The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment [Paperback]

Yang Jwing-Ming (Author), Thomas Gutheil (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 19, 1997

Complete reference for all levels of Qigong practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...we are in Dr. Yang's debt for this definitive guide to better health and well-being." --Irwin H. Rosenberg, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Nutrition, Nutrition Research Center on Aging (Tufts University)

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Ymaa Publication Center; 2 edition (August 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886969507
• ISBN-13: 978-1886969506
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Tai Chi & Qi Gong

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fills in the gaps left by most qigong teachers, September 18, 2000

By 

Al Simon - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment (Paperback)

I'm always surprised at the number of qigong students who have never heard of the principles of "regulating" (tiao in Chinese). I'm also surprised at the number of qigong teachers who never even mention the topic! It is a fundamental concept of the art.

This book fills in that gap. It is a detailed and well-researched textbook of Qigong theory that I recommend to serious students and teachers of qigong, taijiquan (tai chi chuan), and internal martial arts. I use this book constantly in my teaching of qigong and taiji and in my writing on those subjects.

Yes, the book is more suitable for the experienced student, and may be tough going for a beginner. If you are already studying or teaching qigong, however, I highly recommend taking the time to study this book.

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for students AND teachers, June 3, 2005

By 

WG "avid reader" (Kulmbach, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment (Paperback)

One of the top-five Qigong books on the market. This may well be the most important book available, the one to use as the reference by which to judge the others. It's prosaic and straightforward, not flowery, not air-headed, not egotistical, not anything but pure Qigong history and theory. Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming is a real treasure, an example for all of us to enjoy.

There are no real "excercises" described in this book, but the descriptions of the breathing techniques alone will enhance the reader's practice immeasurably. I teach things somewhat differently, but this book definitely enhanced the quality of my own instruction.

Dr. Yang could have saved the space devoted to the Meridians and TCM, both themes are covered in just about every average-quality Qigong book available.

I would love to give such rave reviews to his other Qigong books, but unfortunately, they don't live up to the standard set by this one.

The best companion to this book, in my experience, in Roger Jahnke's "The Healing Promise of Qi".

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good reference..., May 10, 2002

By 

Yuri Kuzyk (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment (Paperback)

I haven't been that impressed with Dr. Yang's other Qigong books but this one captures a good amount of essential ideas in one place. The book goes through the 5 element theory in a very basic way (for a very thorough view of this see "Between Heaven and Earth : A Guide to Chinese Medicine"). The book then goes through a very detailed and excellent discussion of Qi, Jing and Shen.

There are a few exercises in here but this is really a reference dedicated to the more "theoretical" aspects of Qigong. There are many important tips for all aspects of Qigong including some good ideas for helping you achieve a deeper Qi state during meditation. There are also some good points about things such as Qi stagnation and how to relieve it.

Dr. Yang also keeps pointing out that it is important to find a good master - something I agree cannot be overemphasised. There are many people in North America claiming to "masters" and it would appear that the vast majority are better labelled as enthusiasts. If you are really interested in what Qigong can do for you I highly suggest finding out if WISH (USA or Canada) have a class nearby. I would avoid many of the other books since most promote activities that can be very harmful if not done under expert supervision.

When you come down to it, Qigong (and meditation in general) is not something that is suited for books. It is about doing it and being dedicated to cultivating yourself. Spend your money on a good introductory course and start practicing!