Qigong Books

Jwing-Ming Yang depth of knowlege and his interesting teaching style make him & Chin Na - attracting to watch and learn.

I have been fortunate enough to learn the techniques from Dr. Yang himself in his seminars. He is a great teacher, a highly developed master, and a rare individual. If you've read any of his books you know how well organized, researched, and thorough his writing is. Well his videos are the same. These DVDs are as good as you can get. Nothing compares to one on one instruction, but these techniques are very clearly demonstated with close ups and alternate angles. A person can get a very good understanding by watching these and practicing along with a partner.
Some user complained about watching students "fumble" around with the techniques while Dr. Yang corrects them (mostly on the higher level DVDs). There is a good reason for this. These students are well practiced and still make mistakes. They are likely to be the same mistakes you will make. This method helps you recognize them as mistakes so you can refine your technique. Well worth the money! I recomend his seminars first and buy the DVD to review and practice between seminars.

Go to YMAA.COM to find seminars etc...

This is an excellent series that was very well produced, not like some dvd I've seen where they transfer some old VHS tape to DVD. The movements are shown in regular speed and then broken down in a slower pace and then done in close up. My only gripe is that they could have shown some of the moves in more than one angle. Some of the moves (e.g. the finger locks) are hard to see from one angle. However, despite that, this is an excellent series for anyone, regardless of any martial arts style. Very highly recommended!!!

This is the best Chin Na video series I've ever seen. Chin Na is the art of seizing and holding, and forms one of the four foundations of the Chinese Martial Arts (kicking (da), punching (ti), grappling (shuai) & seizing (na)). Most of the techniques come from Dr. Yang's background in the Southern White Crane system, a style famous for its Chin Na.

This is mainly a reference material, as Books and DVDs do not make good primary instructional material for martial arts, so plan on attending a seminar or finding a good local school to get the most from this DVD.

I also believe that although the techniques work well regardless of your background art, they are most effective when used in the White Crane system. So I additionally recommend "Shaolin White Crane Hard and Soft Qigong DVD" and "Shaolin White Crane Gong Fu Basic Training" by YMAA.

While I would like to give this DVD 5 stars, a few things hold me back, as far as martial arts DVDs goes, this is a good one. As said previously it cannot make up for one on one instruction. This DVD seems like it would be great for students who train shaolin white crane with Dr Yang, Jwing-Ming.

For anyone who is currently training in a different style of kung fu and is interested in diversity, this DVD will probably not offer you much information that you haven't already acquired.

For anyone not training but interested in learning some martial arts techniques, this DVD will probably not offer you much either because it focuses on precise control that is virtually impossible to grasp without the previously mentioned one on one training and repeated practice.

For the price, I think your money would be better spent either signing up for some martial arts training, or if you already are training, buy materials offered by your school if you can.

The writer has some understanding and wisdom of chi, but lacks the nature of the chakras. Also there is not much Yoga forms. Other than that, its a good Self-Help New Age Book. Not total belongs under energy works.

Having been very active in the pursuit of physical fitness for many years, this book is a most welcome breath of fresh air. The movements and practices are eloquently detailed, and the entire concept just seems to flow naturally, without overwhelming even the novice in spiritual development (like me). I read through the entire book once and keep going back to different chapters, learning a little bit more about myself each time. It makes perfect sense, and it's like giving yourself a gift. I honestly can't imagine anyone NOT benefiting from "Chi Fitness".

I've incorporated Chi Fitness into my life for the last three years. It's really changed my perspective on how important it is to be in tune with your body, and how your body needs to release emotions that affect us from childhood and our current lives. Since I'm so much more in touch with my feelings and my needs, I'm more centered and able to enjoy each day as a special gift. I highly recommend this book and anything else these authors may publish.

C'mon everyone...let's get meta*physical*! This is not some abstract metaphysical mumbo-jumbo. This book offers a straightforward approach to fitness with workouts designed for the body, mind and spirit. Most fitness books focus on the physical body, emphasizing eating right and exercise to reduce weight, tone, body build, etc. Chi fitness authors, Benton and Denbaum shows readers how to use their Chi (life force energy) to maintain a healthy body and mind by combining exercise with meditation.

The authors provide meditations and exercises, to help clear energy blocks that may restrict us. They help us examine how we give away our energy through anger, stress, personal problems and conflicts. They also give readers a Chakra workout, providing detailed information about the chakras (energy centers in the body), and specific exercises to balance individual chakras that are out of balance. The movement exercises are mostly simple, yet effective. There are a few that the flexibly challenged will find difficult to master (I know I can't bend down holding my ankles with my head nearly touching the floor). But there are only a few so challenging. Illustrations and exercise instructions are thorough and very easy to follow. The authors seamlessly blend meditation and/or visualization with movement creating workouts that practitioners will find themselves fully engaged in. I recommend this for anyone who wants more than just the usual body-based workout, anyone who wants something more interesting than just your average repetitive routine, and for those that want to do more than just burn calories. This will stimulate you body, mind and soul.

Easy exercises for the neophyte, but nothing here to challenge or enlighten someone with some exposure to yoga, tai chi or chi gung. If the term "new age psycho-babble" is in your vocabulary, you are not the type who would appreciate this book.

Enchanted Self: A Positive Therapy (New Directions in Therapeutic Intervention , Vol 1) When I was a little girl I wanted very much to become a doctor. I did and I didn't. I am a psychologist in private practice and I have a doctoral degree, but I didn't study the body and learn how to treat it as I had dreamed of doing. Instead I learned how to treat the mind. Shoshanna Katzman's book is the closest chance I have had to go to a medical school in adult life. She has helped me understand the different organ systems and how bodily symptoms such as pain and stress can be handled through movement and acupressure points. It may not be 'American' medicine as I imagined it as a child, but it makes sense in all I know, as a psychologst, about the mind/body connection.

She has helped to empower me and many other women with her clear teaching of qiqong movements and also the exact acupressure points to press on when one needs relief. I for example, have had congestion in my ears, especially when traveling by plane. The acupressure points that are discussed in the book for relieving ear congestion really work for me.

Everything about this book really works. The pictures make clear how to do the exercises. The narrative teaches so much about Chinese medicine and being a female! I am not done with this book! I never dreamed as a child I would be studying meridians and how women are influenced by the sun and the moon and the magnetic pull of the earth. But then again, who knows how a wish will come true and it what form!

This book is a treasure and I highly recommend keeping it in your bedroom.

Since I am pretty much a newbie to Qigong I bought a couple of DVDs and this book on the subject to learn more about it. I am pretty satisfied with the instruction in this book. The routine is well explained and the instructions about Qigong massage and insights on specific problems are excellent and very helpful.

I have a bunch of other books about this form of exercise but this book is the first one that got me started. All of the other's are a better book but they want to give you the complete history of their form, or of Tai Chi, instruct you in breathing and standing and you are damn lucky if you find a posture before the mid point of the book.

Not this book--you dive right in and she tells you later about the postures--I like that.

Qigong (Chi Kung) is a Chinese art and science that means working with and cultivating the vitality of life.This book is an outstanding method to learn this ancient and modern tradition for staying young, healthy, and in harmony with all and everything.

This book's many exercises are simple and easy to understand--no unneeded verbal baggage here. Everything is clear and to the point.

Yet paradoxically the book is encyclopedic in its coverage of what was previously hidden and secret. Shoshanna has studied for many years with masters and has made a vast wealth of practical knowledge available to the student.

There is a DVD--same author and same title--that shows Shoshanna doing the movements, again it is magnificent.

"Qigong for Staying Young" has a permanent place on my night table. Shoshanna teaches us how to achieve wellness through the mindful practice of this unique form of gentle exercise. Beautifully written, this book artfully interweaves ancient Chinese medical philosophy into a modern model for understanding what health actually is. Shoshanna's own voice of wisdom and experience guides us through the chapters, providing the inspiration to achieve and maintain balance and wholeness in our lives.

Over time I have studied each chapter in depth as I learned each of the exercise sets individually. Shoshanna's clear, user-friendly language enables the reader to work their way through each set with clarity and ease. Although I have read it from cover to cover, re-read it in sections and referred to it numerous times to address specific health topics, I am amazed to discover that every time I pick it up I learn something new, or deepen my understanding of a previously learned subject.

Shoshanna's book is a gift from her heart and soul, rich beyond words. Those who read it will find it is a resource to be treasured.

This book has meant a great discovery for me from the perspective of my own personal development. In a world where separation is everywhere, in a world where everything tends to being so specific, I am forever grateful for finding this ancient and complete system that joins the physical, the mental and the emotional, making me feel complete, balanced and in harmony with myself. I feel more connected to myself and with my emotions.

After practicing in a constant way the exercises from this book, which are expressed through movements, breathing and coordinations, I can truly recommend them to everyone wishing to feel great! I have finally integrated my mind and my body as one. I have increased my physical endurance, flexibility, stretching, coordination, balance, and the abilities with my left side (I am right-handed). The control over my breathing is astonishing, and I feel more agile, lighter. My state of
mind has definitely improved. Whenever I finish any session I have this overwhelming sensation of happiness, of being full and complete.

This is an exercise that stimulates concentration and causes one to forget about worries and daily problems... I get disconnected from all my troubles, and when practicing this movements I mentally depart from my daily place and find myself again. The breathing forms give me order and calm. They soothe me. Now, when I face and adverse or unpleasant situation I am capable of overcoming it and seeing it in a positive way.

What I have liked the most is what I have experienced with energy; I feel confident, strong, positive and happy. It's a source of vitality, I feel alive and awake!!!

I widely recommend this book to anyone wanting to awake his or her inner powers and discover that the strongest force is within ourselves.

Some mildly interesting new age story interleaved with really lame martial arts moves borrowed badly from Chinese kung fu.
As for the hype - a 10,000 year old art ! Really ! Archeological evidence points to Tibetan having stone age culture 4000-5000 years ago. Unlikely that "Boabom" or "Seamm Jasani" were created then let alone earlier - equally unlikely that any such art would survive to this day. More likely someone thought it better marketing to link what they're selling to "ancient Tibet". Too bad - if it was really worthwhile, such a marketing ploy would be unnecessary.

As a person studying Boabom and Seamm-Jasani (or Gentle Boabom) at the Boston School of Boabom, I have found this book to be one that I return to often for many reasons.

The book is engaging, entertaining and helpful. The story that the reader follows is filled with interesting and thought-provoking ideas to ponder. The story, which took hold of my imagination with it's very first sentence (try the Search Inside feature to get a taste of this), is both easy to follow, while at the same time somewhat mysterious. I feel compelled to re-read parts or all of it often.

As one begins to delve into the part of the book covering the physical movements of the art, there are many helpful tips to aid the reader in learning the movements. These movements are the tip of the iceberg, really, but are covered in great detail, allowing for a very good foundation with the Art. As the student advances through the movements, once again, it's always helpful to re-read and study the finer details.

After studying Boabom for a number of years now, I still find myself going to this book, along with Asanaro's other book, to polish and study the details and finer aspects of this Art.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to try a system of movement that is unique, always interesting and thoroughly invigorating. There is not enough space in this review for me to get into the health benefits I have experienced from studying the Arts. As well, it would be hard to describe in so few words the general overall positive shift in attitude that has come along with this. I am grateful for the discovery of these Arts, and am very happy that these books are available so that others far and wide may benefit from studying the Art as well.

I am a student at the Boston School of Boabom, and have been studying the Boabom arts for a good while now under many teachers, including Asanaro himself. It's particularly interesting to me to look at this book as another method of expression for these teachings.

Perhaps most intriguing for me, as a student, is the "story" portion of the book, wherein a theoretical and philosophical underpinning for these arts is laid out in monologue and metaphor. Assertive and instructive without being preachy, this section is rich in meaning and provides much food for thought--for current students and newcomers alike.

The "technical" portion of the book lays out a sequence of basic movements from the beginnings of the art. Transmitting an art based on movement through the media of text and images is no mean feat; there's no substitute for teaching in the flesh. That said, I believe that Asanaro succeeds in conveying the essential elements of the movements with his thorough descriptions and detailed illustrations, expressing clearly the many details involved in each. The attention paid to common mistakes (and how to correct them) should be particularly useful for beginning students.

Boabom is an art that develops only over time, and is not for everyone. This book provides the newcomer with a glimpse of all the art has to offer. Some may find a resonance, and see here a hint of something both familiar and strange; others may find a curiosity, an old way carried carefully through the ages to the modern world. All will find something new, unique, and rewarding in equal measure to the energy invested in it.

Picked this book after a friend of mine kept on incessantly talking about it. A few pages on it and I realized why he liked it so much: the book starts with a nice story that introduces one in the 'lost teachings of this Art' in a simple yet very straight-forward way.

I kept on reading. I started liking it more and more.

Then you have the second section, which explains and clears how to work with this book, how to follow the chart in time (a very useful chart, I must add!!!). A very concise section, that explained all I would have asked a teacher.

I continued reading, and started doing the exercises.

The exercises themselves are simple and easy to follow. Nothing I couldn't follow (I have to say that my friend didn't have any problems himself following them either). The drawings are very good, and even though the author says he drew all of them himself, they have that 'je ne sais quoi'... they go with the book!

The book finishes explaining how the Boabom Schools work and with a scientific study. Also, and I think the author did the same in his previous book, there are comments from real students, people like me and my friend that take the classes or read the book and continue doing the exercises. Real people.

I will not debate on whether these teachings are ten billion years old or a modern creation: they work, and that is what matters. They make me feel great, renewed and refreshed, and they clear my mind of the habitual problems I worry about: work, money, daily stress, bills, being a 'professional procrastinator' and... well... my daily life.

Very good book. Especially considering that it is a book that tries to teach exercises, breathing techniques and coordinations, which is already hard with a teacher in front of you. I have to add that the author managed to do it flawlessly!

Everyone should read it.

This is a book which provides a good mix of information on Tai Chi and the culture which practices it. It is not a "quick read" and won't make you a Tai Chi master overnight. As a student of Tai Chi and a person aware of the importance of mind/body congruence I have found it a valuable addition to my library and one which causes me to consider ause and effect of my actions on my health and well being. Not for all but definitely worth having for those who are interested in the subject.

This set is a great example of the future of Internal Martial Arts. It is spiritual and advanced. I suggest buying the DVD and using both resources for personal home training. Please have a qualified instructor guide your progress and direct your movement.

This delightful book is a gift to the senses as well as the soul. Far from being a dry, abstruse treatise on esoteric matters, Master Wu's personable writing style conveys his deep love for Qigong in an accessible way. His invitation to sit with him and drink tea as we contemplate the (deceptively) simple wisdom of this shamanic Qigong tradition is no mere clever conceit; it's the best way I can think of to capture the apprentice-teacher relationship in a book.

Some readers might prefer a more linear, academic style of presentation. However, I found the format refreshing, as it is like a series of conversations (which is the oldest style of teaching, as evinced in texts as diverse as the Huangdi Neijing and Plato's Dialogues). The writing is fresh and heartfelt, and there's much wisdom here for both the newcomer to Qigong and the long-time practitioner. Thank you, Master Wu, for sharing your tea and your heart with readers.

I have to say that I've really ENJOYED this book, which is meant to be savored (as the author explains) like a cup of fine tea. Gems of real wisdom are delivered almost casually in a conversational style that requires us to slow down and sit with them for a while. As with anything REAL, it's not about the abstract information per se, but how you relate to it and make it your own. I especially appreciate how the author is able to relate Daoist and traditional medical ideas to the even more primordial worldview of Chinese shamanism.

As far as the qigong sequence is concerned, you'd have to have had a good deal of previous experience to be able to learn it from these pages, even though the instructions are reasonably thorough and clear. Dragon Door Publications has produced a video of the form as performed by Master Wu, but even that is likely to serve best as a reminder of instruction received from him directly. Still, I've found Master Wu's discussion of the individual movements to be both interesting and personally useful. If I give the book only four stars instead of a full five, it's in recognition of the print medium's limitations as far as detailed qigong instruction is concerned.

The word Master means many things to many people. The traditional meaning of Shifu, the Chinese word, meshes rather poorly with our modern definition of Master (which in my opinion still carries the sour taste of America's not so distant past). I don't know what the title means to other self-proclaimed Masters in the US but I have had the good fortune to meet with Master Wu and learn what the word means to him. A "Master" has the ability and responsibility to give his students the best possible teaching. The word is a reminder of that intention. His sincerity and ability was evident when I studied with him and I believe it is evident in the pages of his book.

There's no way I can remove all bias from my review. However, I have read a great number of qigong books in my study of Classical Chinese Medicine and I believe Wu's work merits special attention. Though scholarly, the tone of his work is personal rather than academic. His is a conversation over tea. Your chance to casually sit with a man of genuine ability and share his experience.

I recieved this book days before leaving for China to continue my studies and it has since given me many invaluable insights into traditional Chinese culture. The book answers many questions I wanted to ask but never found the words to do so. Wu writes in a fluid fashion that nurtures an understanding of shamanic tradition and leaves room for intuition. I believe this book is useful for people who want to know more about Chinese Shamanic Tradition and invaluable for students who seek to cultivate greater personal understanding.

Dragonfly Qigong is now my favorite book on the topic of Taiji Ruler and Taiji Ball. Dr. Steward has taken these ancient exercises and incorporated new modern tools that will enhance your Qi instantly. This book is packed with great photos and very easy to understand instructions. Energy cultivation has never been more fun! Bill Zimmerman-Seattle, Washington USA

If you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner of the arts, I highly recommend that you give this book a serious look. I very seldom recommend books, but this one works. I've personally experienced the benefits. I've also seen people from the different arts try exercises from this book in public and seen for themselves that this book delivers. You've never experienced the feeling of chi flowing through your body? Try this book. You will see results for yourselves within the first or second day of practice. Nothing comes without effort, but with a sincere try with this book you'll stir your chi.

I found Dr. Steward's book to be a fantastic discovery. He has taken an old exercise like the Taiji Ruler and made dramatic changes to improve the results. I have never felt this much Qi before while performing these exercises. I highly recommend this book to beginners and advanced Taiji and Qigong students. Good job Dr. Steward!

I have been reading text on Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan for thirty years, and Dr. Michael's book (Dragonfly Qigong) is right up on the top of the list for all time best books on energy work. I've even attended a few of his work shops and have found his knowledge to be both practical and interesting. If your tired of failing at trying to get a hold of this illusive thing called chi, qi, ki buy this text and find the right way to harness it.

I highly reccomend this book and this instructor to anyone wanting to further their knowledge of the Chinese arts. Dr. Steward recently taught our 10th Annual Weekend with the Masters and received rave reviews from the students. One of our Tai Chi instructors from Michigan stated "this man knows more than anyone I've met. I want to train with him." The book is down to earth and easy to understand. The modern applications of ancient methods is refreshing and enlightening.

The Books or DVD's are graet. They are very easy to understand. I still prefer DVD's to books when it comes to learning movements. All the YMAA products are well worth the money and will take you were you want to be in your training, health, and understanding. Thanks, Brooksy.

This is THE BOOK for the one who has that desire to meditate, for Real. I have been fortunate enough to have taken all of Dr. Yang's amazing in person Qigong training Levels. I waited with great anticipation for this book to be finally published. It is the work of serveral Volumes all condensed into ONE. This literary gift will enable the serious beginner the ability to truly understand and accomplish real results in their meditation quest. You could just have this one practice, your whole life, and it WOULD BE Enough. It will also make any other door you choose to open that much more effective. It is the proper foundation for any advanced meditation and A MUST HAVE. Hats off to the other accurate reviews of this "Gem"!

For those of you who have struggled to obtain correct and lucid information on Qigong Meditation, then this is one of a series of books that will lead you in the right direction. As those who are familiar with Dr. Yang's publications, the book is written in a style that is accessible and accurate. Much of the previous material available in English was short on explanation and long on symbolism and obscure terms that seemed to have no clear interpretation.

Dr. Yang possesses an incredible history, with a background in martial arts combined with an unceasingly inquisitive, curious and intelligent mind. His goal, as I understand it, to make available accurate and true information on various martial arts styles, is commendable, to say the least.

The book presents a wide range of information, with the following sections:

Chapter 1 General Concepts

Chapter 2 Theoretical foundations

Chapter 3 Four Refinements

Chapter 4 Five Regulatings

Chapter 5 Theoretical root of Small Circulation

Chapter 6 Embryonic Breathing

Chapter 7 Important Points in Meditation

Chapter 8 Small Circulation Meditation Practice

Chapter 9 Questions and Possible Human Future

Chapter 10 Conclusion



Chapter 6, Embryonic Breathing, is not a complete study of the subject. As Dr. Yang mentions in the book, the reader would be advised to purchase the book Embryonic Breathing and study it, preferably before beginning this book, or at least the chapter on Embryonic Breathing. It is an excellent book and provides the student with a solid understanding of the role of breathing in Meditation and qigong.

As the capable and talented editor David Silver mentions in the Editor's Note, some of the readers might already be familiar with some of the chapter topics. However, although it might be tempting to skip these chapters, especially if one had already read some of Dr. Yang's previous coverage of the topics, the reader would be well advised to read the book in its entirety. A true scholar, teacher, or any member of any profession, should constantly be trying to improve and correct their understanding of their relative field. Dr. Yang is one of these true scholars and his explanations continue to grow and improve with time. As David mentions, fundamental training is the heart of any system and should never be skipped, regardless of one's skill level.

It's amazing to me that what seems the most complicated at times can actually be simple once it is understood, and what seems on its face value to be simple in nature is at its heart complex. I think of the saying, "find stillness in movement and movement in stillness". Just as in the Yin Yang symbol, each of the two opposites have the seed of each other. Such is the nature of meditation. I used to believe that there couldn't be very much to know in order to practice meditation. Yet, when one looks at the size of this book, coming in at 402 pages, it is obviously a subject of great depth.

Thank the Taiji gods for Dr. Yang and his numerous contributions to the martial arts world. Along with this book, I would recommend to the serious student to purchase Dr. Yang's DVD titled "Understanding Qigong". As I began to watch the DVD, I found that I couldn't turn it off until it was complete. Although I have read numerous books on Qigong, including all of Dr. Yang's publications, as well as practiced Qigong for many years, I found that watching Dr. Yang talk brought a level of understanding that I had never before achieved. I was amazed at how effective he is as a classroom teacher. It is truly an excellent companion to the study of Meditation.

I have not yet met Dr. Yang in person, although I have talked to him on the phone on a couple of occasions. When I do finally meet him, I will probably find myself bowing to him and stating "I am not worthy". And I mean that with the most respect. If you mediate already or are interested in learning about qigong meditation, then this is most likely one of the best books available on the subject.

Qigong is a form of meditation and stylized exercise that has its roots in Buddhism. Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation by Chinese martial arts and Qigong expert Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is an excellent guide for western readers to the practice of Qigong style mediation practiced throughout Asia. Expertly providing readers with the basic concepts underlying this form of meditation for the improvement and control of personal energy circulation, Qigong Meditation offers an in-depth and practical understanding of the fundamentals for its revitalizing and energizing practices. A core addition to Qigong, meditation, martial arts, Buddhist Studies, and Eastern spirituality reference collections, Qigong Meditation is very strongly recommended for readers seeking to practice Qigong meditation.

I was dissapointed with this book. I expected much more from a whole book devoted to small circulation. It gives you the impression that Yang never learned small circulation meditation from an actual teacher, but seems to have picked up techniques from ancient writings. Only a very small portion of this book is devoted to the actual practice of small circulation, the rest is translations of others writings and qigong theory which is included in his other books. Overall, I think there's some good info, but I found Qigong Empowerment by Shou Yu Liang to be much better.

The scientific experiments introduced in this book opens up new doors for great scientific breakthroughs in the 21st century. The legends of people with great abilities in Taoist and Buddhist mystism, as well as phenomenon investigated by Carl Jung, is made understandable through the exploralation of the incredible power of qi. Chinese medicinal theory about meridians, paranormal qigong abilities, and the healing power of qigong, together can shed new light on human abilities and prospects for the future of the humanity. Dr. Yan Xin's experiments indicate that our consciousness carry tremendous energy and information, and that qi energy can change DNA and RNA -- an implication that human beings can completely redesign their life toward better health, longevity and even immortality. This is a book any visionary scientists and social scientists must read. Great minds will eventually be able to see the implications and set to work on unearthing the treasure of qigong for the common good.

Jing Lin Associate Professor University of Maryland

The scientific experiments introduced in this book opens up new doors for great scientific breakthroughs in the 21st century. The legends of people with great abilities in Taoist and Buddhist mystism, as well as phenomenon investigated by Carl Jung, is made understandable through the exploralation of the incredible power of qi. Chinese medicinal theory about meridians, paranormal qigong abilities, and the healing power of qigong, together can shed new light on human abilities and prospects for the future of the humanity. Dr. Yan Xin's experiments indicate that our consciousness carry tremendous energy and information, and that qi energy can change DNA and RNA -- an implication that human beings can completely redesign their life toward better health, longevity and even immortality. This is a book any visionary scientists and social scientists must read. Great minds will eventually be able to see the implications and set to work on unearthing the treasure of qigong for the common good.

Jing Lin Associate Professor University of Maryland

As a Qigong practitioner I have studied a great deal. I was even fortunate enough to travel to China and take part in a collaborative exchange with the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. So, I knew before reading this book that Qigong practice has a massive ability to increase human potential on all levels. However, I must say that the information contained in this book BLEW ME AWAY!!!
The experiments themselves are kind of dry reading but the implications they have on the potential for human growth are staggering. And the scientists who conducted these experiments are not people who are easily swayed by whimsical tales and flights of fancy, they are hard core scientists and physicists who are among the top the Chinese have to offer.
While this book is not a how to book for Qigong, I believe all Qigong practitioners should read it. My own potential has increased dramatically as a result of this book, simply because it presented me with information which allowed me to expand my own formally self limited realm of possibility.

I am really excited and shocked when I read this amazing book. Although the content of the book is plain, it show us a really exciting picture. I believe our life would make a great progress in every field when most of us understand and practise Qigong. One day, historians will record these great valuable experiments!

This could have been an excellent book and definitely explores some interesting possibilities, but the research is weak and does not follow solid scientific procedures. The book also spends a little too much time with anecdotal evidence of the power of Yan Xin's "healing powers".
It should be stated that it is possible that the experiments may actually be more complete than it appears in this book. Much detail may have been lost in translation from Chinese, but that still leaves this book mediocre at best.

I have been involved in martial arts for nearly 30 years, starting in Karate and eventually working my way through the spectrum of arts before settling in Aikido. I also teach a "senior taichi" class at my local parks department. As a teacher of Yoshinkan Aikido I became interested in Taijiquan after realizing how similar it is to Aikido. I read this book not only to learn more about taijiquan, but to learn more about the Chinese idea of chi (ki in Japanese).

The book begins by defining chi and there is some history on qigong and taijiquan. It then goes on to explain more detail on theories behind chi and how it relates to health, the mind and body, and taiji training.

When I finished reading the book, I felt that I had a much better understanding of chi as well as the foundation and purpose of taijiquan. I can take what I learned from reading this book and apply it to my own martial arts training as well as to other exercises that I do to maintain general health.

This book is not something to be read just once and put aside. I will go on to practice more, incorporating what I learned from my first reading. I'll likely read other books from Dr. Yang Jwing Ming and then re-read this one. Although the first reading was quite educational, it will take several readings over time to be able to absorb all of this information. This book will be added to my reference shelf and consulted often.

At certain critical areas, the decriptions are ambiguous i.e. the cavities and names along both conception and governing vessels that yi and qi should pass or they do not matter. Also, Fig 3-40 and 3-41 are imcomplete or not clear.

This book gets to the core of everything you can learn about the ancient martial arts of Tai Chi and Chi Gung. Thorough explanations of history, techniques, purpose of motion, chi energy movement, chi/body/mind interconnectivity, proper breathing, postures, etc. Well illustrated with plenty of exercise "sets" including a nice warm-up. This book will be a great help with your training and an important reference in your library.

As a stundent of Tai Chi for many years I am constantly in search of knowledge to perfect my art. This book relays the special meaning and purpose of the movements. I rate it in a class with those of the great Chen Man-Ching, and my teacher, Marshall Ho'o. It is "the essence of Tai Chi Chi Kung".

As with all of the books by Dr. Yang, this is a stand alone book which you can learn easily from. He first provides his theoretical foundation of both Qigong and Taiji, and then moves deeper into the subject matter, going to a point well beyond most, if not all authors on this subject.

An incredible amount of information is transmitted in each of Dr. Yang's books, and though the first few chapters are there go get any reader at any level up to speed on his basic theory, when he gets into the main subject matter it is really very amazing.

When I purchased "The Way of HeaIing" I was a hatha yoga practicioner for over 20 years. I was not very impressed with Lam Kam Chuen's exercices, because they seemed silly. However, I started doing the easiest exercices regularly, and after 3 months I was very impressed with the results. I was feeling better than ever, even practicing my yoga exercices. I then started practicing the more difficult exercices, those of Zhan Zuang. Well, after three years I feel really great. At a first glance, doing the exercices seems to be easy. This is not the case at all. It requires a good deal of effort and concentration. But the results are great for one's health, life quality improvement, better sleeping, better work and hapiness. I strongly recommend reading "The Way of Healing" BEFORE reading and practicing the exercices of "The Way of Energy", by the same author. The exercices of "The way of Healing" are easier and prepares your mind and body for the hardest Zhan Zuang exercices, described in "The way of Energy". Try practicising Lam Kam Chen's C'hi Kung exercices regularly (daily) during one year, and I assure that you will be very happy.

As a big fan of master Chuen's previous book, The Way of Energy, I eagerly sought out this book when I learned it was available. It is a very useful companion book to his earlier one, and it stands well on its own, too. It is a bit simpler in style and information, but contains additional useful practices and other interesting tidbits. It seems geared toward a reading audience that would be more interested in a less intense chi kung regime than that in The Way of Energy.

This excellent book by Master Chuen adds to the set of books that he has written that introduce the methods of working with and enhancing you own internal energy (Chi or qi). The emphasis in this book as implied by the title concerns using qi for healing, mostly oneself, but others are mentioned. There is information presented in this text that is also in his other texts, especially The Way of Energy, though this is a little more focused on self healing.

The major emphasis in all of his books are a set of deceptively simple practices called variously "universal post", "tree standing" though the author uses their generic Chinese name Zhan Zuang. These exercises are central many types of internal qigong exercises, though they have a bit of an aura of secrecy around them. Mostly this is because martial arts teachers don't tend to teach them to their students until they have become quite advanced. (You want to know that a student is sufficiently serious and patient to benefit from these practices, else why waste your time teaching them).

Many martial arts teachers discount these practices as not being effective since they don't involve much external movement (how could you fight with them?). The same could be said for typical qigong health practitioners since most trainers think it is better to be aerobically moving, running or stretching than just standing.

Master Chuen explains these postures and their supported mental awareness, using some of the best visual images and metaphors in any qigong book I know of. I use some of his images in teaching taiji and qigong students daily. This teacher's unique facility is in explanation and imagery, especially for the western student unfamiliar with the Chinese concepts of five elements, yin & yang or chi flow.

I think that this book steers a line between explaining difficult concepts and giving too much overwhelming detail about qi meridian theory. The practices listed in this book have many names, and they change depending on the qigong tradition that they came from. One final caveat, just because these movements don't seem very dynamic don't think they are trivial or easy. The subtleties of standing well, balanced, relaxed and aware are a lifetime study. Returning to read some of the posture descriptions or tidbits of information after you have been standing for a while, you may find an item that you passed over on first reading may become the central concept to improving your posture or inner awareness.

After reading Sifu (Master or Teacher) Lam's earlier work "The Way of Energy" I bought this book because it deals more with the healing aspect of Qigong (chi kung).

I happen to have an intense interest in natural forms of healing.

I have two complaints against this book

1. Sifu Lam neglects to include an illustration of where the meridians (energy pathways) occur on the body. "The Way of Energy" also neglects this information.

2. On page 109 Sifu Lam implies that Qigong (chi kung) exercizes will improve visual acuity. This is true providing that the visual deteioration is caused by lack of blood flow to the eyes. However deformity of the lens in problems like astygmatism will not be helped.

After studying the exercize regimen in this book, I noticed that this book only includes the first five Zhan Zhaung (Jan Jong) poses listed in the earlier book "The Way of Energy", and the fact that he has changed the name for some of the poses.

On page 150 Sifu Lam cautions readers to pay attention to the subtle signals their body sends to them. I agree with this 100%!

Overall: this book is a very good place to start, but IMHO "The Way of Energy" is the better book.

If I may be of assistance feel free to E-Mail me.

William H. Lambdin

Reiki Master/Teacher (Karuna, Tibetan & Usui)

Seichim Master