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

Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is an ancient Chinese health-care modality that has fascinated people throughout the millennia. Based on the fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong is a system that teaches us to understand Qi, our bioelectric life force, and use it to heal ourselves and others. Qigong: Essence of the Healing Dance will give readers some of the basics of the outward "exercises" that are normally associated with the practice of Qigong, as well as detailing movements from such systems as Wuji Qigong, Bagua Xun Dao Gong and Shaolin Qigong. More than merely outlining these practices, this book will take readers on a journey of exploration into the essence of this fascinating, though little understood, healing practice. Masters from around the world—such as the ninety-two-year-old Duan Zhi Liang of Beijing, Canadian healer Effie Poy Yew Chow and American Jerry Johnson—contribute their personal insights into the wonders of Qigong. People from various walks of life, all of whom have achieved healing as a result of practicing Qigong, share their powerful experiences. Author Garri Garripoli, himself a practitioner of Qigong for the past twenty years, renders the book fascinating yet easy-to-read. He expertly guides readers on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, inspiring them to look deeper into healing in order to discover how to move beyond the standards and limitations of Western medicine. Qigong: Essence of the Healing Dance shows readers that we all carry within ourselves the ability to heal, and encourages them to tap into that innate gift and dance their own dance of life. Readers are sure to find this book fascinating, even life changing. It is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the mystique of ancient Eastern healing arts or seeking a daily practice that promotes and maintains full-body well-being.

This insightful translation and analysis of three core martial arts texts distills the fundamental principles of T'ai Chi for beginner students The deepest benefits of T’ai Chi cannot be realized without an understanding of its underlying principles. This book presents these principles through translations of three core classics of T’ai Chi that are often considered the "T’ai Chi Bible," accompanied by the author’s insightful commentary. Master Liao demonstrates how to increase the body’s inner energy (ch’i) and transform it into power, health, and well-being. By reading the clear and precise explanations of the fundamental principles of T'ai Chi, students can develop a more complete understanding of the art and philosophy of this traditional martial art.

Originally published: Berkeley, Calif.: Celestial Arts, 1987.

A handbook of the classical Chinese literature on which the art of t'ai chi is based. First English translation of the classic texts of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. This is required reading for practitioners of every style.

Chi theory and practice for health and a deeper understanding of Tai Chi.

An essential guide for T’ai Chi practitioners of all skill levels with an overview of basic principles and commentary on three classic internal martial arts texts According to Master Liao, the great power of T’ai Chi cannot be realized without knowing its inner meaning. T’ai Chi Classics presents the inner meaning and techniques of T’ai Chi movements through translations of three core classics of T’ai Chi, often considered the “T’ai Chi Bible”. Divided into three chapters, the guide explains how to increase inner energy (ch’i), transform it into inner power (jing), and project this inner power outward to repel an opponent without physical contact. Master Liao also provides a description of the entire sequence of T’ai Chi movements, illustrated by his own line drawings.