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QIGONG BOOKS
Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Yang Jwing-Ming. By YMAA Publication Center.
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5 comments about The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment.
- This book was my very first introduction to Qi Gong several years ago. The material herein was made clear even to a complete novice such as myself. The plethora of information presented is clearly defined, and explained in the context of both wai dan (external) and nei dan (internal) cultivation.
Whether you are a complete beginner or someone already familiar with the material, this book will enhance your wealth of Qi Gong knowlege greatly.
- Good introduction to Qigong with history, general terms and basic concepts, but not enough detail on how you really get started and practice exercises.
- This intro tome to the art is a product of the golden age of Chi Kung (see Qigong Fever: Body, Science, and Utopia in China). It's the result of a buying spree by the author on a visit home to Taiwan, during which he snatched up every Chi Kung document he could find -- and in those days, before the Falun Gong crackdown, that was probably a *lot*.
Yang's determination to cross-reference and characterize every single method he has read about is creditable, but as he freely admits, he certainly has not practiced every single thing he is describing. What you are getting here is a digest of written material. The initial attitude is great, speaking of tradition with the highest respect but also granting the need to test it and acknowledge it wrong if necessary, and insisting the reader not take the book as infallible.
I learned from the pool of info -- terminological clarifications, subtle distinctions in breathing and work with the emotional mind, things of that kind. But I didn't learn as much as I had expected. The material is repetitive. It's mostly pretty basic stuff, but since it's presented neither simply enough nor coherently enough to practice from, I would not recommend it for a beginner. Conversely, if you are experienced in Chi Kung this will mostly be stuff you already know.
Despite the initial "I'm not the final authority" attitude, there are endless exhortations with the words 'must' and 'should' about correct practice scattered everywhere; I don't always agree with them, nor with the order of work Yang lays out which he seems to regard as unshakably correct. Some warnings are useful, but the exhaustive list given here verges on the pedantic.
Yang is good on interactions of Yi/intent with Xin/emotion, the various distinctions between forms of Jing and Qi, the relation of Shen to Ling -- things like that. Some of the definitions are overly rigid for my taste. Like so many writers of this period, Yang loves Western physics and medical physiology, but knows nothing of psychology (let alone things like art). "The gallbladder is responsible for decision-making" is more his mode. There's much speculation about the human magnetic field without evidence (as he admits) which he hopes could point to a 'physics of chi', but serious mental topics such as chi deviation and emotional regulation are considered entirely from the traditional "train your ape and this too shall pass" point of view. I found him a trifle Buddhist here for my taste, as he often considers emotion an infallible source of evil.
Very properly, Yang wishes to point up the history of Chi Kung. His retailing isn't bad although scholars of Taoism might object to the ideas that exiting the wheel of dharma was the goal of all Chinese religious Chi Kung, that Taoism was an entirely scholarly phenomenon prior to the arrival of Buddhism, or that Taoists all believe in reincarnation. The information is again a little rigid and one-dimensional for a volume of scholarly research, but not straightforward practice material either. A visual summary of the 12 meridians and 8 vessels rounds out the presentation.
Cultivators looking for additional perspective on their practice will find stuff here, but this isn't a good beginner's book. It's a product of its time. I still intend to check out the work Yang has done on the orbit and tendon/marrow traditions, and respect him as a researcher, but this work was a little less enlightening and all-embracing than I'd hoped a really big, juicy Chi Kung Encyclopedia might be.
- awesome awesome awesome book. i've never seen a book that has this much detail and info in it. don't expect that it is going to teach you how to do qigong. what it has is the theory of why you're doing what your doing, of how things work. it's a great theory book.
- Dr Yang presents the subject for the inspired student of life energy. I was drawn to it because I began to feel the electric-like energy from a Nei-Gong style called Kunlun. I wanted to know terminology, history, anatomy referenced energy movement and how to increase and store Chi. This textbook satisfied my expectations plus I feel educated and not just teased with some information. I strongly recommend it for beginning mastery.
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Yang jwing-Ming and Jwing-Ming Yang. By YMAA Publication Center.
The regular list price is $14.95.
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5 comments about Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health: The Eight Pieces of Brocade.
- A very interesting presentation of one approach to QiGong. A good addition to a student of the art's library. Well written and easy to follow with an abundance of clear pictures.
- Dr. Yang explains the exercises very well, especially what they do to the body. All of his books (those he wrote, anyway) are excellent (not all qigong books are, so appreciate him!). It took me about 90 mins to learn the exercises, and it takes a good 20 mins to do them quickly (about 45 mins if you do the 20 repetitions he recommends). The exercises HAVE been around for thousands of years, and they're also called Ba Juan Din (or some such), and no one's sure if they were warm up exercises or for healing. I wish Dr. Yang would've said how long it takes before results are seen, or how long to practice. I've since learned it's 100 days. YMAA has a feedback page on their Web site, and I filled out the registration page so I could post and was annoyed when a computer glitch prevented me from posting. Emails to the YMAA to address this were never answered.
- I have no expertise with which to judge the way the exercises are presented, but I do feel it wasn't filmed well. It was hard sometimes to see just what he was doing; sometimes his hands were out of view above his head or behind his back.
- This book includes too much biographical information about the writer and ethnocentrically Chinese explanations about the exercises. The author knows what he writes about, but I would find him easier to use if he wrote more concisely and for U.S.-western readers.
- VERY INSIGHTFULL THIS MAN KNOW HIS ART. AND WORK HARD TO LEARN YOU COULD LEARN A LOT FROM THE VIDEO
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Yang Jwing-Ming and Jwing-Ming Yang. By YMAA Publication Center.
The regular list price is $29.95.
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5 comments about Qigong, The Secret of Youth: Da Mo's Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Classics.
- VARRY INFORMATIVE! EXTREMLY DEATAILED! GOOD AUTHER VARRY OPEN AND WILLING TO EXEPT NEW THERIES AND SINENTIFIC INVESTIGATION! THIS INFO HAS BEN SECRET FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS AND IS NOW JUST STARTING TO BECOME AVALIBLE! GET THE BOOK BEFOR THIS ONE TO!
- The reason people give this LESS STARS is most likely due to their inability to comprehend the true dedication and long term commitment this training requires. The fact that this training has even been uncovered and now available for the lay person is a miracle! Dr. Yang has the trifecta of expertise (the rare ability of translating Ancient Chinese Writings, the know-how and expertise of The Oriental Arts, and a modern day expertise of science with a PhD in Physics from Purdue) which makes this work close to the pinnacle of his existence. This is not a quick read. A long term commitment to progression beyond your present comprehension is a good idea for this one. Do not start something you can't finish, this training is very very serious. It is life changing and it is exactly what Dr. Yang plans spending his retirement years now doing, amongst the giant redwoods, in northern California. This is only for the most serious meditators, but a MUST HAVE for a more encompassing understanding of your training, whatever your direction.
- We are blessed that Dr. Yang has these information still in print.
Most true Kung Fu manuals are not printed any longer.
Many Kung Fu manuals, Martial arts manuals, books today are garbage. There is an old saying in Chinese.
True Kung Fu technique is taught in a page. Fake is in volumes.
The old teachers do not like to talk a lot. They keep it brief.
There are many many information collected here. Many techniques.
The thickness of the book is justified.
My Chinese Kung Fu manuals are thin. As thin as a pen, or a post it note. Some are thicker.
The garbage is really thick. This book is NOT garbage.
I have not read the entire book.
I have not found the chinese writings either as mentioned by another review here.
If they are there, the Chinese writings were presented to prove the source of the translation, and for those, like me, who can read Chinese, can interpret the meanings ourselves. I have 4 of his other books, also have Chinese in the last few pages, but not seen it yet in this book.
The Shaolin exercises are real. I have the Chinese version from another author printed before 1930. I haven't dedicated my life to practicing them, due to distractions in life. No I don't have an ipod, a big distraction today. But there are other distractions. and 24 hours a day isn't enough for me to use.
The information presented here are gathered from many sources, I believe, and organized in a way Dr. Yang and his teachers would believe as appropriate.
The diagrams on the 4 seasons were very helpful for me to understand the source of some of the 6 healing sounds, and how some people remember them in the past. You didn't see them ? You didn't pay attention. And you cannot read Chinese.
The information teaches: Getting up before sunrise.
Never knew the reason until I read it here.
Lots of information. Too much. Depending on your age, you should only practice some of the information taught here.
You cannot have time to practice all unless you are still 22 or younger.
It takes 10 years to succeed in ONE practice/ skill routine.
You think it takes 2 days ? 2 months ?
2 years would built a foundation. And most "fakes" would take this opportunity to teach and make money.
Update:
The Shaolin exercises needs to be modified to be perfect. Take it easy.
Take it slow.
Or you will over exert and give up like I did at one time
The clue is about our heart, and American way of isolating the muscles
for strengthening works here.
- This is hands down, one of the best, most complete sources of info on general Qi Gong that you can find. If you are a beginner, you will find everything you need to know about the history, theory, and practice, within this great book.
If you are an intermediate or advanced student, you will find this a good source of reference whenever you need a reminder.
Yang Jwing Ming outlines in great detail the history of Chinese Qi Gong before and after Bodhidarma, it's various types and aspects, how it works, and why. A welcome addition to any collection.
- Dr. Yang is certainly a prolific reader of classical Chinese literature on meditation, chi kung and internal martial arts. Though he sometimes confused himself and over-simplified matters (like his "modern" interpretation of kan and li as a simple balance between heat and cool, which everybody can appreciate without the "confusing" concept of kan and li!), he did a good job in translating these to the west, in particular to western folks who teach the stuff to westerners and need to back-up their teaching with more background information of their practice.
Having said that, I find the practical content of this book quite disappointing, because it over promises. As a proficient martial artist, Dr. Yang is more than qualified to introduce and teach Yi Jin Jing. That practice however is readily available in many literature if one cares to search the web. Learning from Dr. Yang is of course a good choice but treating the practice as esoteric or hidden secret will be quite another matter.
Xi Sui Jing is actually a lost art (only being mentioned in some old classical Chinese literature without adequate instruction, as one can appreciate after reading Dr. Yang's book, not without some disappointment as I read one reviewer here felt) . It is therefore, to say the least, an over-promise for a book claiming to teach the stuff to its readers. According to available classical writings, Xi Sui Jing is very similar, if not the same as, Taoist practice of immortality. For readers interested to understand this practice, I would suggest them checking on Taoist Yoga: Alchemy & Immortality, the only Taoist classic on the subject (and an excellent one too) having been translated into the English language.
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Chunyi Lin and Gary Rebstock. By Spring Forest Qigong Company, Inc..
The regular list price is $15.95.
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5 comments about Born A Healer: I was born a healer. You were born a healer, too!.
- I borrowed this book and couldnt bare to return it! A must have in my library. A natural progression is to move onto DVDs and CDs. Very healing and so genuine.
- This is one of those books where you can tell you are getting information from someone who really knows their stuff. Check the springforestqigong website for other good info.Born A Healer: I was born a healer. You were born a healer, too!
- I purchased this book after reading Happy for No Reason, which profiled Chunyi Lin. He has an incredible life story to share, and the stories of his students are very inspirational. This book isn't meant as an instructional manual for Qigong, rather a modern day look at the healing potential of this practice. I've since ordered his introductory DVD to begin practicing this art myself.
- I love this book. It inspired me to contact Chunyi Lin and now I have an instructor who is helping me. I'm 81 years old and feeling better all the time.
- Liked the book. The first part is about Master Lin growing up in china during the cultural revolution. That part is a little intense. Although very educational and is included to give the reader a sense of the authors background. The rest is very good and basic qigong fundamentals. Enjoyed reading it.
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Deborah Davis. By Shambhala.
The regular list price is $24.95.
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5 comments about Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity: A Practical Guide for Women Forty and Older.
- I stumbled upon Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity while looking in a magazine while at a hotel in Ashland, Oregon. There was an article on a local author. I tried to find the book at a couple of bookstores while in Ashland with no luck. I decided to try Amazon as soon as I returned home. No wonder I couldn't find it -- it hadn't been released yet. So I pre-ordered it that day. As soon as I received it and read it, I ordered three more copies to give to my friends! It's a fabulous book! (I studied tai chi and qigong for eight years, but had fallen out of practice.) Now, I am starting to practice again, thanks to finding this book. The information in the book is invaluable to women of any age. It's never too early to start protecting your health and learning to "work your qi" is the best way to start. The book has different routines for different age levels so it can be used for decades! Deborah Davis explains qi and the five element system in a way that is easily understood even without a tai chi/qigong background. I am truly grateful that I have found this book and you will be, too. Buy a couple (get free shipping) and share with friends -- you'll be glad you did!!!
- I used to be intimidated by the thought of learning qi gong (chi gong) - I thought you had to find a master and then work really hard before you could be any good at it. Well, true, in order to be a master, one probably does have to train for a long time, but there are a number of great resources available for learning simple, beginning forms of qi gong to improve your health and energy level. This is one of them. The instructions and pictures make each exercise fairly easy to learn but I'm a person who prefers to be shown how to do something. So I got the author's DVD "The Spirit of Qi Gong" as a companion to the book and am very pleased with both. Many of the exercises in the book are included on the DVD and once you get used to the way they are done, you can pick up the ones that are not on the DVD from the book.
I am pleased that the book focuses on women from 40 and older because I would like to learn how to move into a healthy old age rather than being riddled with chronic diseases, having to take a lot of medications and gradually becoming more and more decrepit.
If you decide to explore qi gong, be aware that there are a number of different forms, that it's part of the huge body of Chinese knowledge which includes Tai Chi, acupuncture, martial arts and herbal medicine( and no doubt other subjects). Look for books and DVDs which give clear, concise directions and explanations and pictures. Take a class if that's available and be patient with yourself. At the beginner's level, the exercises are simple and easy to learn, graceful and rewarding.
"I encountered Deborah Davis, and her masterfully produced and engaging DVD `The Spirit of Qi Gong,' early in my recovery from a serious, unexpected health event. Both her counsel and the Chinese exercises have had a profoundly positive effect on my physical and mental health. My now daily practice of Qi Gong--besides consistently significantly reducing my blood pressure!--continues to improve my outlook on life and my ability to deal with life's stresses."
--B. Darves
- As a personal trainer, senior fitness specialist, mind body specialist, tai chi and yoga teacher I am always looking for wonderful things to add to my classes.
"Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity" by Deborah Davis is an excellent choice. The information is easy to understand and relates well to our modern lifestyle. The exercises are explained well and easy to follow. The six healing sounds and accompanying movements are a beneficial addition to any fitness routine or program.
The specialized chapters: Breast Health, Menopause, Depression, Heart Health etc. help each person set up a program specific to their own needs. This is an added bonus.
Deborah's Dvd "The Spirit of Qi Gong" which contains the six healing sounds and their accompaning exercises is a valuable addition to your wellness library, again it is easy to understand and follow and makes you feel wonderful while doing it as well as when you are finished.
I highly recommend both the book and the dvd to beginners, or those like me who have been practicing for years.
Dixie Howell
- I love this book! I take a bi-weekly Qigong class and also have several Qigong videos. However, both of these are taught by men. This book is especially written by a woman for women. It is extremely informative and the pictures are especially helpful and useful. I found it so helpful for me, I bought a copy for my sister.
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Bill Douglas. By Alpha.
The regular list price is $24.95.
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5 comments about Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and QiGong (Book & DVD).
- This is my teacher. I wanted the book he wrote as well as his latest DVD (available at Amazon). Wonderful--there is lots of great info here as well as instruction in Tai Chi and Qigong movement.
- Misleading-----thought that we were getting a dvd for instruction as well as the book. The book is to difficult to follow but the author will be more than glad to sell you another dvd for instruction. I wish that I had not wasted the money!
- It is amusing reading some of the reviews of this book. In spite of what some of the previous reviewers stated, this is a very good book to learn the basics of Tai Chi and QiGong. As for the author creating his own system, so what? If he has studied these arts under previous masters for many years, he is free to create his own method of doing Tai Chi or QiGong. Most of the so called masters did the very same thing. They learned from someone else and than created their own Tai Chi or QiGong system. This is an excellent text for beginners in Tai Chi who are also taking it from an instructor. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).
- I have been a TaiChi practitioner for more than 10 years.
TaiChi is also one kind of Qigong (ch'i kung).
My life experience about TaiChi: it is life, healthy, and powerful, if a learner is on the right track.
I think this book is as good as lots original Qigong books in Chinese.
Sam Song
Author,
Learning Chinese The Easy Way with great fun and joy!
- It is a good book and DVD, but I was hoping for a DVD I could work out with. Now I need to buy his DVD also.
Sandra
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Roger Jahnke. By McGraw-Hill.
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5 comments about The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi.
- This was a very informative introduction to Chinese medicine written by
an American who became a Chinese doctor. The only criticism would be the
description of exercises to maximize "chi". A video/DVD is a much
better tool. I highly recommend this for those interested in a
different but highly successful approach to health care.
- great info on your own self. you can learn to heal yourself with your own self. easy gentle excerises that can have a great effect if one is consistant with the practice. Also read THE HEALER WITHIN by same author.
- I approached this book as a novice and not as a member of the choir to whom the author is preaching. I've been doing QiGong on a daily basis for some time using a DVD by Daisy and Francesco Garripoli. I've found Qigong to be enjoyable and relaxing. If done well it approaches an art form which adds to the interest. I use Qigong as part of a healthy life style, which includes; some Tai Chi, aerobic activities, good diet and maintenance of proper weight (possibly the most important factor of all).
Given the title, and having read the book, I ask myself now why I bought it. The answer is simple curiosity. The idea of chi being defined as a life force was believable. I would prefer to define it as the indefinable something that explains the difference between life and death. It makes sense that your life force will be improved by maintaining a healthy body; if, in fact, it exists in a state other than "on" or "off". Some of the discussion of ones' mental state, and modification thereof appears beneficial. I have a problem when the author delves deeply into the alleged spiritual aspects of chi. There is never a mention of God, but the concepts smack of what I'd call a "nature cult".
Being completely healthy I have no need or compelling reason to believe the medical claims of chi or Qigong. Given that, I read the medical information with a critical eye. The fact that guided physical movements are beneficial is not a revelation of the Chinese. Physical therapy is used for a variety of problems with great success. Using qigong or any form of exercise that tones the entire body makes a great deal of sense, as any doctor will tell you. A healthy body is less prone to disease.
The book has a number of good ideas at a rational level that are worthwhile. I especially like the concept of Yin and Yang. It is an interesting way to look at the many things, often conflicting, in one's life and provides some understanding and balance.
This is not the book to buy if you are interested in physical qigong. There is precious little in the book. A good DVD works. Qigong figures are simpler than Tai Chi and can be learned from a DVD. Of course, a good teacher would be the best choice.
Other than the philosophical differnce my biggest criticism of the book is that it is too long. The author uses repetition and word volume to explain his esoteric concepts.
Other than the above, the book is well written and referenced. At one point the author does provide some very practical advice; i.e., see a medical doctor for a physical problem and a psychiatrist for a mental problem.
- This book is a fantastic, comprehensive book on chi. It walks through the phases of cultivating chi (gathering, circulating, ect) and goes on to transmitting chi/healing. it gives info on the culture of chi and .... bottom line, if you buy this book - you won't need another book on Chi for a long time.
I think this book is a great introduction, to provide a great overview , that also gives practice methods. In addition, I think this would be a great book for reference for someone who is experienced. I especially like the appendix where Jenkhe links Chi with new age and science.
- The book I ordered was delivered in precisely the described condition and timely. Good job!
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Shifu Yan Lei. By Yan Lei Press.
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4 comments about Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity.
- Well written and interesting. Good for anyone wanting to gain health and longevity. Shifu Yan Lei tells of his own training in temple and now shares with you the reader his years of experience. The exercises can be performed by any adult regardless of what shape you are in. If you like the book I would suggest getting his video "Shaolin Warrior Qigong workout 1". The two together will make it much easier to understand what's going on and watching Shifu on his videos is really an inspiration. Great book Shifu it was worth waiting for.
- one of the finest books on Qigong (and I have them all, plus 3 decades of practice)
inspiring pictures, easy to follow - profound, honest, modern AND clear: a gem!
- I have been practicing qigong for over 5 years and this is a great book to inspire continued practice. Great photos and nice easy to follow writing style. If you have never done qigong before, I would recommend the authors videos that are easier to learn from, but the book is great on its own if you have done qigong for a while. Highly recommended!
- Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout for Longevity is a step-by-step guide to the physical stretches, stances, self-massage, and exercises practiced by generations at the Shaolin Temple of Zen in China for 1500 years, as explained by author Shifu Yan Lei, a 34th generation fighting disciple of the Temple. People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from the healthful practices described (not just expert martial artists!); the plain-terms text and easy-to-follow illustrations make Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout for Longevity the next best teaching resource short of actually seeking personal instruction from a Shaolin Qigong master. An excellent, inexpensive way to improve the health and quality of one's daily routine.
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Suzanne Friedman. By New Harbinger Pubns.
The regular list price is $19.95.
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5 comments about Heal Yourself With Qigong: Gentle Practices to Increase Energy, Restore Health, and Relax the Mind.
- This book has shown me how to relax and become one with my body. Everyone must read this book!
- Ms. Friedman has the gift of being able to present sophisticated information in a non-pretentious and user friendly format. Judging by her introduction, she has learned to transform her lifestyle and free up her energy and this book provides the wisdom and practicality for the rest of us to join in. I know that as I get more familiarized with the exercises, I'll be sure to share the wealth with my psychotherapy clients
- This book is amazing for finding just what you need to address whatever issue you may be having. It is easy to use and written with a personal touch. The illustrations are helpful and easy to follow and the exercises work! I do the stress-reliever technique often at home and I also do it with my high school students and they love it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take their health and happiness into their own hands!
- I was disappointed based on the other reviews. I was looking for a more energized description of the exercises and memorable insight.
- This book is very clear and easy to follow. It has many special sections for specific parts of the body that you can focus on for healing. Love it!
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Posted in Qigong (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Ken Cohen. By Wellspring/Ballantine.
The regular list price is $17.95.
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5 comments about The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing.
- One cannot start out with a better in-depth look at Qigong that is both interesting, useful, practical and still does not bog one down with too much extraneous information. Yes, Mr. Cohen seems to get carried away with some elements that seem unimportant (such as which teas to drink), but the book is a very encompassing look at Qigong and some taichi. This book is a must for anyone who is interested in improving their health; whether at the level of being quite ill to improving their already good health.
- As a first book with a broad general description of the rationale behind qigong (and relevant chinese philosophical and medical concepts) this is a well organized and very readable initiation.
Some Strengths:
1. The breadth of the author's personal study here and in China. He has not only been a scholar of QiGong, but also of the language, culture and religion, especially Daoism -- the ancient chinese root of these practices. This broader context enriches his ability to read more widely in the original sources/commentaries, to ground what he teaches in its social context for China as well as the US, and to be discriminative about implied meanings and claims.
2. The breadth of his studies in other indigenous health traditions, whether specifically mentioned here or not, I suspect adds to his comparative abilities to recognize and ocmmunicate some of the "universal" concepts particularly well for beginners.
3. Very extensive footnoting and referencing which helps provide more sources for those interested to verify his assertions and/or expand their own studies. These provide a solid resource for returning even after the "beginning stage" seemed to have past -- then again at some level one may be a beginner for a very long time when attempting to understand and use a tradition that has evolved across millenia!!!
4. Appropriate and useful information about learning to "interpret" scientific studies about qigong and the claims of masters.
5. Introduction to some of the most common techniques for health purposes (Eight Brocades, Five Animal Frolics, etc) with readily accessible references to study them more deeply.
6. Includes a representative variety of breathing, meditation and active techniques -- many of which are adaptable to persons with limited physical endurance or mobility.
6. A schematic of a potential learning/workout program that can then be individualized according to one's own needs/interests.
Persons wishing to learn a single technique in great detail (such as microcosmic breathing, the Eight Brocades, or the full movements associated with a particular school or animal) may find this work by itself to be too broad and not deep enough for their specific focus. Likewise, the person who is time pressured and just wants a simple place to start a few exercises may feel lost in all the choices and details. However, I enjoyed finding his carefully detailed and researched map of the world of QiGong. Thus am grateful for the opportunity to experience through his eyes a well-guided skyview, before attempting to diving in on my own solo missions. After the first read; I have eagerly returned to select my own places to start within his array of choices, I have felt better equipped with knowledge about why I would be doing a particular practice, and I have felt his book enhanced my enjoyment of seeing where these trails lead me.
A nice companion for those unavoidable hurried times, however, are the very succinct books by Suzanne Friedmann.
- Not much to pontificate about. Order was timely, notifications were timely, product was of high quality.
- Excellent--but a BIG book. It's great if you are looking for a scholarly work. No photos of poses though, just somewhat crude drawings. KEN COHEN'S "QIGONG" CD, however, IS WONDERFUL! And it comes with a tiny booklet that provided me with all the info I needed. I did already have the Deborah Davis book and CD set ("Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity"). It IS TERRIFIC! BOOK IS GREAT. (And it is not just for women; plenty of good info for all.)
- I teach tai chi and this is the best book I've ever read on the art of qigong. Extremely clear & comprehensive. I've read it once and have started on a second read. It's a book I'll use as a reference in the coming years. Can't say enough good things about it. If you practice qigong or tai chi, you most definitely will want to read this. And if you don't know anything about these arts, this is a great place to start.
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The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment
Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health: The Eight Pieces of Brocade
Qigong, The Secret of Youth: Da Mo's Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Classics
Born A Healer: I was born a healer. You were born a healer, too!
Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity: A Practical Guide for Women Forty and Older
Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and QiGong (Book & DVD)
The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi
Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity
Heal Yourself With Qigong: Gentle Practices to Increase Energy, Restore Health, and Relax the Mind
The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing
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