The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment (Paperback)

by Yang Jwing-Ming (Author)

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)

Product Description
Qigong training can improve your health, cure illness, and help you overcome the stress of daily living. Qigong is the study of Qi, or vital energy, that circulates in the human body, and it has been practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years. Qigong is a unique and comprehensive approach to health and longevity, and can be trained by anyone. Get the most from your practice by understanding the principles and foundation of this ancient science.

Dr. Yang teaches sitting and standing meditation, demonstrates massage techniques, and explores the Qi pathways in your body. He explains correct breathing methods, shares secrets for quieting the mind, and discusses how to increase your body's Qi supply. In addition, he also explains important concepts such as the Three Treasures and regulating the body, breath, and mind. Whatever style you practice, you'll find the keys to successful training in the Root of Chinese Qigong.

* Improve your health with Qi (vital energy) training.
* Relieve stress with simple breathing techniques.
* Learn the secrets that will advance your practice.
* Discover the foundations of Chinese medicine.
* Eliminate tension with soothing relaxation exercises.
* Includes more than sixty detailed photos and illustrations.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: YMAA Publication Center; 2 edition (September 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886969507
• ISBN-13: 978-1886969506
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #74,070 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 50 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 (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

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.

35 of 35 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

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".

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

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

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

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!