Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the fifth in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. Tian Gan Nei Gong is indispensable to the practice of Ba Gua Zhang and the martial arts in general. The Tian Gan Exercises develop the ability of the legs and waist to generate the torsional spiraling power known as "Silk Reeling" Energy. Tian Gan also trains the correct internal mechanics for many of Ba Gua Zhang's martial actions such as: piercing (chuan), chopping (kan), splitting (pi), drilling (zuan), rolling (gun), pulling (la), leading (ling), seizing (na), covering (gai), overturning (fan), pressing (an), uplifting (tiao), rotating (zhuan), twisting (ning), coiling (chan) and wrapping (guo). Tian Gan literally means "Heavenly Stem." The name Tian Gan refers to the longitudinal energetic axis or stem (the "Central Channel") that passes through the body. In practicing Tian Gan Nei Gong, the spiraling and turning actions of the body and Central Channel, combined with the movements of the arms and legs, stimulate and open the meridians, while simultaneously "wringing out" the spine and its surrounding structures. This helps maintain the health of the spine, the brain and the nervous system. Tian Gan Nei Gong can be an important adjunctive practice method for various types of Daoist meditation, and a useful pre-requisite to Micro-Cosmic Orbit meditation. Ba Gua Spinal Meditation is a unique training method that enables one to sense the subtle internal movements of the spine. A detailed discussion of Spinal Meditation is included in this book because this exercise forms a natural compliment to the Tian Gan

In Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong: The Meridian Opening Palms of Ba Gua Zhang, author Tom Bisio details the practice method and theory of this powerful system of internal exercise. The postures, alignments and practice methods are clearly explained and correlated with practical discussions of meridian pathways and pathologies from the perspective of internal Nei Gong practice. These discussions are accompanied by extensive illustrations, including drawings rendered from photographs of famous Ba Gua masters holding the Nei Gong postures. Also included are medical applications of Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong and an introduction to the rarely taught Ba Gua Energy Accepting Palm, in which vital force (qi) is absorbed from the natural environment.

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the fourth in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. Foundational Body Training (Ba Gua Ji Ben Gong) This book covers The 28 Foundational Exercises (Ji Ben Gong) and Ba Gua%u2019s Foundational Walking Nei Gong. For those interested primarily in Nei Gong, both sets of exercises are an important step in continuing the opening of the main meridians and the Extraordinary Vessels, and in freeing the body of physical, mental and psychic blockages and restrictions. The 28 Foundational Exercises improve joint mobility, strengthen tendons and bones, and balance the musculature of the body, all while actively engaging the body%u2019s natural, spiral-like movements. For those interested in Ba Gua as a martial art, Ji Ben Gong are the key developmental exercises that form the foundation of one%u2019s skill in Ba Gua Zhang. Every movement in The 28 Foundational Exercises trains basic body actions and internal principles used in all facets of Ba Gua training. Each exercise has a specific purpose that operates simultaneously on a physical, energetic and martial level. Daily practice of Ji Ben Gong helps one to internalize many of the core movements that are the basic building blocks of Ba Gua%u2019s circular changes. Internalizing these movements is critical to developing higher level skills. For this reason, The 28 Foundational Exercises are often used as a daily exercise routine or as a warm-up before practicing other Ba Gua skills. The Foundational Walking Exercises - the Linear Mud Step and the Crane Step - are the beginning stage in developing Ba Gua%u2019s unique circular

Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic, (Nei Gong Zhen Chuan) is an obscure text of unknown origin, yet it stands alone as the definitive text on internal energy and the generation of internal power. Hand copied, and passed from teacher to student, it is one of the "secret transmissions" of Chinese martial arts. Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic, is a practical manual on internal energy development and its fundamental importance in the martial arts and fa jin (emitting force). It draws heavily on Daoist meditation and alchemical practices which are said to promote health and longevity. The text is divided into four sections: 1. Nei Gong Jing (Internal Energy Classic); 2. Na Gua Jing (Received Trigram Classic); 3. Shen Yun Jing (Transported Spirit Classic); 4. Di Long Jing (Earth Dragon Classic), which are meant to be read in order. In this way the reader is guided step by step through the details of Nei Gong practice, and in the Di Long Jing, its application to self-defense. Translated by a team of experts, the text is accompanied by extensive footnotes and diagrams that clarify the more obscure passages which otherwise pre-suppose a knowledge of Daoist texts and imagery from the I-Ching (Book of Changes). The appendices further explicate the relationship of Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic to the internal martial art Xing Yi Quan.

In Bagua and Tai Chi, noted teacher Bruce Frantzis demonstrates through these two important practices what is required to develop and embody high levels of chi flow. Inside the slow-motion movements of tai chi is a sophisticated mind/body/spirit practice. Derived from the I Ching (Book of Changes), bagua is unique in its circular movements, spiraling energy, and unpredictable changes of direction. Frantzis begins with an overview of both bagua and tai chi and their origins in Chinese culture, followed by comprehensive advice on how to incorporate these practices into daily Western life. Written in an easy, conversational style, the book provides an explanation of an art that is practiced by millions in China to release stress and maintain a vigorous level of health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the 2.3 million Americans who currently practice tai chi report improved sleep, conditioning, and overall wellness. Bagua and Tai Chi offers a gentle healing and strengthening system that will appeal to a wide audience, including martial artists, meditators, dancers and athletes, personal trainers, and anyone looking to reduce stress and increase calmness and clarity through an effective, low-impact body practice.

The Taoist yogic discipline of Ba Gua is an internal form of the ancient art of kung fu--as are the much older t'ai chi and Xing I. Ba Gua is the most arcane and yogic of three sister arts--t'ai chi and Xing I are the others--and is distinguished by serpentine turning and circling momvements and its own internal energy exercises, Ba Gua Qi Gong.