good and so do you. Feeling good inside aleviates stress and positively impacts your physical and mental health.
   
   The book was easy to read and kept me engaged. I've already purchased this book for a friend who's husband has cancer. I plan to mail copies to other friends too.
   
   The book left me curious about Spring Forest Qigong. I would love to meet Master Lin.



4. Chunyi Lin has an amazing story and and even more wonderful gift
   that he is sharing with the world - after you read this you will want to check out Qigong - he is a humble teacher and I have had the honor of studying with him - your life will change - what are you waiting for?



5. 
   "Born a Healer" begins with the author's personal story about his journey from the childhood in his native China to becoming the well-known healer and teacher that he is today. The story of survival during the Cultural Revolution and the founding of the Spring Forest Qigong Healing Center is very inspiring.
   
   In his book written in a genuine and down-to-earth style, the certified International Qigong Master, Chunyi Lin, teaches the readers the natural, and life enhancing methods of healing and easing their suffering. If you are committed to leading a healthy life without medication then this book is for you. Another great book that you may not miss is Cure the Incurable

5 comments about Awaken Healing Energy Through Tao.

1. I have been working with Mantak Chia's materials for the past 17 years. Originally I found few of his books ine one small Chinese store, and decided to give them a shot. I was thrilled when even my very first attempt resulted in noticing the difference. While the books were wonderful I did wish to have personal instruction, too. Lucky for me, about few weeks after I purchased the books, Mantak Chia was teaching a workshop in Toronto. Even though thsee initial practices are rather simple, it helped attending a workshop, too. I have attended all the workshops he came to teach in Toronto at the time. In the meantime, videos came out, so in time I got those too.
   
   You may or may not want to attend a workshop, but if for any reason you don't feel comfortable proceeding on your own, you may consider getting Mantak Chias videos. I like them very much (I have just about all of them) Another excellent resource is the book Qigong Empowerment.
   
   The focus of this book, Awaken Healing Energy Through Tao, is learing to circulate the energy through Microcosic Orbit. It is the essential practice for all future practices in Taoist Alchemy. The book also gives an overview of practices you can do if you wish to continue with your studies and practice.
   
   It is not hard to do. It is really simple. If you are new to this, the more complex part than the practice may be the use of different names in chinese for different points and a lot of theoretical information behind the practice.The practice essentially involves guiding the energy with your imagination - generating it, circulating it and storing it in your body.
   
   You can experience many benefits of this practice from the very beginning. What I experienced from the very beginning is a sense of calm. If I were ever upset and then begin doing microcosmic orbit, the upset would immediately disperse and dissolve. Doing microcosmic orbit practice had a centering effect. The practice is very, very simple but the benefits are far greater than may be initially apparent.
   
   As you keep on storing the energy, whenever any part of your body (organs) need more energy, they can use the energy you have stored instead of depleting the energy from other parts of your body. This in itself contributes to health. However, if you choose to continue your learning, there are many more advanced practices designed specifically for healing.



2. I can't recomend this book enough! As I was dealing with the after effects of a kundalini awakening I found the exercises in this book to be amazingly helpful.



3. I am working through this book.
   
   The main practice is the microcosmic orbit which uses the prenatal energy system. When you were in the womb you received all your nourishment and energy through the navel and this followed an energy pathway to the base of the spine and all the way up to your head, and back down the front to the navel to the dan tien where it is stored.
   
   This exercise trains you get the pre natal energy flowing again.
   
   Normally, as you go through life your energy does not flow upwards properly and becomes blocked contributing to the ageing process etc.
   
   If you have any interest in energy practice, you should work with the microcosmic orbit. The only trouble is it may take a while before a conscious flow can be felt.
   
   I recommend the five tibetans, which is a simple exercise routine you can do in five minutes. These are also referred to as the fountain of youth exercises. This also brings the energy up to your higher centers or psychic vortexes, and restores their function to youthful levels, thereby retarding the aging process. You can feel the kundalini (base of spine) energy being activated.
   
   If you are new to energy, I recommend you also get Quantum Touch, which has some great exercises and visualizations which can literally have you moving energy within minutes.
   
   Combining a few different methods has worked well for me. As with anything, the more you practice, the more you improve.
   
   If you were to find this review helpful, please click yes.



4. This book describes the circulation of chi through the body. It is extremely helpful in pinpointing areas where the chi naturally builds. I have been using the techniques described in the book for several weeks now and feel more relaxed, food digests more readily as well as feeling more energetic.



5. If you want to understand what Taoist meditation is all about, and help yourself avoid the many dangerous obstacles of this very unique and wonderful - yet very serious - practice, you should at least read the book i suggested, as well. I can see people are deriving some benefit from Chia's book, but just from reading the table of contents and the first few pages, I can honestly recommend that you should study the methods of cultivating essential nature and eternal life from an immortal master of the advanced training methods, which Chia speaks of in the sample. The benefits you will derive from Charles Luk's translation of "The methods of cultivating essential nature and eternal life," called "Taoist Yoga..." will far surpass anything you will attain from Chia's, and incidentally help you avoid the many potential problems that can develop in this type of spiritual training. There are also some misconceptions about Taoist meditation in Chia's book that I can see right off the bat, and if you take my word, and check out Luk's book, you will at least be able to practice Chia's more effectively, and less dangerous! Take this sincere advice from someone who hasn't read but the first few pages of Chia's book, but who has actual first hand experience with the TRUE (complete, as opposed to Chia's incomplete) mechanisms of the generative force, vitality, spirit, the microcosmic orbit, and the original cavity of spirit, etc., etc., etc.. One thing I can't tell from the book is whether the whole method is based on turning back the flow of generative fluid, which is what real Taoist meditation is based on. One definite gross misconception that is readily available to view in the sample of Chia's is that Taoist meditation is not dependent on stopping the flux of thoughts in your mind while practicing. If you are TRULY SERIOUS about spiritual growth, progress, and prolonging and enjoying your life, then you must obtain and study Luk's book (AT LEAST as a companion to this one), which also warns against taking advice from the wrong guide, on numerous occasions. If you are NOT serious about attaining the many wonderful benefits that this advanced training method can give, I suggest you not practice Tao Yoga at all, and focus on something less serious for now. Those are my sincerest words, and I stand by them. I feel a responsibility to at least tell you my perspective, so you can make a more intelligent, wise decision.

5 comments about The Essential Qigong Training Course: 100 Days to Increase Energy, Physical Health & Spiritual Well-Being.

1. This course is well organized and easy to follow. The 100 day progression is nice, and the material is organized such a way as to allow you to progress at your own pace. There are some nice guided meditations on the CDs, and the video is very easy to understand. Note that this is not like an exercise DVD. You're not going to do your Qigong along with the DVD except for to learn the moves. I would recommend learning a few techniques at a time from the DVDs, and then practicing elsewhere at your own pace and for as long as is comfortable. There is so much information out there on Qigong. This course is a great way to start!



2. Ken Cohen is clear in his descriptions - knowledgable of the material - useful in the information and exercises he describes and practices and models in the CD's, DVD's and book. The practice of qigong can be learned well through this material. He is down to earth in his explanations and demontrations, making understanding very accessible.



3. This set is the best compilation of beginner exercises and meditations I have seen yet. He combines instruction with information to help you learn as you practice. Definitely worth the buy.



4. I bought this thinking that it was a workout DVD set. I was initially disappointed that it wasn't, but as I watched the DVDs, listened to the CDs, and read the enclosed booklet, I was pleasantly surprised. This was actually so much more. The instruction is more detailed than you will ever get on an exercise DVD. It answers a lot of the questions that have been turning over in my mind. I didn't know it ahead of time, but it was just what I needed.



5. Without a doubt, Mr. Cohen has contributed, and continues to contribute, to the expositon of Eastern philosophy within Western culture. The walls are slowly crumbling and giving way to the world of self-development and personal evolution. There are two things I would have liked to have experienced from this program. The first would be a less affective tone from the narration. In its place, I would have preferred a more vibrant, inspiring, less-coddling tone. There is too much breathiness in the narration that distracts from the presentation of the basics and has the potential of turning away readers with a more energetic vibration in their hearts. Perhaps a discussion of the more aerobic forms of Qi Gong, such as Nei Gong or Nei Jia, would have been appropriate, but the tone would have contradicted the energizing power behind these forms. Let us not forget that first, and foremost, Qi Gong was a martial art practiced by the warrior classes. It eventually evolved as a spiritual monastic practice, but the monks themselves were warriors by default. Under the despotic rule of unenlightened emperors and warlords, China's priests had a need to develop a martial defense system. As a Qi Gong and Tai Chi instructor, I find that it is a constant struggle to explain to students that Qi Gong and Tai Chi are not practices that are limited to senior citizens. Once I demonstrate Nei Gong, and/or Tai Chi fighting form, students do begin to understand what these ancient practices have to offer. The troubling thing is that most people walk about with a misguided representation of Qi Gong before they are illuminated otherwise. The second experience I would have enjoyed would have been a more global discussion of Qi Gong history and its evolution. Mr. Cohen presents his style without mentioning that there are thousands of different forms of Qi Gong in existence today. To his credit, Mr. Cohen does recognize this fact elsewhere, but not within the scope of this program. That's fine, not a problem, but the consumer can easily walk away thinking that there is only one style of Qi Gong...Cohen Qi Gong. The reader should also note that some of the exercises are incomplete and only offer an introductory sampling of the tip of the iceberg that is Qi Gong. It is understandable that there is a general, economical need to appeal to a wide audience, but the narration and title should explicitly state that all chapters are simply introductory. Nevertheless, there is much merit and reward to be garnished from Mr. Cohen's work. Practice his way and the reader will definitely see an improvement in health, strength and vitality over time. Although not a seminal opus, this product is the culmination of a highly important, and sorely needed, educational service. I encourage all teachers, readers, students and practitioners to allow this introductory work to be a guide towards a deeper practice.

5 comments about The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi.

1. After a number of readings, it is clear that this book is both broad and deep. It is very accessible for those just beginning their investigations into Qi, energy and personal cultivation. AND it is among the most penetrating books for those who seek deeper knowledge of wellbeing, energetics and even the eternal nature. There is fact (health, healing, physiology and quantum), theory (Chinese Medicine, Chinese philosophy, Daoism, Buddhism), inspiration (the most profound medicine is within, the eternal radiant spirit can be revealed), story (tales of a probably fictional mountain monastery and probably real Qi masters the author has met and studied with). There is also a profound vision for the potential of the human species as the cultivation of our deeper nature is more widely pursued.
   
   As both a doctor of Chinese medicine and a long time teacher of Qigong and Tai Chi, the author has experience, authority and very alluring language. The book is easy and fun to read. It could be opened anywhere. One endorsement, from the author of Manifesto For A New Medicine, James Gordon MD says "I look forward to referring to -- and using -- this book for years to come." And Joan Borysenko, author of many books on the Mind/Body revolution calls it "A gem that you will treasure for the rest of your life." Deepak Chopra calls Dr Jahnke, "a wise teacher and healer" and his Qigong "simple yet profound".
   
   Nowhere have we seen (and this is mentioned in a number of the Amazon reviews) such a clear map of the territory of Qigong, Tai Chi and the cultivation of personal power and virtue.
   
   I have also appreciated, very much, Dr Jahnke's first book, The Healer Within The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques To Release Your Body's Own Medicine *Movement *Massage *Meditation *Breathing.
   
   These are seminal works in the emerging new Quantum world of energy, empowerment and self-reliance. Qigong, it appears, is an accessible portal to our maximum potential and a method to access our deepest power -- simply yet profoundly.



2. What a great book! Well written and fascinating to read. I liked the poetic quotes from various Qi masters that introduce each chapter. I had read some other books on energy healing (e.g., "Energy Medicine"), but this book was the one that brought home the general concepts about energy healing while presenting a practice that is easy to follow without being technical (I.e, if you are interested in details about meridians and Chakras, you're better off with different book like "Energy Medicine," which to me was overwheming in its details and techniques.).
   
   "The Healing Promise of Qi" emphasizes the importance of body alignment, breath, and mind and breaks the Qigong/Tai Chi practice down into ten steps:
   
   1. Discover Qi
   2. Gaher Qi
   3. Circulate Qi
   4. Purify Qi
   5. Direct Qi
   6. Conserve Qi
   7. Store Qi
   8. Transform Qi
   9. Dissolve in Qi
   10. Transmit Qi
   
   Approximately 1-3 exercises are presented for each step (total 10-15 exercises) to help you develop the Qi flow.
   
   The book then finishes off in the later chapters with an "owner's manual" or guide for your practice and a discussion on the science of Qi (fields of energy, mind and consciousness, etc.).
   
   I have been following the practice, and the exercises have really helped me relax amid the stress of everyday life. The exercises take less than 10 minutes, plus they help me to meditate more easily.
   
   The author's words ring true and sincere, and he has organized his topics well. I believe in his general message that anyone's health would benefit from following the practice of Qigong/Tai Chi.



3. I bought this book to learn more in depth information about the qigong class I am taking. I love the way the material is organized! I read this book slowly and underlined many passages. There are some deep truths here. Whether you are trying to decide to start the practice of qigong or are already enjoying it's myriad benefits, this book will increase your understanding of the mysterious qi. There are qigong exercises presented in the book with lovely drawings, but it is still better to find a class or group to fully understand how to perform the movements properly with the breath. The practice of qigong has improved my life, my health, and my energy, exponentially! May you find great benefit, too!



4. I don't mean to dampen the enthusiasm other readers have shown. This book is a terrific introduction to the theory and idea of qi and its cultivation and uses. The tone is a bit "New Agey" though, with Stuart Smiley-style affirmations at the end of each chapter ("I create, maximize, and sustain an inner reserve of potential to optimize my health, life, and being.") And in covering a wide swath, Jahnke invariably sacrifices depth for breadth. As one reader noted, the Macrocosmic Orbit, widely considered a key to qi cultivation, is given a very cursory description. If you're new to this stuff, this book is a great overview of the subject, but understand that it is really an orientation, not an adequate how-to manual. And there's the danger that in all the warm and cozy prose, one can lose sight of the fact that the Chinese regard qi gong as a discipline requiring exactitude, discipline and dedication. So buy this or read it if you're looking to get oriented in the subject, then buy one of the clear technical manuals available or, better yet, have the supreme good fortune to find a great teacher.



5. A great book. Simple to follow but with great benefits. I would recommend this to anyone, even if they don't have health problems.

5 comments about Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body: Chi Gung for Lifelong Health (Tao of Energy Enhancement).

1. Opening The Energy Gates of Your Body is a truly fabulous book. I warmly recommend this well-written book to anyone interested in one's own health, anyone who wants to learn more about chi gung, any athlete interested in tuning up his body after vigorous exercise, or a golfer interested in increasing his flexibility.
   
   Few books make such huge promises and seem to be able to keep them. This book promises for example that the exercises will gradually open up your body to the extent that you will be able to literally feel what is inside you, including your muscles, bones, joints, internal organs and even your nerves. With only less than a year of regular practice, not more than 30 minutes almost daily, I am tempted to believe that this is exactly what these exercises will deliver given enough time.
   
   For me, major results are obvious already now, having only practiced breathing properly into my belly and done the basic standing exercises, but having not even started the moving exercises. The quality of sleep has improved tremendously with no trouble falling asleep. Flexibility in the shoulder, chest, belly and hip area has increased to the extent I did not know was possible, and yet, the muscles are still there. Hands, forearms and feet are more relaxed, as if having more space between the bones. I can hardly wait what it will be like in a few years time.
   
   I originally bought this book, because I wanted to learn to relax my body in order to run, walk and swim with as little effort as possible (these things are taught for example by Danny Dreyer in his books Chi Running and Chi Walking, and Terry Laughlin in his book Total Immersion), but it has already given me more, opened up a new world. I wish I had it years ago during my active sporting years.



2. This book is practical, detailed, and full of insight to help anyone improve his practice of Qigong. Frantzis has broken things down into very simple steps, that when synthesized produce dramatic changes within the mind and body. This book compliments a practitioners practice, as well as provides interesting details and information for anyone interested in the fields of health, martial arts, meditation, or even Chinese History. Enjoy!



3. I was looking for something that spoke in plain language and answered my questions for me. This was it. A lot of other books were just too complicated or advanced. This helped me to correct my posture, understand what was going on and feel like I was on more solid ground with my practice.



4. I've been interested in Chi-Gung and Taoist things for a number of years. Took a few classes, etc, but nothing has been as detailed and to the point as this material from Mr Frantzis.
   
   Honestly, most chi-gung books and many classes out there just teach you some physical movements or "standing like a tree".. stand in different poses and hold it without a whole lot of additional instruction as to what goes with it. Mr Frantzis sheds some (in my opinion) much needed light as to what you are really supposed to be doing, the "internal details" of what you are supposed to be doing with your body and with your mind in a clear and straightforward way. Just the first third or so of the book up until the part where he talks about standing is easily worth the price of admission.
   
   I say "potentially life changing" because for a period of maybe a few months I began to do the standing practices (not any of the swings) every morning and every night. After a few days with it, I found that my mind was a lot calmer and I was feeling physically stronger and more vibrant. After a week or two, I felt like I was floating on air.. Ease of movement made me feel like a dancer floating on the clouds, and the sense of wellbeing just continued to increase. It was quite amazing. I was involved in martial arts at the time, and my teacher commented how much better I was getting.. it had nothing to do with the martial arts training though, but just with the standing and dissolving practice. It made my meditation that I was trying to do every day just a whole lot easier.
   
   I let myself get distracted, and stopped doing 1 1/2 - 2 hours a day like I used to. However, you don't have to be that hard-core (though the author said he did 6 hours a day for a time.. if that is whaco or dedication I don't know). I think once a day for 30 minutes or so would produce great results as well, the same as mine eventually just somewhat slower. But there is plenty of material here to get you motivated to put time and effort into the practice. That is another great thing about this book. Not only is the Author obviously very, very knowledgeable, but his story and his presentation is very straightforward and actually kind of inspirational. A must have book for anyone interested in alternative health, chi-practices, or Taoism in general.



5. This book was eye opening for me. I learned that exercise is more than sweat and pain. The whole Chi movement is well explained and made understandable for a beginner.

5 comments about The CHI Revolution: Harnessing the Healing Power of Your Life Force.

1. Bruce Frantzis' books on chi gung top of my list for useful, immediately applicable explanation and technique. And, for an overall introduction to the possibilities offered by chi gung, this newest book is the best of the best. It's the most user-friendly of his books yet. He provides an excellent context so you understand what he means by chi, and how delving into the world of chi can improve your life and enable you to take responsibility for your health. Then he gives clear directions for 5 energy exercises that will give you immediate results. So you get both from this book: first the words, the explanation about why you would want to develop your chi, and then practices that actually give your body the experience he's been talking about.
   
   I've been doing Frantzis's Energy Gates exercises for a few years now, and was excited that his Chi Revolution book teaches three exercises from the Dragon and Tiger set, which are new to me. The exercises are simple but powerful, and I was surprised that doing even the very first step revealed structural imbalances that I hadn't noticed--while simultaneously providing an avenue to correct them! Doing the exercises for just a couple weeks has already improved my ability to feel the energy in my other practices. I got so excited about this that I ordered Frantzis' new Dragon and Tiger Teaching Manual so I can learn the rest of the exercises. That's the greatest thing to me, that everything you learn from The Chi Revolution is remarkably useful as it is, and, if you get excited by your progress, you can go more deeply into any of the practices through Frantzis's other books and training programs.



2. The Chi Revolution teaches, in straightforward text and clear illustrations, a very good introductory workout which will demonstrate the possibilities of energy practices to someone with no previous experience. Other chapters introduce chi work in context of Eastern and Western medicine and culture. Very valuable.



3. Another accessible, very practical book by Bruce Frantzis. Read the first section of this book if you are looking for information on the benefits of chi gung and you want to understand what it will do for your health and well being. Not only is chi gung a great way to feel better and have more energy, but people are using it to prevent and heal all kinds of chronic degenerative conditions, improve their mental function, and balance their emotions.
   Read the second section of the book if you are interested in understanding the breadth and depth of what Taoist practices can offer you. In this very readable book, you will begin to understand what Taoism is all about, rather than some poetic or cryptic philosophy that is not very understandable.
   In the last part of the book, you are given an amazing gift. This section teaches you five very easy to learn, yet very potent exercises. These exercises are quite effective. Don't be surprised if you feel benefits right away. The price of the book is miniscule compared to the benefits you can begin to feel from doing these exercises. The information in the first two sections of the book will inspire you to do the exercises taught very clearly here.



4. This little book has quite a lot in it. Frantzis manages to make it both a beginner's book about Taoist Chi practices and a book relevant to those who are more advanced and are curious about the heart and soul of Taoist Chi and spiritual practices.
   
   I really found it very useful to my own Chi Gung practice. The things he emphasizes over and over again, like getting go, training to feel inside your body, relaxing at physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels really revamped my ideas of how to do Chi Gung. It is also an entertaining read, as the author has an entertaining writing style and puts in personal stories here and there about his own very interesting life.
   
   The practices towards the end of the book are taken from some of the other things that he teaches (Dragon & Tiger Chi Gung comes to mind most prominently) and to my inexperienced eye it seemed like a very good starting point for beginner practitioners. The moves are simple, and portrayed in a candid and straightforward manner.
   
   Bang for the buck, this is a must have in any Chi Gung practitioners library. Destined to become a classic of books on the subject IMHO.



5. The easy to understand writing style makes this an effortless read, which lets you get down to absorbing the information better than any other book I've read in this field. It's also a great motivator for your practice and the health giving exercises presented here really work.
   
   If you're embarking on anything chi related to improve your health, or just curious about the subject, this is an essential read and should be your first stop. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and QiGong (Book & DVD).

1. I found this book to be very informative but... there were just too many subtle (or not so subtle actually) advertisements by the author for his full length DVD program. The DVD that was included with the book was a disappointment to me also and was one hint after another to purchase the whole program from the author. The DVD also seemed to lack the essence of Tai Chi/Qigong and was very choppy (since of course it was actually a preview of the author's full length DVD program). I will refer to the book again but I don't ever want to suffer through the included DVD again.



2. This book is easy to read and has easy to follow instructions. It is not only informational, it is also a hands-on approach to learning T'ai Chi. I am delighted with the content and quality!!!



3. Ordered this book along with T'ai Chi for Dummies. Both are good and useful resources as a suppliment to formal training. If you are considering taking T'ai Chi, please do so under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The information about QiGong was also good. The video was so-so. It is also a good book to look at if you are considering learning T'ai Chi.



4. I have had a long time interest in Tai Chi, this book has provided information that has been very hepful to me. It is interesting and easy to follow.



5. When purchasing this book/dvd combination, I was hoping to get an introduction to Tai Chi that I could practically evaluate and practice. Instead, what I received was a poorly veiled advertisement for the author's 4 DVD set of instructional videos.
   
   While the book does contain certain valuable facts about Tai Chi (history, etc), this is not something that you can pick up and begin doing Tai Chi exercises within an hour. The DVD on the other hand is almost completely useless and while advertising the full length 4 DVD set - looks as if it were filmed in the author's living room with long curtains hiding his sofa.
   
   I would not recommend this product. Two stars b/c the book isn't all that bad - but is not a practical application of Tai Chi - and that may have been my mistake.