Qigong Books

There are some outstanding features to this book which are worth a comment:

First, chi theory is presented in English that is comprehensible to the ordinary American. Nothing too technical, no mumbo jumbo. Very solid explanations.

Second, the two qigong routines that are presented, the "18 Figures" and "Eight Figures for Every Day" are well illustrated and contain clear and not overly-wordy instructions. There's just nothing like trying to learn a move while holding the book in one hand and reading through a sea of verbiage while simultaneously trying to imitate fuzzy or poorly-posed photos. You won't find that here!

Third, the book is not too long. It's what you need to know for the beginning or intermediate levels and that's all. Also, there is nothing religious, nothing spiritual, and nothing new age to be found anywhere. The instruction is drawn from medicine and the martial arts.

Fourth, the movements themselves in both routines are more physical than one often finds in other qigong sets. This is truly a fitness workout, although most people in average condition should not have any difficulty with the moves. Anyway, if something doesn't work for you, you can always adapt it to your situation. The qigong police won't come for you.

The only improvement I would suggest to the publishers, should YMAA decide to reprint this book, is that it should come with a DVD in a little plastic pouch glued to the inside back cover. There used to be a video, but I can't seem to find that anywhere. A do-along DVD workout would make this easy program even easier to learn.

I am pleased to recommend this book. It lives up to the high standards I have come to expect from YMAA.

A marvellous book for both beginners and advanced practitioners of the art of Qigong!
At the very heart of Grandmaster Qingshan Liu`s book is a practical introduction to the famous series of "Qigong Harmony in 18 Figures" and "The Eight Figures for every Day".
Exact and detailed descriptions of the movements and breathing allow you to easily perform the exercises on your own.
In addition, the rhythm of the movements and breathing are
illustrated on a timeline, which is especially helpful.

The presentation of the text is clearly arranged and organized and the language easy to understand.
A series of photos accompany and illustrate each of the Qigong movements which are being demonstrated by Qigong Grandmaster Qingshan Liu himself.

In the first and last part of his book Qingshan Liu talks in a vivid way about the theoretical background and the basis of Qigong as well as the philosophy of "Qi".
He also answers frequently asked questions concerning both practicing Qigong and the emotional and physical reactions Qigong provokes.

The book suits both beginners` and advanced Qigong-practitioners` purposes extraordinarily well!

It is clear structured. We lern how to understand the differences between the west medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I tried many teachers, but a teacher like this book, makes me understand what I have lerned before, this is the first time I have found the right teacher. I am very happy reading this book. I have tried also the Video in English und German, it is a great help. I do the exersices every day. I can easily do the 18Figures, because Master Liu is just standing in front of me, I can feel the Qi from him. I feel much better while and after the exercise. Thank you so much Mr. Qingshan Liu!

It is clear structured. We lern how to understand the differences between the west medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I tried many teachers, but a teacher like this book, makes me understand what I have lerned before, this is the first time I have found the right teacher. I am very happy reading this book. Thank you so much Mr. Qingshan Liu! I will lern your school

This is a book giving you much fun to read and make it very easy to learn and understand Qigong and the essens of the Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will get health, wellbeing and joyfull living. Go for it! (I am 31 Years old).

This was an easy read. Easy suggestions to put into practice. It is helpful to clients as well as therapists. The "magic" is in its simplicity. What could be better than that?

This book can help many people... It's a great way to enhance anyones well-being and mental health. I think everyone working with people with depression, bi-polar, etc can greatly become a better professional by using qigong in their practice. Anyone who reads this book will benefit from this information!

Reading Patrick Dougherty's Qigong in Psychotherapy feels like having a very centered, peaceful conversation with the author. Leaving aside the esoteric jargon, Dougherty offers insightful comments that can help psychotherapists of different pursuasions incorporate Taoist mindfulness into their practices. He does a nice job of giving case examples in which he illustrates the use of focused breathing with clients in a way that helps them (and the therapist) invigorate their sense of compassion for self and others. This small volume is well worth reading and sharing with others.
Stuart B. Bonnington, Ed.D., LMFT

Thoughtful and insightful not just for people in the field but for everyone interested in improving life - it should be subtitled "Heal Your Heart - Help Your Life" - An easy read - I enjoyed the wonderful real life stories - it really makes you think about your family and the people you meet and what a few chosen words can mean - I would highly recommend this book! If you have not experienced Qigong yet that should be your next step!

I'm reading Qigong in Psychotherapy for the second time and I suspect I'll read it more times. I think this book is brilliant! Though the title might suggest it's just for psychotherapists (or their clients)I think it's a wonderful book for everyone who's interested in being happy and healthy. It weaves wonderful stories about the author and his clients with clear explanations about things like stress and breath and qigong, and practical tools to make good living more available. I find the subtitle accurate: "you can do so much by doing so little". This book is the kind I love to read from a little every night before I go to sleep - inspiring and soothing at the same time.

The book arrived in a timely manner and was in pristeen condition. It is also a good read.

I have perused over a dozen "Tai Chi" books and found them all to be mostly useless. The average Tai Chi book either presents page after page of postures and katas without any meaningful explanation, or provides some quasi-mystical New-Agey commentary that makes little sense -- and then there are Erle's bizarre "combat tajiquan" books. It had gotten to the point that I had given up on ever finding a book that could help me to understand the basic principals of Tai Chi . . . and then a friend gave me the gift of "Sunrise Tai Chi" by Ramel Rones.

This book is amazing. Unlike other authors, Ramel does not start out with a dry commentary on the history of the art, followed by a few pages of speculation regarding the concept of qi, then filling the bulk with page after page of complex and difficult to follow katas. No -- he goes right into the deep esoteric secrets of qi -- explaining in easy to understand language exactly why people derive benefits from Tai Chi practice. I've studied similar topics for years, and have friends who have mastered various Eastern modalities, so I can attest that Ramel is highly qualified to expound on these difficult subjects -- and he does so in depth.

The middle portion of the book covers preliminary stretches and postures. Ramel goes into great detail here as well, and points out many common errors that require correction. Proper body mechanics, breathing, relaxation, and meditation are also covered.

The forms are simple and easy to learn. Anyone can do them. And, although this is an "introductory" text, there is a GREAT DEAL of information that will be of use to current Tai Chi students, as many concepts addressed here are NOT fully understood and appreciated by the average instructor. This book serves to fill in the gaps in one's knowledge and correct any possible misconceptions.

This is an outstanding book, and the techniques work exactly as Ramel says they do. I am recovering from PTSD and have been under an enormous amount of environmental stress as of late -- which has resulted in an inordinate amount of tension that has been manifesting as an annoying facial tic. A week after practicing just the relaxation techniques (haven't yet started doing the forms), I'm feeling a lot better and tic is pretty much gone. Thanks Ramel!

This is the ONLY Tai Chi book I've ever seen which I can recommend -- and I do so emphatically. "Sunrise Tai Chi" will help you to relax, become more flexible, have more energy, and improve your overall health. Many, many bogus systems promise all that and more, but Ramel actually delivers -- and the price is cheap too. YOU NEED TO ACQUIRE THIS BOOK AND PRACTICE THE TECHNIQUES. Highly recommended.

A few cavets first. YMAA Publications has asked me to review this book and so I did receive a copy of the book and DVD's at no cost to myself; that's the sole extent of my "compensation" but I like to be honest. I've studied aikido, juijitsu for over 25 years (a friend corrected a previous review) and chi gung for about half that time. Mind/body practice is at the heart of my business and day to day practice. If you look at my other reviews you'll find that if you have a lame product the worst thing you can do is ask me "what I think" because I'm going to tell you. I looked at the material from the perspective of a teacher and practitioner of martial skills.
First the inconveniences....
1.When I first opened the book I turned to "How To Use This Book". That's almost as far as I got. This section appears to be a compendium of babble to a new user. If the author is speaking English I couldn't understand it. I was expecting instruction not a lecture written in "navelgazese." I've seen far too many books written like this and was afraid the rest of the book would follow....fortunately it didn't. The rest of the book was jargon free except where tai chi or chi gung terms were appropriate. Rip this page out and you'll be none the worse for it.
2.The book has a good series of pictures of good size so you don't have to get out a hand lens to see them, but having their sequences numbered is a small thing that would help the flow and understanding.
3.The DVD's are high quality learning tools. The Sunrise Tai Chi DVD I especially appreciated as a professional teacher at large. The instruction section done by Mr. Rones is worth the price of the rest of the DVD and book put together. Having taught martial skills I appreciate instructions like "put your hand here like you are petting a big dog"...that's hard to screw up. The only draw back is that when the forms are performed you only get one view on screen. This is especially true with the Sunset DVD (which by the way is a different set of exercises). Trying to determine what you need to do looking only straight on is difficult and another screen should be added to show the motion from the side and behind.
4.More of the DVD's should be of Mr. Rone doing the instruction rather than a flat voiced reader trying to sound calm (he sounds bored). I imagine that this was done to speed up the tape process but I'd gladly pay for a longer DVD with more explanation from the author than a voice over from the guy who does The Weather Channel.

Those few inconveniences considered lets look at the positives...
1. Mr. Rones does an excellent job of doing what I've learned in other martial applications. He teaches you some solid basic principles! Which you practice and practice and practice. This may sound boring but practicing the various stances as he teaches them I believe you'll find fun and invigorating. The way the stances are taught make the lessons "bite size"--you don't feel that you're never be able to "learn it all". Each section feels like a stand alone learning.
2. I especially liked the fact that he teaches the skills, segregating upper from lower body. This allows you more flexibility in practice. Many of the basic exercises make a great break in the work day as they can be performed from a seated postiion. This also means that older or injured people with limited mobility can benefit. If you are really interested in tai chi, chi gung, or any martial skill....you'll benefit from learning to perform these apparently simple basics...correctly.
3. Mr. Rones puts a lot of emphasis on the internal foundation, a part of instruction that people want to skip over to do "the real thing." In fact the first 40+ pages are devoted to correct breathing...BRAVO!I know when I teach that's the first thing I do. If you can't breath well, you won't be able to perform well no matter what you do. Breathing is one of the important intersections of the mind/body so special study here will pay off down the road.
4. Abbreviated connected forms of the separate forms you learn can be found in the book and the DVDs but they really are a whole. If you buy the book you could fumble through the forms and stances but the DVD reinforces what you've read and you can see how its done.
5. Mr. Rones has great psychosomatic awareness and this comes through not only in his demonstrations but also in his instruction. I'm very glad to see someone take great care in describing how the body should be working as you move, not only in Tai Chi, but also in day to day life. The only way that you'll get clearer instruction is if you are there in person. He is especially careful about knee health and takes the time to explain correct body position...so pay attention!
6. This is not another tai chi forms book and tape. If you are expecting to learn the full Yang form or short form, you won't find it here...but having said that let me tell you that what you do learn is far more valuable to your over all health and long term development.

All in all the positives of this material and the superior teaching by Mr.Rones so far outway the few inconveniences that you would be ignoring an important and hard to find resource if you are interested in martial skills in general and tai chi and chi gung in particular. Few sources I've come across over my years of study and practice have the quality and simplicity of instruction that this book/DVD combination possess.

The author, who is obviously very skilled in martial arts, has written a supportive text that is supplemented with an excellent DVD that gives the "hands-on" approach today's visually oriented audience prefers. In his book, the author emphasizes having patience with one's efforts but makes it clear that no techniques can be accomplished without "practice, practice, practice!" The diagrams and photos in the book are extremely helpful, especially for the beginner who is trying to learn the theory and basics of martial arts. But the DVD is definitely the author's niche and provides the real "how to."

Sunrise Tai Chi is an excellent introduction to the topic, and a useful companion to the DVD of the same name. Like the DVD, the book shows Rones' down to earth yet respectful view of Tai Chi and related disciplines. The illustrations are clear and the discussions concise and useful. As both a cancer patient and academic neurologist, I have benefited greatly from the material that is so expertly taught in this volume.

This is an excellent book on qigong. Probably the best qigong book I've ever read. I bought this book when I lived in Boulder, CO. The book's editors Ross and Michael Cohen lived in Colorado at the time, and practiced Yan Xin Qigong with our group in Boulder occasionally.

Yan Xin's lectures are full of wisdom. He's one of a kind. I feel he has a true scientific approach and does not seek to become famous or wealthy. Of all the qigong masters in the public eye, he really has the most well developed sense of scientific detachment.

If you can find this book, buy it. Only problem is, this book is out of print from what I understand. You may have to search a lot before finding a used copy.

If you want to understand the basic and yet amazing levels Traditional Chinese Qigong can reach, this is a good book to start with. Lots of theories and practices are simple but powerful. Dr. Yan Xin's scientific experiments has caught lots of attention of top scientists. This book is a good start of touching the tip of the iceburg.

I found that one can learn a lot about traditional qigong from Dr. Yan Xin's speech. He is very objective and knowledgable about traditional qigong. All the examples mentioned in the book are tracible with scitific proof. Dr. Yan Xin, unlike most popular qigong master, doesn't try to "sell" his own qigong method. He uses "I" or "me" very few times when he explains qigong, except telling his own stories. He encourages people to learn qigong with a scietific approach and attitude, which is very different from the other qigong masters. I am quite impressed about his medical knowledge and traditonal Chinese culture background as well.

If you want to see the power of qigong in a objective and scitific way, I recommand you to read this book.

If you are a English speaker, and want to learn real Internal Chinese Qi Gong, then this is the way to go! It is the first book, in English, that really reveals to the English speakers, and as the title suggests, serects and benefits of Qigong cultivation. Dr. YanXin is a most famous QiGong master that has lead the Qi Gong up surge both in China, and else where in the world. The book contains information about scientific QiGong reasearch and development, as well as high level qigong methods not accessible any where else. You can't go wrong by reading this book.

I bought this book in February of 1998. Since purchasing it, I have read certain chapters several times over. Dr. Yan's lectures are packed full of excellence. No other English book on qigong exists that can compare to this one. I highly recommend this for all readers who are sincerely interested in living life to it's fullest.

"Sky Above, Earth Below" illustrates the underlying principles spiritual traditions have in common. Rather than examining differences, it seeks to bridge the gap between all traditions and emphasizes the similarities. The distillation of these principles is genius, and has potential for greatly contributing to peace on our planet. The principles are both simple and profound.

The book also provides a foundation for Earth-honoring spirituality. These practices are crucial today in order to help reconnect us to the Earth and create a sustainable culture living in harmony with all of Nature. There are a great variety of exercises provided to help you cultivate a spiritual practice in Nature.

John P. Milton's personal stories are woven throughout the practices and principles. I found myself captivated by his amazing tales! The ideas and instructions in this book have enriched my life beyond measure.

If you are interested in creating more harmony, balance and authenitic peace in your life, spend some quiet time with this tape series! I learned how to relax, be present and rest with an open radiant heart, moment by moment...These audio tapes and the extensive study guide (practically a book in itself) provide the listener/reader with all the resources one needs to rediscover a deep sense of belonging to the Natural world. Drawing from many ancient wisdom teachings and time honored spiritual paths, John Milton provides gentle, reassuring guidance necessary to connect with one's true essence and the extraordinary healing energy of the Earth. If you are at all like me, you may be concerned about damaging human relationships that harm our immediate surroundings, perhaps you've noticed how the fields you once played in as a child are being gobbled up by tract developments, shopping malls and urban sprawl or, you may wonder why you feel so depleted and uninspired after a day at the office. If any of this is true for you, Sky Above Earth Below is the perfect antidote for the pervasive alienation and separation many of us are experiencing. in this high-tech, artificial, consumer driven culture we sometimes call civilization. In addition to learning wonderful new contemplative practices for my own personal growth and spiritual awakening, there are many practical recommendations about how to contribute to a healthier and happier world... how to embrace Nature and all the animals, birds and trees as part of one's intimate family. These tapes and the challenging study guide provide a firm foundation for becoming a "spiritual warrior" on behalf of this beautiful Earth. You will learn how you can courageously participate in turning the tide away from massive ecological and human imbalances that are causing so much harm around the world. Recorded live in the Chiricahua Mountains, Sounds True did a magnificent job of editing and producing a powerful message for our times. I wish I had the support of a foundation to send this tape set to every Civic Leader, elected official, Fortune 500 CEO, Public Library and School across this nation and around the world!

If you are looking to transform your life -body, mind, & spirit- this book is for you. John P. Milton, a gifted spiritual master and teacher of transformation shares ancient wisdoms and principles, practices to live into, and stories that open your heart. He doesn't just talk about it he lives it. We are fortunate that here he offers the reader the opportunity to easily begin a new practice or enhance an already existing practice with meditation and qi gong. Milton provides stories to help us relate to the purpose of each practice and to bring us into the mystery of touching universal source on our way to enlightenment. You are about to discover just how profoundly connected we truly are to sky above, earth below, and everything in between...
- Cheryl Esposito, founder, Center for World Leadership

Written by meditation teacher and workshop leader John P. Milton, Sky Above, Earth Below: Spiritual Practice in Nature is a simple guide to healing one's physical and spiritual body and creating a new relationship with oneself through meditation and connecting with nature's healing energy. Chapters walk the reader through how to experience the joys of meditation, a 10-minute practice designed to restore internal balance, means by which to cut through mental clutter to clarity and spaciousness, and much more. Written out of boundless reverence for the Earth and life itself, Sky Above, Earth Below transfers the wisdom of Taoism into simple terms accessible to all readers regardless of personal background.

All of my life, I have felt the presence of Spirit more in Nature than in any other setting. Whenever I go out in Nature for a walk, I always feel more calm, more clear, more peaceful and happier than before I left--even if it's just to a park. I am thrilled that this book and the tape set exist because they give me tools to deepen my relationship with Spirit in the setting where I feel It most. I always dreamed that there would be a path to cultivate my relationship with God that was free from the dogma, politics, and the exclusive self-righteousness of all of the religions I'm come into contact with.
Now there is. These teachings are clear and direct and easy to follow, and they produced profound and positive inner changes, even the first time I tried them. I feel happier, healthier and more alive because of them. The tape set is great too, because it is wonderful to hear the voice of the author--calm, peaceful, deeply resonant. And as a bonus, there are some fantastic stories in the book about John Milton's own spiritual journey. The teachings in this book are so universal and practical that I'm sure they would enhance anyone's journey.

Every author can learn presentation from this book, this is a workbook worthy of being used in a school atmosphere. Very well organized good to excellent information. A thorough foundation from which to grow, and perfect for Tai Chi Practitioners.

This is a great book for anyone who is new to the practice of qigong. Yu Cheng Huang has developed a great system of teaching qigong in this book. I've seen many books on the subject and none of them takes you by the hand and easily leads you through the different exercises as this book does. The book is designed to teach you a lesson each week. In addition to the physical exercise each lesson comes with a discussion on either the theory/history of qigong, a lesson on the use of food and herbs or a lesson on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) making it a very balanced approach to the subject.

The illustrations are a bit crude but they convey the appropreate meaning for each lesson. This is easily overlooked because of its workbook format. I would say that you would not find a better book on the subject that will teach both the practice and theory of qigong in such a simple and easy manner as this book does.

"Change the Picture" is the first in the series of Qigong workbooks presented by Master Yu-Cheng Huang. This book gives a step by step system of building a Qigong practice. The book is comprised of levels I and II with each volume containing twelve weekly lessons which are the basic foundations of Xuan Ming Dao Qigong. Each lesson builds on the previous week's lesson and contains a section on theory, method, and practice. Levels I and II teach one how to cleanse,gather, and activate the energy (QI) and how to tonify the body.

Thumbs up for Master Huang's "Xuan Ming Dao" Qigong workbook series. Unlike most Qigong books that just teach a basic Qigong or other books that teach advanced methods (which can only be useful to students with higher skills), Master Huang's system is written for the beginner and will have you gradually build your practice step by step. Advanced students will benefit from the added information on subjects such as TCM, Qigong theory, and the "extra thoughts" presented with each lesson. Moreover, all the workbooks are written in a straightforward and easy to understand manner. Master Huang stresses that if one should wish to learn Qigong one should find a good teacher. I would suggest that if you cannot find a good teacher these workbooks are the next best thing to learn from.

"Think the Good Thing" is the second book in the series.

If you are a Taoist Qigong fan, then this is the book for you. No mumbo-jumbo. A practical "how-to" step-by-step Chi Kung for beginners and mature students. Dont have to know obscure Chinese cultural meanings; just start the work and keep at it. The real pity is that I had to acquire this book used as it is out of print. It's ironic that there is so many useless and shallow books on Qigong out there that never, ever go "out of print" and yet the really good ones do. The sooner this series by Yu Cheng Huang is reprinted and made available, the better !!

This book gives the real info that I needed to understand Chinese massage. Excellent and understandable. Plus the in depth self massage and massage for others chapters are highly usable information. I'm grateful for this book.

I especially enjoy this book because, like Dr. Yang's other works, it contains considerable information about qigong and chinese medicine. I find this refreshing, because most books about alternative medicine or exercise-related subjects contain techniques with little or no theoretical explanation. Yang, on the other hand, seems to believe in imparting a good theoretical foundation. this is great for people like me, who need to understand the why and not just the how of what we learn.

the book begins by discussing the history and theory of chinese massage and then provides a concise outline of the meridians (energy pathways) of the human body. the following sections include an exhaustive (30+ pages) and well-illustrated catalog of the techniques used in chinese massage, followed by a detailed routine for clearing the major pathways of the body.

I have no formal background in massage and this book was my first introduction to the subject. Yang's friendly writing style and the book's exhaustiveness made me feel encouraged rather than overwhelmed by the subject. I immediately began practicing the techniques on my friends and have gotten good results from them.

I recommend this book to anyone else who is interested in experimenting with chinese massage techniques. if the intellectual material doesn't appeal to you, the sections on the techniques are well-illustrated and easy to understand.

Chinese medicine considers inner body energy or qi foundational to health and longevity of the physical body or yang. Consequently when the internal energy gets out of balance physical illness or injury arises. Quigong massage has been used for centuries to help maintain health and prevent illness by restoring the proper balance. It's a natural extension of martial arts training to learn not only how to hurt but also how to heal. Theoretically these techniques can even slow the aging process (or at least the affects thereof).

This book is an update to the original 1992 edition which includes a new preface and some updated information. Contents include foundational principles such as understanding qi and yang; gates and junctions in the human body; important points for quigong massage; theory, practice, and techniques of quigong massage; rules and theory of massage; applications for specific body parts; and self-massage. Massaging the mental body, head, back, limbs, chest, and abdomen of others, self-massage, and self massage of the internal organs are also covered. The principles, theories, and techniques are pretty complex yet all aspects of quigong massage are comprehensively described, very well illustrated, and relatively easy to understand in this well-written book.

The author's extensive knowledge, experience in treating actual injuries, and academic research really shine through. I practice Japanese martial arts rather than Chinese ones yet I believe that anyone interested in energy healing and massage will find this work a valuable resource. Very well done!

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Dr Yang Jwing-Ming seems to know more about the subject of qi than anyone else on the planet, as evidenced by this exhaustive overview of "basic" qigong massage for health -- book one of a series which goes far more in depth regarding healing in other volumes.

This is a difficult subject for Westerners to grasp, but Dr Yang Jwing-Ming is able to explain the concepts and techniques clearly, and the hundreds of photos and illustrations make the lessons easy to learn. Qi is a difficult topic since Western science has only recently begun to gradually acknowledge its existence -- the Chinese have been studying it for years, though, and have kept detailed records of their findings. I do not know if the Chinese interpretation of qi is 100% accurate -- it probably isn't -- but nonetheless, their speculations and hypotheses are sound and make a lot of sense. This book had me looking at qi a whole new way.

There is SO MUCH useful information crammed into this text I hardly know what to comment on first -- and I don't even think I'm QUALIFIED to comment on much of it. I've read other books on similar subjects (qi, accupuncture, even Erle's infamous Dim Mak Encyclopedia) which barely seemed to scratch the surface, were confusing to read, and left many unanswered questions. None of those books stayed in my collection long. Qigong Massage is a definite keeper, though, as I'm certain to be referring to it many times in the years to come.

Even if you are not a massage therapist (I'm certainly not), this text is an invaluable resource on the subject of qi. A remarkable work.

The book is written by the originator of this particular style of qigong, Master Li Jun Feng, and is the authoritative guide for any practitioner of Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong. It contains some background material, but is basically a 'how-to' book.

Every posture, or exercise, is described technically and is illustrated by photos of Master Li performing it. Additionally the postures has a set of contemplations that the practitioner can use to enhance the effect of the exercises. Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong is constructed as series of postures that each can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours to perform depending on the speed and number of repetitions of each exercise the practitioner wishes to do. There are four standing and three sitting series of postures as well as two different types of meditations that are all covered by this book.

Like any book of this kind it best serves the purpose of being a helpful additional tool and cannot fully replace the hands-on guidance of a good teacher. But as such it is excellent, with hundreds of good photos and easy-to-follow descriptions of each exercise. Any motivated qigong practitioner should be able to learn the forms from the book. Even more so if done in combination with the available videos.

The author is well known in China, as he used to be the head coach of the Beijing Wushu (martial art / kung fu) Team as well as the National Wushu Team for many years, He also starred in some Chinese martial arts movies before giving it all up to dedicate his time to develop and teach this beautiful and inspiring form of qigong.

I can personally vouch for the effectiveness of the Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong style of qigong when it comes to fulfilling the promises of Chinese energy cultivation. The exercises are easy to learn (but can be hard to master) and feel good to do. Unlike some other schools of qigong there are no stringent demands of what time of the day you should train, the cardinal directions and such. But it is no less 'serious' for that. Practicing Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong is effective for your health and well-being, and might do some very nice things for your mind and spirit as well.

I've had the great opportunity to get to study weekly with Master Li Jun Feng. He's amazing and this qigong is powerful. The book is helpful, especially if you plan to pursue the teacher training track. I personally find the DVD's are better for personal practice, especially as a beginner.

This is the best Qigong form out there. You are a the one, you are infinite love. Practice Sheng Zhen to acheive heaven on earth. With forms inspiried by Kuan Yin, Jesus, Mohammed, and Lao Tzu, you realize heaven on earth, and one day, maybe we will all realize. Infinite stars. Infinite love. Infinite truth. I trust Li Jun Feng to show the way, so we can all "return to oneness" in every dimension. Physical and mental. Scientific and spiritual, this is supreme science. This is the Secret Teachings of All Ages.

A few months ago, I arrived at my first Qigong class on the evening when the teacher just happened to have decided to introduce the Qigong of Unconditional Love, as expounded in this book. Boy, was it meant to be. The book is beautifully produced, and illustrates each quigong with enough photographs to make the movements clear. There is also a detailed explanation of each. Profound, contemplative writings accompany the exercises. This book is a particular help to me as a Qigong novice, but I believe it would also add a whole new dimension of joy and fun to the practice and understanding of any more experienced student. Li Jun Feng's approach is so unlike exercise-as-we-know-it. It's much more about a childlike oneness and simplicity. And it's so much fun!

The first 85 pages of Chris Jarmey's book provide an excellent overview of the theoretical background and general principles of qigong. Topics that beginning practioners should be aware of, such as the nature of qi, the three treasures, the meridians and dantiens are covered, in addition to considerations such as stance, breathing, and when and where to practice. Illustrations of the meridians and key points are included. This section would give beginners a solid foundation in these concepts before tackling more complex books on the subject. As the other reviewers have noted, the writing style is very clear and to the point.

The remainder of the book is an in-depth look at the popular 18 movement taiji qigong form known as Shibashi. For each of the movements, information is given on stance and movement (including coordination of the breath with the movements), mental focus, and health benefits. The movements are illustrated with line drawings.

The movements are easy to perform, and the form can be completed in about 15 minutes. Some of the moves are similar to taiji movements (including Repulse Monkey and Wave Hands Like Clouds) but without the footwork. I have practiced this form for several years, usually as a warm up for other qigong sets or taiji, and enjoy it. I think that the information Jarmey provides on mental focus at the intermediate and advanced levels will allow me to deepen my practice, and makes the book useful for experienced practitioners as well as beginners. I do think that the book would have benefited by including some information on the history of the form, and its creators. Videos of this form are freely available online, including the taichi18 web site of Sifu Wing Cheung of Ontario, Canada.

Taiji Qigong by Chris Jarmey is a genuine breakthrough is literary excellence on the subject of Qigong. The clarity of the text is outstanding, whilst the content enables one to fully understand at a cerebral level what qigong is all about. The book then gives precise instructions on how to do Taiji Qigong, with emphasis on exactly what your mind should be doing throughout. In my opinion, this book should go straight to the front of the intelligent person's bookshelf.

As a practitioner of daoist meditation and qigong, I found this book by far the most well laid out and comprehensive text on the subject. Not so complex as to lose the reader, but a perfect balance between practical advice and theoretical background. Great stuff.

Taiji Qigong by Chris Jarmey is a genuine breakthrough is literary excellence on the subject of Qigong. The clarity of the text is outstanding, whilst the content enables one to fully understand at a cerebral level what qigong is all about. The book then gives precise instructions on how to do Taiji Qigong, with emphasis on exactly what your mind should be doing throughout. In my opinion, this book should go straight to the front of the intelligent person's bookshelf.

this is hands-down the BEST qigong I've ever practiced, and I've practiced a lot (tai chi, xingyi, baguazhang, iron shirt, wing tsun etc.)

Buddhism, Qigong, the I Ching, and Chinese medicine have been integrally linked together for centuries. All these systems originate from a common theoretical view of reality and compliment, clarify, support, and occasionally challenge each other. Larry Johnson's 18 Buddha Hands Qigong examines Qigong in general, and the energetic transformations possible through these practices, exploring what is referred to as 18 Buddha Hands presents an intriguing perspective of the Yin/Yang mechanics of Qigong, within the manifold framework of the Medical I Ching. 18 Buddha Hands Qigong is highly recommended for students of Buddhism, Qigong, the I Ching, personal health from the perspective of Chinese medical practice and theory.

I thought the book was very well illustrated and easy to follow. I also bought the DVD and between the two was able to do the movements