"Science is a way of thinking about and investigating the accuracy of assumptions about the world. It is a process for solving problems in which we learn from our mistakes. Social work has a long history of social reform and helping efforts. Let us continue this by paying attention to the important message of this book. --Eileen Gambrill, PhD, School of Social Welfare University of California at Berkeley (From the Foreword) Although many psychosocial interventions used in social work practice have strong research evidence supporting their efficacy, a surprising number do not, potentially resulting in harmful outcomes. In this book, the authors cast a critical eye on the reality of commonly used scientific and pseudoscientific practices in social work today. Stressing the need for separating research-based practices from those not supported by adequate levels of evidence, they examine the scientific and pseudoscientific bases for popular social work interventions used in a variety of treatment settings. The text examines the misuse of legitimate research and describes how social work education training can and should discourage pseudoscience. The concluding chapter describes pathways through which social work practice can become more firmly grounded in contemporary scientific research. This engaging book is intended for courses in critical thinking and evidence-based practice and is a valuable resource for all social work students and practitioners. Key Features: Promotes critical thinking regarding the evidence-based research--or lack thereof--behind a variety of social work interventions Written by renowned social work educators Addresses the history and characteristics of pseudoscience Examines pseudoscience practices in assessment and work with children, adolescents, adults, and individuals with developmental difficulties

Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. The Chinese have long treasured qigong for its effectiveness both in healing and in preventing disease, and more recently they have used it in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. Now in this fascinating, comprehensive volume, renowned qigong master and China scholar Kenneth S. Cohen explains how you too can integrate qigong into your life--and harness the healing power that will help your mind and body achieve the harmony of true health.

The definitive guide to energy cultivation excersise. Includes expert tips on how to practise Qigong for health, spiritual development and martial prowess.

Vital Breath of the Dao is a fully illustrated guide to the historical background, practical application, underlying principles and techniques of Qigong, a way of physical and spiritual cultivation, and a way of life. Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong is a uniquely potent practice designed to bolster health and deepen spiritual connection to universal energy. Lineage holder Master Zhongxian Wu uses story-telling and a wealth of practical examples to introduce this powerful 24-movement Qigong form, which combines the traditions of ancient shamanism, Confucianism, Daoism, classical Chinese medicine, and the martial arts. An excellent introduction for Qigong beginners, the book will also be of interest to experienced practitioners, students of classical Chinese Medicine and anyone interested in Classical Chinese culture and anthropology.

An internationally respected doctor of Chinese medicine and author of the bestselling "The Healer Within" clearly and simply explains the concepts of qigong. 125 illustrations.

This is one of the first studies of traditional medical education in an Asian country. Conducting extensive fieldwork in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in the People's Republic of China, Elisabeth Hsu became the disciple of, a Qigong master a scholarly private practitioner, who almost wordlessly conveys esoteric knowledge and techniques; attended seminars given by a senior Chinese doctor, an acupuncturist and masseur, who plunges his followers into the study of arcane medical classics, and studied with students at the Yunnan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the standardised knowledge of official Chinese medicine is inculcated. Dr Hsu compares the theories and practices of these different Chinese medical traditions and shows how the same technical terms may take on different meanings in different contexts. This is a fascinating, insider's account of traditional medical practices, which brings out the way in which the context of instruction shapes knowledge.

Beloved Qigong master Robert Peng returns with meditations to empower you to tap into the limitless wisdom contained in your body. “Peace on earth mirrors peace within,” says Robert Peng. Yet when we bring energies of disharmony into our lives—like stress, trauma, and discord—those energies take up residence in our bodies and minds. Feelings of isolation and disconnection, according to Peng, are manifestations of a divided mind. Fortunately, the answer for restoration is all around us in the form of life-giving Qi. With The Way of Virtue, this renowned teacher presents a hands-on guide to Qigong meditations designed to channel healing energy precisely where it’s most needed—and make room for the abundant virtues that naturally arise from a balanced body. Peng expertly describes the nature of the mind and guides you toward the awakening of Spirit, offering the opportunity to cultivate a consistent practice and invite profound changes in well-being. Through his lucid descriptions, along with illustrations and audio guidance, he presents Qigong meditations focused on the organ system and meridian network, as well as healing sounds, paving the way to a deeper connection with one’s spiritual practice. Here you’ll learn which emotions are stored in specific organs, along with practices to draw in Qi to awaken and empower your bodymind. As you engage in these practices, you’ll unleash the virtuous qualities of every internal organ: courage, kindness, resilience, and much more. Building to the final three meditations, you’ll be guided to awaken particular aspects of the mind and their related virtues, including: • The Six Healing Sounds to awaken Higher Mind for goodwill • The Twelve Meridian Empowerment to awaken Pure Mind for benevolence • Huo Lu Gong Spirit Cultivation to awaken Spirit for peace “Our bodies contain the virtues that our world needs,” shares Robert Peng. Meditation is a powerful means to awaken these qualities and harmonize our connection to the world. When suffused with Qi, every cell becomes charged with vitality and benevolence—and you will radiate this nourishing energy wherever you go.