The Theory and Practice of Taiji Qigong [Paperback]

Chris Jarmey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2, 2005

Practiced regularly, Taiji Qigong has been show to increase energy, improve health, and help prevent illness through simple movements and focused breathing. This in depth instruction manual brings the practice to the average reader. Written for every level of skill and interest and constructed for easy customizing for particular goals, the book is broken into three parts that cover the theory and practice of Qi and Qigong; the general principles of Qigong practice; and the 18 movements of Taiji Qigong in detail.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A very well presented, comprehensive book on the ever popular Chinese Taiji Qigong exercises. The information contained in this book provides an invaluable source or reference for all levels of practitioners, seeking to gain a better insight and understanding into this fascinating ancient Chinese system of energy-enhancing exercises."
- Tai Chi and Alternative Health magazine

About the Author

Chris Jarmey, M.C.S.P., D.S., M.R.S.S., is the Course Director, Principal of the European Shiatsu School. He has served several terms as the Education Officer, Medical Liaison Office, and Assessment Panel member for the Shiatsu Society. Chris has specialist skills in therapeutic Eastern and Western exercise, and has been practicing and teaching Yoga and Qigong for over 25 years. He is the author of several best-selling books, including The Concise Book of Muscles, also published by Lotus Publishing and North Atlantic Books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (February 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556435541
• ISBN-13: 978-1556435546
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.4 x 9.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #656,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for beginners and beyond, May 18, 2008

By 

K. Frankel "dainin" (Boca Raton, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Theory and Practice of Taiji Qigong (Paperback)

The first 85 pages of Chris Jarmey's book provide an excellent overview of the theoretical background and general principles of qigong. Topics that beginning practioners should be aware of, such as the nature of qi, the three treasures, the meridians and dantiens are covered, in addition to considerations such as stance, breathing, and when and where to practice. Illustrations of the meridians and key points are included. This section would give beginners a solid foundation in these concepts before tackling more complex books on the subject. As the other reviewers have noted, the writing style is very clear and to the point.

The remainder of the book is an in-depth look at the popular 18 movement taiji qigong form known as Shibashi. For each of the movements, information is given on stance and movement (including coordination of the breath with the movements), mental focus, and health benefits. The movements are illustrated with line drawings.

The movements are easy to perform, and the form can be completed in about 15 minutes. Some of the moves are similar to taiji movements (including Repulse Monkey and Wave Hands Like Clouds) but without the footwork. I have practiced this form for several years, usually as a warm up for other qigong sets or taiji, and enjoy it. I think that the information Jarmey provides on mental focus at the intermediate and advanced levels will allow me to deepen my practice, and makes the book useful for experienced practitioners as well as beginners. I do think that the book would have benefited by including some information on the history of the form, and its creators. Videos of this form are freely available online, including the taichi18 web site of Sifu Wing Cheung of Ontario, Canada.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best So Far, December 18, 2001

By 

Janine Slater (Granada, Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taiji Qigong (Paperback)

Taiji Qigong by Chris Jarmey is a genuine breakthrough is literary excellence on the subject of Qigong. The clarity of the text is outstanding, whilst the content enables one to fully understand at a cerebral level what qigong is all about. The book then gives precise instructions on how to do Taiji Qigong, with emphasis on exactly what your mind should be doing throughout. In my opinion, this book should go straight to the front of the intelligent person's bookshelf.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Taiji Qigong, December 13, 2001

By 

Tom Carver (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taiji Qigong (Paperback)

As a practitioner of daoist meditation and qigong, I found this book by far the most well laid out and comprehensive text on the subject. Not so complex as to lose the reader, but a perfect balance between practical advice and theoretical background. Great stuff.