A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung (Paperback)

~ Daniel Reid (Author) "Chi-gung is an ancient Chinese system of self-cultivation developed specifically as a means by which each individual may take full personal responsibility for protecting health,..." (more)
Key Phrases: emitted chi, deep diaphragmic breathing, elixir field centre, Three Treasures, Microcosmic Orbit, Tai Chi Chuan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Virtually everything one needs to know about the practice of chi-gung."—NAPRA Review

Product Description

Chi-gung, which literally means "energy work," is a system of cultivating health, vitality, and longevity that is based on the fundamental principles of Taoism and the laws of nature. Practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years, chi-gung works with the energy found in all living things to help rid the body of the imbalances that sap our strength and give rise to disease. The simple, meditative movements, breathing exercises, and massage techniques that are the basis of chi-gung can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 326 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (March 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570625433
• ISBN-13: 978-1570625435
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #129,066 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and responsible introduction to chi gung., February 23, 2002

By	"froghollow5" (Puget Sound area, USA) - See all my reviews

I was introduced to the practice of chi gung through the writings of Daniel Reid--this book and another on traditional Chinese medicine.

The descriptions of the exercises are the best of any of the books I have read since (about 8), and the practice routine he includes is extremely well-structured and beneficial. I have been doing this routine daily for about 6 months, and have enjoyed numerous substantial benefits from it. No other author I have found has provided such a complete workout routine. I have continued to use it as a basis for additional material I have learned from other sources.

I am most grateful that Mr. Reid, among others, has been willing to make this information available to us in print.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Single Book on Chi-Gung, January 3, 2009

By	Rich S. "Rich S." (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

I've been into Chinese Gong-fu, the mind and Chi-gung for over 25 years now. Having read scores of books on the subject including the mind, martial arts, herbs, healing, acupuncture and more..this book by Daniel Reid, which is also known as "Harnessing the Power of the Universe" is one of the most amazing I've ever read.

He takes you through the history, theory, practice and goals of Chi-gung with some of the most fantastic and clear writing I've ever seen. I own several of his other works including the Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity, The Complete Book of Chinese Health and Healing, The Tao of Detox, Chinese Herbal Medicine and others.

The book is very well researched and written and takes you from the beginning and history of Chi-gung all the way up to the fantastic powers and achievements of the monks and beyond.

While this is not so much a how to book as a serious book sharing the knowledge of chi-gung itself, he does include a solid section of various meditations, physical exercises and other chi-gung techniques showing the steps with numerous diagrams and clear instruction on their practice.

This is a book that I enjoy reading over and over again and I recommend it to friends and students alike.

www.chinesehealthandfitness.com

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Start For Chi Gung Beginers, October 8, 2009

By	Nikolas Davies (Sydney, Australia.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

*Warning, This is the same book as CHI GUNG, just re-covered by a different publisher*

I read this book about 9 yrs ago when I got serious with my martial arts training, I wished to learn The Dragon Tiger Double Sword Style (a 630yr old method) but 'Before I could lift a blade I must become proficient in Chi Gung Training' I had no idea what this "Chee goong" was, so I looked for a source to study.

This is the book I purchased.

The first half of the book is a summary of Chinese history, the origins of Chi Gung & a bunch of stories &"scientific" studies verifying the results of high level practice's in healing. I liked the one about the Monk who healed the cancer patient in hospital from the temple some distance away, the patient could smell the incense the monk was burning while in his healing meditative trance. Interesting stuff, but depending on the reader this can become long winded & it feels like he's trying to convince a sceptic "it really works". I take everything I read with a grain of salt, but its doubtful many who purchase this book will need convincing.

The results speak for them self as anyone who has done at least a few months Chi Gung training will know.

I usually read books cover to cover, but I was forced to jump to the practical sections in the second half of the book & begin training. I ended up reading the book twice through then lent it out to several interested friends & it eventually disappeared, its defiantly one for the collection so I got it again on here.

After reading this book I went on to find a Sifu to train with & now I can call the Chi with a slap of the palms & a deep breath, it is a beautiful thing. I recommend this book & any other Chi Gung book as long as it leads you to practice.

Cheers.

Nik.