The Book of Nei Kung [Spiral-bound]

C. K. Chu (Author)

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 73 pages
• Publisher: Sunflower Press; 3rd edition (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961658606
• ISBN-13: 978-0961658601
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #334,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, February 9, 2005

By 

Lucky "a reader" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Nei Kung (Spiral-bound)

This book delivers. This is the real thing. I can't say enough good things about this book. Short on theory, and long on instruction, this books allows you to jump right in and get started reaping the incredible benefits of nei kung. I've practiced many qi gong exercises over the past twenty years, with excellent success, but nei kung is better. In a very short amount of time you will have better posture, stronger legs, greater flexibility, better sleep, a lot more energy, a better attitude, better concentration,and a greater ability to be calm and relaxed. And that is only the beginning! Anybody who wants to improve the health of their body, mind, and spirit all at the same time should be practing this system of nei kung on a daily basis. Start slow and don't quit. There is now a video available from his website. chutaichi.com

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Guide to Nei Kung (a little known art), March 31, 2008

By 

Ninja Bookworm (Jackson, MS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Nei Kung (Spiral-bound)

In the late 1990's, I took Nei Kung classes from one of C.K. Chu's student's in California. The instructor used the ten forms illustrated and explained in this unique book. Though I have always exercised regularly (mainly lifting weights, jogging, and practicing karate), I found Nei Kung to be one of the most strenuous exercises I have ever done. But even though it was tough while doing it, I always felt great afterwards. We used to finish the session with seated Tan Tien breathing exercises.

So when I decided to start practicing Nei Kung again recently, I bought this book, as I had forgotten many of the forms. And I have found it invaluable. I was able to quickly remember the forms I had forgotten and restart my Nei Kung practice.

But one note of caution: I do believe that this book is best used to supplement a class given by an experienced Nei Kung teacher, as some of the movements can put extreme stress on the knees when not done properly. (Before I bought the book to refresh my memory, I tried to do some of the forms I still remembered; but then my knees really started hurting. After getting the book, I realized this was because I was not positioning my knees correctly.) But of course in a class, the instructor will correct these mistakes and one can practice safely.

In short, I don't know if this book would have been that useful to me had I not studied Nei Kung with a qualified teacher before. But for me, this is similar with yoga and Tai Chi--very difficult to learn from just reading a book, or even viewing a videotape; but if these are used to review and study what was learned in class, then they can be very helpful.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Manual for Health, Vitality, and Longevity, July 31, 2006

By 

Chris Morrongiello - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Nei Kung (Spiral-bound)

Like an exquisite musical instrument the human body requires the daily tuning of its tendons, cords, nerves, and muscles in order for its perfect harmony and true potential to be fully realized. In the Book of Nei Kung, C.K. Chu presents a sequence of ten easy-to-learn ancient Taoist exercises that effectively and efficiently tune, tone, and work the body towards greater health, inner harmony, and increased physical and mental stamina. Unlike many traditional Western exercises, which at times can be linear and superficial, Nei Kung exercises integrate and strengthen the body and mind. They can be performed nearly everywhere without any equipment and by virtually anyone at any age.

Five introductory sections in Part I serve to define the essence of Nei Kung -- its origins, history, and basic physical and mental principles. Master Chu is a precise teacher who eschews uncertain terms and mystical language. All of the fundamental concepts -- "Deep Breathing," "Head suspended," "Pelvis tucked in," "Body rounded," and so forth -- are clearly explained and well illustrated.

Part II contains the precious Nei Kung exercises that were developed, refined, and handed down from master to student since the Yellow Emperor period (2696-2598 BCE). These exercises work directly with the life force or "Chi" ("Nei Kung" means "inner work" or "internal training"). Some were developed or inspired by observing and imitating the beneficial skills and movements of various animals, hence "Rhinoceros Gazes at the Moon," "Owl Turns Head," "Phoenix Spreads Wings," and so on. Each detail of the individual exercises is carefully described and clearly enumerated across the landscape pages of this handsomely printed book. The descriptions read like a "recipe for health." Actual photos (not drawings) of Master Chu performing the exercises serve as models of excellence. Now entering his seventies, Master Chu is a paragon of health, clear-headedness, and vitality who has obviously benefited greatly from the daily practice of Nei Kung. This ancient system of internal energy cultivation should be more widely known, analyzed, and practiced. For those seeking the way towards vibrant health and increased longevity, forget the philosopher's stone or fountain of youth, the Book of Nei Kung reveals the path.