Qigong Empowerment: A Guide to Medical, Taoist, Buddhist and Wushu Energy Cultivation [Paperback]

Master Shou-Yu Liang (Author), Mr Wen-Ching Wu (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1996

Qigong Empowerment is the most unique and complete volume ever written in the English language on qigong (Chi Kung). This volume can be used for attaining better health, for healing, for gaining extraordinary power, and for spiritual development. This volume consists of five books which covers: - Traditional Chinese Medical theories and qi cultivation methods. - Taoist methods to foster Essence, Qi, and Spirit. - Buddhist Esoteric Abilities of the Body, Speech, and Mind. - Emitting, Absorbing, and Healing Qigong. - Wushu (martial arts) Iron Shirt training. Qigong (Chi Kung) has been an integral part of Chinese culture since ancient China. High level qigong masters have always been respected and held in high esteem in Chinese society. Qi is a Chinese term used to refer to all types of energy. It is the intrinsic substance or the vital force behind all things in the universe. It is the medium between and within all material substances. We are all immersed in it. The term gong refers to the power to produce an effect, an attainment of, or an accomplishment that is achieved with steady practice. Loosely, qigong can be translated as the attainment of qi. Healers and the medical society use qigong for healing and preventing illness. Martial artists use qigong for developing incredible strength and abilities. Others use qigong to attain a greater consciousness.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Chinese

About the Author

Grandmaster Shou-Yu Liang began studying qigong at age 6. He is one of China's top Coaches of Excellence. Master Wen-Ching Wu was a National Grand Champion in both Internal and External Styles of Chinese martial arts. They have coauthored many health, healing, and martial arts related titles.

More about Shou-Yu Liang: Shou-Yu Liang was born in 1943 in Sichuan, China. At age six, he began his training in qigong, under the tutelage of his renowned grandfather, the late Liang, Zhi-Xiang. He was taught esoteric qigong and the martial arts of the Emei Mountain region, including Emei Dapeng Qigong. At age eight, his grandfather also made special arrangements for him to begin training Emei Qigong and Wushu with other well-known masters of the time. By the time he was twenty, Shou-Yu Liang had already received instruction from 10 of the most well-known legendary grandmasters of both Southern and Northern systems. His curiosity inspired him to learn more than one hundred sequences from many different styles. As he grew older, through and beyond his college years, his wide background in various martial arts helped form his present character, and led him to achieve a high level of martial arts and qigong skills. Some of the training he concentrated on included: the Emei Styles, Shaolin Long Fist, Praying Mantis, Chuojiao, Qinna, vital point striking, many weapons systems, and qigong methods. Shou-Yu Liang received a university degree in biology and physiology in 1964 then taught high school in a remote village in China. This was part of his reeducation program enforced on him for being born in a bourgeois family, by the government during the political structure of the time. His dedication to his own training and helping others to excel didnt stop during the years he was in the remote village. He began to organize Wushu and wrestling teams to compete in provincial tournaments. During the years of the Cultural Revolution, all forms of martial arts and qigong were suppressed. To avoid conflict with the Red Guards, Shou-Yu Liang left his teaching position and used this opportunity to tour various parts of the country. During his travels, he visited and studied with great masters in Wushu and qigong, and made many friends with people who shared his devotion. His mastery of qigong and martial arts, both technically and philosophically grew to new horizons. Shou-Yu Liang went through numerous provinces and cities, visiting many renowned and revered places where Wushu and qigong originated, was developed, and refined. Among the many places he visited were Emei Mountain, Wudang Mountain, Hua Mountain, Qingcheng Mountain, Chens Village in Henan, the Changzhou Territory in Hebei Province, Beijing, and Shanghai. At the end of the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese government again began to support the martial arts and qigong. During the reorganization and categorizing of the existing martial arts, research projects were set up to seek out living masters and preserve their knowledge. It was at this time that the Sichuan government appointed Shou-Yu Liang as a coach for the city, the territory, and the province. Many of Shou-Yu Liang's students were among the top martial artists of China. In 1979, he received the title of Coach of Excellence since 1949, by the Peoples Republic of China. With his wealth of knowledge, Shou-Yu Liang was inspired at an early age to compete in martial arts tournaments, in which he was many times a noted gold medalist. During his adolescence, Shou-Yu Liang won titles in Chinese wrestling (Shuaijiao), various other martial arts, and weight lifting. After the Cultural Revolution, despite his many official duties Shou-Yu Liang continued to participate actively in competitions both at the provincial and national level. Between 1974 and 1981, he won numerous medals, including four gold medals. His students also performed superbly both in national and provincial open tournaments, winning many medals. Many of these students are now professional Wushu coaches in colleges, in the armed forces, or have become movie stars. In 1979, Shou-Yu Liang received several appointments, including committee membership in the Sichuan Chapter of the Chinese National Wushu Committee and Coaches Committee. In 1981, Shou-Yu Liang visited Seattle, Washington. This trip marked another new era in the course of his life. His ability immediately impressed Wushu devotees. The Wushu and Taiji Club of the Student Association, at the University of Washington, retained him as a Wushu Coach. At the same time, Shou-Yu Liang taught at the Taiji Association in Seattle. In the following year, Shou-Yu Liang went to Vancouver, Canada, and was appointed Taiji Coach by the Villa Cathy Care Home. During the same year, he was appointed Honorary Chairman and Head Coach by the North American Taiji Athletic Association. He also began to teach classes in the Physical Education Department at the University of British Columbia (UBC). In 1984, Shou-Yu Liang was certified as a national First Class Ranking Judge by China. He was also appointed Chairperson and Wushu Coach by the University of British Columbia. In 1985, Shou-Yu Liang was elected coach of the First Canadian National Wushu Team, which was invited to participate in the 1985 World Wushu Invitational Competition that took place in Xian, China. The Canadian team took Third Place after competing against teams from 13 other countries. The next year, Shou-Yu Liang was again elected coach of the Second Canadian National Wushu Team, that competed in the 1986 World Wushu Invitational Competition held in Tianjin, China. A total of 28 countries participated. This time, the Canadian team took Second Place which was only second to China. Shou-Yu Liang and the Canadian success story shocked the Chinese nation, and news of their outstanding accomplishment spread throughout China. In 1994, Shou-Yu Liang led the North American Martial Arts Exhibition Team for a friendship performance tour to ten major cities in China. His team received a warm welcome by the people and government of China. While in China, the team also competed in the International Wushu Competition held in Shanghai. This competition was represented by 32 nations. Shou-Yu Liangs students received 42 gold medals. Canadian premier, Mr. Jean Chretien, also wrote a letter of encouragement to the team. Many Chinese television stations, radio stations, and newspapers spread the news of the Exhibition Team all over China. Since the beginning of the 1960s, Shou-Yu Liang has personally taught over 10,000 students. Additionally, Shou-Yu Liang has touched the lives of tens of thousands of students in his affiliate schools and schools of students students. His students have received hundreds of gold medals in national and international competitions. Many of his students are currently teaching all over the world. Shou-Yu Liang continues to gain recognition in China and abroad. In the past few years, Shou-Yu Liang was selected as The Instructor of the Year by Inside Kung Fu Magazine, selected by the China Wushu Magazine in the Biography of Todays Extraordinary Martial Artists. He has been awarded the Worlds Top 100 Outstanding Martial Artists Professional Award, Worlds Greatest Contribution Award and Worlds Outstanding Accomplishment Award. He has also been selected to be included in the Current List of Famous Martial Artists and in the Chinese Whos Who in the World. The chairman of the China Wushu Association wrote this about him, Uses his martial arts to teach people, and uses his morals to inspire people. Since the beginning of his advantageous martial arts life, he has been featured by scores of newspapers and magazines in China, Europe, the USA, and Canada; as well as, has been interviewed by many television stations in China, the USA, and Canada, including the recent interview by CNN. Currently Shou-Yu Liang is the Advisor or Honorary Advisor of over 20 national and professional Wushu organizations in China, the United States, and Canada. Shou-Yu Liang has written and produced several books and videotapes including, Hsing Yi Chuan, Simplified Tai Chi Chuan with Applications, Baguazhang, Qigong Empowerment, Chinese Fast Wrestling for Fighting, etc. Shou-Yu Liangs popularity increases exponentially every year. It makes him sad to have to refuse invitations to give workshops or attend International and National Wushu competitions. He has to limit himself from traveling too often. The demand for him has become so great that it is taking him away from his commitment to his family, school, and students in Vancouver. His focus is now on his family, friends, and students; and continuing the promotion of Wushu. As he was fortunate enough to learn from his teachers, he is now focusing it on his students, and writing books to preserve what he had the privilege to learn.

More about Wen-Ching Wu: Wen-Ching Wu was born in Taiwan, China in 1964. He loved Wushu and other sports since a young age. Like all other youngsters his age, he dabbled in Southern Wushu with his family and relatives. During high school he was on the school's basketball and softball teams. He graduated from high school as a salutatorian. He came to the U.S. in 1983 to study Mechanical Engineering. In 1988, he graduated with honors from Northeastern University, with a BSME degree. Wen-Ching Wu is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Yu-Kuang Wu. With the support of his parents, Wen-Ching Wu was given an incredible opportunity to experience the worldfrom Asia to Africa, to North America... He is the protege of Shou-Yu Liang. With the guidance of Shou-Yu Liang, Wen-Ching Wu has excelled in both the Internal Styles, External Styles, and qigong. Wen-Ching Wu is the adopted son of Professor Ju-Rong Wang and Dr. Cheng-De Wu. With their guidance, Wen-Ching Wu has also excelled in Chaquan, Taijiquan, and qigong. Wen-Ching Wu reached a martial arts highlight in 1990 when he competed in the United States National Chinese Martial Arts Competition where he was awarded the Grand Champion award in both Internal and External Styles. He competed in 8 events in 1990 and was ranked first in every event he competed in. Since then, he has been focusing his efforts on teaching and writing. In 1991, he and his wife, Denise, founded The Way of the Dragon, Ltd. He then began teaching and writing full time, and traveling to other states and countries to offer seminars. Below are some of Wen-Ching Wu's accomplishments and appointments: 1993Published A Guide to Taijiquan book. 1994Published the Baguazhang book. 1995Published A Complete Tai Chi Chuan Workout Tape and Qi Permeating Technique Audio Tape 1997Awarded Master Level II Instructor by the International Wushu Sanshou Dao Association (IWSD). 1997Published the Qigong Empowerment book, Health Maintenance qigong video, Microcosmic Circulation Qigong video, and Nine Segment Buddhist Breathing Qigong video. 1998Awarded three Outstanding Performance awards at the Fourth Shanghai International Wushu Festival/Competition 1998Published Feel the Qi video, Tai Chi Beginning Workout Partner video, and Tai Chi Beginning book. 1998Selected to be included in the "Current List of China's Wushu Masters" 1999Appointed as a United States of America Wushu-Kung Fu Federation (USAWKF) Advisor 1991-1999Served as a judge in the U.S. National and International Wushu competitions. Wen-Ching Wu has been giving workshops in Internal Style, External Style, and Qigong throughout the U.S. and Europe. His workshops have been very well received by participants. He has been featured in several TV programs in the U.S. To date, he has written or coauthored over 10 books and videos. Currently, he is working on several other books about Chinese martial arts and qigong, to be published by The Way of the Dragon Publishing in the near future.

Product Details

• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: Way of the Dragon Publishing, The (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889659029
• ISBN-13: 978-1889659022
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #154,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Tai Chi & Qi Gong

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

132 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Information Immensely Practical and Useful, January 24, 2002

By 

"yogibear1" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Qigong Empowerment: A Guide to Medical, Taoist, Buddhist and Wushu Energy Cultivation (Paperback)

Definitely the best book on QiGong available in English to date. And no doubt better than a lot, if not most, of the QiGong books in Chinese. The "varieties" of QiGong in China number in the THOUSANDS, this book presents some of the best in essence. This 348-page volume is divided into five chapters or "Books". The materials contained in Book 1 (Medical QiGong) are pretty basic, and commonly available, though useful for beginners. The last chapter (Book 5) on WuShu QiGong will be primarily of interest to martial artists and some athletes. The weakness here is that it covers only the "Hard" techniques, but does not include the "Soft" or internal methods like TaiJi and similar QiGongs. Toaist QiGong is covered in Book 2. Being an integral part of Chinese culture from the beginning, Taoism can claim to have the most elaborate and comprehensive QiGong practices. These emcompass the whole spectrum of physical to spiritual development purposes. The disadvantage of Taoist QiGong is that sometimes it can get overly complicated, and burdened by cultural dross. The authors however, have been able to present the information in a reasonably simple and straightforward way, easily comprehensible to those not steeped in ancient Chinese lores. The most unique part is Book 3, which is about Buddhist QiGong, more specifically QiGong as taught in some Tantric Buddhist traditions. Most of the information contained here are not easy to come by, even for students of Tantric Buddhism. This is really a pity as, in my experience, Buddhist QiGong has some of the most powerful and profound techniques. So the author really has done a great service to the general public by sharing such information in a non sectarian way. For some this section alone will justify getting the whole volume. Book 4 teaches the principles and techniques to develop (build), regulate and work with Qi (both within and outside of the individual) for a variety of purposes, especially healing. These really make up the foundation for any advance QiGong cultivation. After you have mastered them, the rest are easy. This section is invaluable to those involved in energetic healing work. ( If you find a QiGong teacher who teaches you these techniques early in your study, you most likely have a good and generous teacher, it may be worth your while to stick around.) The language used throughout the volume is simple and straightforward, the instructions are direct and easy to understand. The numerous photos, charts and illustrations are clear and helpful. Though the volume also contains a fair amount of philosophical and technical details, much of these can be skimmed over without impeding the learning of the QiGong methods, if you are impatient. You can always refer back to them later when necessary. An immensely practical book well worth the price.

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Complete Book on Qigong, December 11, 2003

By 

Inyo (Van Nuys, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Qigong Empowerment: A Guide to Medical, Taoist, Buddhist and Wushu Energy Cultivation (Paperback)

Quite simply, this book covers more aspects and types of Qigong than any other book available to the english speaking public. I am a practitioner of the huge Universal Tao System and this one of the only books that that is up to par with Sifu Mantak Chia's books. Furthermore, it uncovers very, very secret practices from the Taoist Internal Alchemy, Chinese and Tibetan Tantrism, Shaolin Secret Arts and even Dzogchen(!) many of which have never been publicly published before. Some of these practices are so secret most practitioners have either: never heard of them or had concluded they had been lost. Yet, Sifu Shou-yu Liang and Sifu Wen-ching Wu have found it in their hearts to share these profound practices with the rest of the world. They are both incredible masters in their own right, not to mention winning numerous qigong and martial arts awards under their belt. Their schools are well known and respected worldwide.
Really, Qigong Empowerment is set of 5 books. After reading the introduction you will then be able to choose which books you want to read. If you are feeling unhealthy you might go to the Medical Qigong Book; if you practice a style of martial arts you may go to the Martial Qigong Book. All five books are really amazing though.
Each practice is outlined in a very logical and practical manner and really pretty easy to understand. There is also a healthy amount of philosophical explanation and theory. So even the teaching method is complete here: they give WHO founded the particular technique and how it was passed down, WHAT it is in clear explanation, WHERE it is from exactly, and HOW it should be done along with safety tips, and to top it off, WHY you would want to practice such a technique with some examples of the benefits.
If your new to Qigong start here. It will give you the proper understanding of Qigong far from those videos at whole foods with some guy waving his arms around. This is real Qigong which involves leading the Qi with the Yi (heart/mind intent) It will also give you thorough understanding of each of the most common Qigong schools.
If you already experienced in Qigong or any type of Martial Arts -- buy this book right now and prepare yourself to experience some of the most amazing abilities humans are capable of. The title says it all: Qigong Empowerment!

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous Effort, April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Qigong Empowerment: A Guide to Medical, Taoist, Buddhist and Wushu Energy Cultivation (Paperback)

Combining a good deal of theory with a tremendous amount of well explained, useful qigong exercises is what makes this book the single most valuable book on qigong available. The authors cover in five separate chapters, the essential theory and practice of five major schools of qigong: Medical, Taoist, Buddhist, Healing, Wu-Shu.The section on Medical qigong covers Qi Permeation technique, various techniques for each of the six organ systems in the body, and the six healing sounds.The section on Taoist Qigong covers three levels of the Taoist system, including the Microcosmic orbit. Everything is presented sequentially to ensure safety. The final steps aren't presented with detailed instructions as they require, according to the authors, supervision.Buddhist Qigong includes Nine Segment breathing, Precious Vessel, Spiritual Flame, Great Perfection, Protective Qigong, and the Nine Esoteric Seals.The section on healing qigong is tremendous. Numerous methods of building, emitting, absorbing qi are given. Also discussed are various abilties related to scanning, auras, and protecting yourself from bad energy.The wu-shu qigong section was somewhat dissapointing. Most of it seemed very external. Still, many exercises are given.The only real downside to the book is that it is sometimes hard to follow based on the layout of chapter and subchapter headings, but a close reading will clarify any problems.Also, I would have liked some information about how to combine the routines into a daily practice.This book is not as detailed on theory as Yang Jwing Mings Root of Chinese Chi-Kung, but contains more actual routines. The two books complement each other well.