Customer Reviews

The Theory and Practice of Taiji Qigong

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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.

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.

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.

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.