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The Essence of Qigong: A Handbook of Qigong Theory and Practice

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Books on qi gong tend to have two flaws: being overly practical (move this way) or burying the beginner in theory. This book picks a nice middle ground, where theroy and practical concerns are mixed. The authors attempt to put qi qong in relations to modern science (not badly done) and religions (totally misunderstands Christianity). Practice advice is given for the beginner and a fair bit of theory (in readable terms). It's a good book and one I'd recommend to a beginner. A less silted writing styles and more illustrations would be nice but its definitely worth the money.

I bought the book because of the title "A Handbook of Qigong Theory and Practice." I assumed that this meant the book would explain the theory of qigong practice - how motions of the hands or body would cause energy to move in the body and how this would, in some TCM fashion, cause changes in the body energy. I assumed it would also have general guidelines on the practice of qigong.

My assumptions were wrong. The book is full of broad generalities and platitudes. While the following is true, do we need to be told this?

"The point is that we should maintain a relaxed state of being, eat our daily meals, sleep our nightly sleep and for some of us, write our novels and do our everyday work. What is important is to relax. You may say this is true enlightenment."

This is about as deep and as pragmatic as the book gets.

Normally after I read a book, if I don't want to keep it I'll sell or donate it. This one I'm putting in the recycle bin.