A guide to the history, theory and practice of chi-gung, the ancient Taoist system of health rooted in movement, breathing, meditation, and massage Chi-gung, which literally means “energy work”: is a system of cultivating health, vitality, and longevity that is based on the fundamental principles of Taoism and the laws of nature. Practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years, chi-gung works with the energy found in all living things to help rid the body of the imbalances that sap our strength and give rise to disease. The simple, meditative movements, breathing exercises, and massage techniques that are the basis of chi-gung can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness. Originally published under the title Harnessing the Power of the Universe, this book provides a detailed overview of chi-gung, describing the techniques of movement, breathing, and massage that are intrinsic to this ancient Taoist system of health.

The beneficial health effects of daily chi-gung practice have long been known in China, but in the West, chi-gung is becoming increasingly used for general well-being and to complement conventional medical treatment. The Essence of Chi-Gung is an easy-to-use workbook that teaches the fundamentals of chi-gung practice and provides a safe, basic daily regimen that can be adapted for people of all ages and physical abilities. The view in Chinese medicine is that good health is maintained by circulating and increasing chi, the vital life energy that we are all born with. In chi-gung practice, slow, rhythmic breathing is synchronized with body movements, in a way which is beneficial to both the nervous and immune systems and to overall health. This manual includes over fifty step-by-step illustrations of the warm-up exercises and movement forms.

"Bruce Frantzis demystifies the fundamental principles of chi gung and provides a comprehensive exercise program with detailed illustrations to increase life energy, improve health, boost sports performance, and combat stress and aging."--Provided by Publisher.

Learning the Chinese arts of Tai Chi and Qigong is a great way for children to relax, have fun, and strengthen body and mind. This easy-to-use teacher training pack provides step-by-step instructions and simple techniques that enable anyone to teach Tai Chi and Qigong to children. This interactive book and DVD set contains four tutorials that guide teachers through basic, intermediate and advanced exercises, as well as offering breathing and relaxation techniques to help create calm classrooms and beat exam stress. Proven to increase concentration levels, fitness and confidence, introducing children to Tai Chi and Qigong gives them the ideal foundation for a life of physical and mental well-being. This exciting training programme will be an indispensible resource for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging way to improve children's focus, health and happiness, and will be a welcome addition to any classroom, gym class or youth group.

Here is a detailed, easy-to-use guidebook for women forty and older on how to use gentle but powerful traditional Chinese exercises, breathing techniques, massage, meditation, and vocalizations to promote health, fitness, relaxation, and mental clarity; improve stamina; and even treat specific health concerns. Acupuncturist and longtime qigong practitioner Deborah Davis explains the traditional Chinese approach to health and the various components of qigong practice; gives general health routines for women in specific age groups; and offers do-it-yourself practices and routines for specific health issues including insomnia, hypertension and heart disease, menopause, sexual vitality, breast health, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and depression.

Qigong Empowerment is the most unique and complete volume ever written in the English language on qigong (Chi Kung). This volume can be used for attaining better health, for healing, for gaining extraordinary power, and for spiritual development. This volume consists of five books which covers: - Traditional Chinese Medical theories and qi cultivation methods. - Taoist methods to foster Essence, Qi, and Spirit. - Buddhist Esoteric Abilities of the Body, Speech, and Mind. - Emitting, Absorbing, and Healing Qigong. - Wushu (martial arts) Iron Shirt training. Qigong (Chi Kung) has been an integral part of Chinese culture since ancient China. High level qigong masters have always been respected and held in high esteem in Chinese society. Qi is a Chinese term used to refer to all types of energy. It is the intrinsic substance or the vital force behind all things in the universe. It is the medium between and within all material substances. We are all immersed in it. The term gong refers to the power to produce an effect, an attainment of, or an accomplishment that is achieved with steady practice. Loosely, qigong can be translated as the attainment of qi. Healers and the medical society use qigong for healing and preventing illness. Martial artists use qigong for developing incredible strength and abilities. Others use qigong to attain a greater consciousness.

In our busy lives we are bombarded by energy that taxes us and depletes our chi. This book of simple movements and meditations drawn from the Chinese arts of t'ai chi and chi gung will help restore your life energy, known as chi. Chi, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is the fuel and essence that connects body, mind, and spirit, and without it we fall apart physically, mentally, and spiritually. In Restoring Your Life Energy, well-known and respected t'ai chi master Waysun Liao explains why protecting our chi is so important, how chi gets taxed and damaged in our lives, and how to restore it. He explains: • The three levels of healing—physical, mental, and energetic/spiritual: what they are, why it is important to understand them, and how to target our practice to address each level; • Moving meditation, a powerful way of restoring chi (once we learn to sense the flow of chi, we can actually direct healing chi energy to areas in our body that need attention); • And how to integrate our knowledge of chi with conventional advice regarding diet, exercise, and medication. The book includes numerous exercises including "exercises for daily life," simple breathing and sensory meditations that can be done throughout the day; more advanced breathing and sensory meditations; standing exercises to move internal energy; "cleansing forms" to do during times of stress; and deeply cleansing and restorative "Tao gong" exercises.

An insightful introduction to the basics and benefits of chi energy, a tenet of Taoism and of popular martial arts like T’ai Chi, qigong, and more Chi is the invisible energy of life that flows in and around us throughout the universe. Used skillfully, it can have a remarkable effect on health and vitality—to the degree that you’d be tempted to call it magical, if it weren’t so completely natural. Here is a perfect introduction to chi that explains in a direct and simple way what it is and why it is essential to a healthy and vital life. It provides an easy-to-understand explanation of chi, and then helps readers recognize, develop, and strengthen their own chi through specific breathing techniques and basic exercises, all demonstrated by the author. There are many books on chi development through T’ai Chi and qigong practice, but this one goes deeper to enable you to understand the fundamental principles as you cultivate it. This book is a reference for alternative health professionals such as acupuncturists and shiatsu therapists and their patients, as well as for anyone who practices T’ai Chi, qigong, aikido, and other chi-based martial arts.

San Shou Kuai Jiao (Fast Wrestling for Fighting) is the Chinese martial art of throws and takedowns. A San Shou Kuai Jiao throw can cause tremendous damage to your opponent while keeping you safely on your feet. For centuries, fighters in China have valued this art for its speed and power. Today, China's police and military forces are trained in its techniques. Chinese Fast Wrestling for Fighting presents seventy-five throws and takedowns against punches, kicks, and grabs, and demonstrates basic training methods such as stances, footwork, and strength training. Written by a gold medal winner in Chinese wrestling (Liang), this book is a complete training guide to this powerful martial art. Throw your opponent to the ground - fast! Effective for competition and self-defense. 460 action photos detail every technique. Includes a chapter on ground fighting.

A leading authority on the topic introduces the theory and practice of "chi-gung"--which literally means "energy work"--the ancient Chinese healing system.