Reviews (9)

Eight Pieces of Brocade
A very interesting presentation of one approach to QiGong.A good addition to a student of the art's library.Well written and easy to follow with an abundance of clear pictures.

Good introduction to Qigong and Eight Pieces of Brocade
Although thin, this book contained more information than I expected. It talks about what is qi and what is qigong (including its history), it tells the life story of this set's creator - Marshall Yue Fei, and enumerates the main qigong purposes (i.e for healing, maintaing health, prolonging life, martial arts and enlightenment). The two main categories are explained: Wai Dan (External Elixir) and Nei Dan (Internal Elixir). In Taoist terminology, the book talks about the three treasures: Jing (essence), Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit), which can be nurtured through Qigong training. In order to succeed, one needs to regulate the body, mind, breath, Qi and spirit - only then the benefits which one can reap from training will be reaped.
Antidote for our unhealthy lives
With HMOs, insurance headaches, premiums driven up by the 65 percent of Americans who are overweight, increasing daily stress, we all could use a magic elixir for energy and increased quality of life. Who better to provide it than the Chinese, inventors of tai chi chuan, green tea as a curative, and acupuncture?
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health/Fitness    4. Qi gong    5. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (5)

A mind opening experience
This book is simply amazing. From the moment I started reading this book Iwas hooked. I just could not put it down. Once I started incorporating thesimple breathing techniques discussed in the book,I noticed immediateimprove ments in my circulation, energy level,flexibility,and mentalclarity. Then after trying some of the moving exercises I felt totallycharged as if I was being pumped with electricity,I have never feltbetter. This book is a must if you are interested in learning more aboutyourself, your inner strength, and your place in the universe.

Good overall guide to Chi Gung
This is a very compact book. It covers many things in CHinese Chi Gung, like Breathing exercises,self-massaging, acupressure, postures, meditation, health. It also covers the philosophy of Tao which Chi Gung itself is basedon. Reid explains it in a clear way that's easy to read for Westerners.Personally, I've tried Chi Gung and it does really increase my energy andvitality and clarity. Especially the breathing exercises, god if there'sone thing you should improve to make your vitality 'explode', it's byimproving your BREATHING. Even Anthony Robbins teaches the 'power ofbreathing'! So it's not traditional mumbo jumbo. What chi gung is mainlyabout is, Chi (Air/Energy) Gong (Work/practice) that's what it means!Overall, this is a good guide for those who wants to know what chi gung is.You might also want to read another good book by the same author "TheTao Of Health, Sex and Longvity", it's a thicker book but it coversmore subjects like diet, nutrition,fasting,breathing,exercises,correctsexual practice for vitality,meditation etc. Read it and most importantly,USE IT AND DO IT!

Chi-gung, all you ever wanted to know and much, much more...
Bold, interesting, exciting, surprising, elucidating, sharp... and maybe a little bit too sharp at the edges. Daniel Reid is a wonderfully eloquent spokesman for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in general, andparticularly of Chi-gung,which he has studied for many years. His opinionabout the subject, stated elsewhere, is that "...Chinese chi-gung isby far the most profound and effective sytem for self-cultivation of healthand longevity ever developed", and he is probably right, and he goesto great lengths to prove it. This book is Reid's latest, and it isthoroughly researched; his argument presented beautifully, artfully,intelligently, showing true love for and conviction to the philosophy andpractice of Chi-gung. There is not a single statement in the book which isnot documented by scientific evidence, accompanied by quotes from expertsin the fields of biomedicine, TCM, martial arts, meditation, physics, andso on. However, and eventhough Daniel Reid is perhaps one of the bestqualified persons in the Western world today to present such a thorough andlucid dissertation on the subject, (in my very humble opinion) I find someof his conclusions a bit too forward, and this, I think, could misleadnewcomes to Chi-gung into expecting a bit too much. Now, do not get mewrong, I loved this book. I practice Chi-gung and T'ai chi ch'uan myself,and am deeply interested and involved in the study of Chinese philosophyand the Tao of Cultivating life. And Mr. Reid also states clearly, severaltimes throughout the book, that chi-gung requires serious commitment, butanyway, an ounce of prevention and a good dose of pragmatism is myrecommendation for those who read this book as a first introduction toChi-gung (which is one of the author's main intentions). It's worth whatyou'll pay for it, as long as you remember that reading about somethinglike chi-gung is only the half of it, and that experiencing it is asthorough and complete a thing as the contents of this great book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health & Fitness    2. Taoism    3. Religious aspects    4. Health/Fitness    5. Consumer Health    6. Medical / Alternative Medicine    7. Exercise    8. Alternative Therapies    9. Qi gong    10. Exercise therapy    11. Health    12. Healing   

Reviews (7)

Official Tai Chi Chuan Textbook
I began my study of Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan a little more than a year ago.My sifu and classmates recommended this book to me.When I first read Master Liang's book, I felt that there was nothing to be learned from the book.Now, a year later, this book has helped me to gradually understand this Art.It is said that 80% of Tai Chi's teachings are within these pages.The other 10% comes from extensive study with an experienced teacher.Get this book and your Tai Chi will soar to the highest levels.

A brief comment and some other recs
The amazing T.T. Liang gives the reader the benefit of his 80 years (or possibly more) of studying and teaching tai chi. Very detailed discussion of tai chi history, and many important concepts such as jin, chi, many tips and important points relating to doing the form and its applications, and more.
Tai Chi Philosophy and Practice
This book is not intended to teach you tai chi.This book tells you more of how to approach tai chi and where your mind should be during the practice.I have been taking tai chi for about 6 months now.This book is highly recommended by my instructor.Reading it really helped me to understand some of the things my teacher was telling me and it helped me figure more than a few things out on my own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. General    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Martial Arts - Taichi    5. Self-defense    6. Sports    7. Tai chi    8. Combat sports & self-defence    9. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (34)

1 book for your "stranded on a desert island" list
I am sorry to report that Glenn Morris, Soke, transitioned into the Void on the 1st of April 2006.It is so like Soke to leave us fools behind wondering "Is this a joke or what?!?"This book, Glenn Soke's first on Martial Arts is one of the five or so I would take to a desert island with me for the rest of my life.
not as advertised
The title should have read path notes of an eclectic westerner.The author mainly discuss occult practices, from anywhere and everywhere.
A life changing book!
As one of Dr. Morris' students I can personally vouch for this book. I found it shortly after it was published and while I was in the throes of a near-death kundalini awakening. This book introduced me to meditations and concepts that made the process much easier.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Qi gong    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (9)

I'll try some haircuts before noon
... and perhaps plant some crops at the new moon(?).
An inimitable personality and master
First I wanted to make a brief comment on the one very negative review, which said Olson's book wasn't even well written. Come on, it's perfectly competent writing and well edited. I know because I spent 7 years working as an editor and writer in the publishing field, and the book is just fine as far as the quality of the writing and editing goes. Olson isn't a professional journalist as far as I know, and the book could have been written by a professional. The book is also from a reputable publisher, and they know how to bring the writing up to a professional standard if the original writer himself isn't capable of that. (I know, because I did that kind of writing and editing myself, too).
This book is an incredible bargain!
This is a fascinating book about the diverse life of T'ai Chi Chu'an Master T.T. Liang. Full of humor, a zest for life, and a deep devotion to this martial art, Master Liang epitomizes the term "Master." Very well written by Stuart Olson, who may well have been closer than anyone to his legendary teacher/father. Details of Master Liang's Tai Chi lineage are very interesting to students, as are his insights into the principles of Tai Chi. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. General    3. Liang, T. T    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Tai chi    8. Biography: sport    9. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (4)

Simply Wonderful
Qigong (Chi Kung) is a Chinese art and science that means working with and cultivating the vitality of life.This book is an outstanding method to learn this ancient and modern tradition for staying young, healthy, and in harmony with all and everything. A Must Have
"Qigong for Staying Young" has a permanent place on my night table. Shoshanna teaches us how to achieve wellness through the mindful practice of this unique form of gentle exercise.Beautifully written, this book artfully interweaves ancient Chinese medical philosophy into a modern model for understanding what health actually is.Shoshanna's own voice of wisdom and experience guides us through the chapters, providing the inspiration to achieve and maintain balance and wholeness in our lives.
What are you waiting for?
This book is unique among the ever growing catalogue of Qi Gong books now available. It is written by a woman who is a practitioner of of Oriental Medicine. Rarely do we see this type of book written by a medical professional with the practical experience to support what she teaches. It is written specifically for women. It was recognized early on that women have different health needs from men. Therefore treatment, including Qi gong exercises should be different. It teaches a full workout plan. Many books merely show exercises, leaving it up to you how to use them. And it includes the treatment of various disease to take your practice further and utilize Qi Gong as a personal tool.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health aspects    6. Health/Fitness    7. Healthy Living    8. Physical Fitness    9. Qi gong    10. Qigong    11. Systems Of Medicine    12. Exercise & workout books    13. Health & Fitness / Alternative Therapies    14. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (10)

Fascinating Read
An in-depth look at Master Hong's journey in becoming a Qi Gong Master. I have purchased and given away many copies of this book to friends as an introduction of what Qi Gong can do in the hands of a true master and how Qi Gong is so important in maintaining and keeping our health in harmony.

Change your life: Amazing stories and tutorial for health
If you've never heard of Qi Gong, or are interested in learning more about Eastern medicine, definitely give this book a try. Qi Gong is a healing art which can be both applied externally by a master, or internally by yourself.
The Healing Artof Qigong by Hong Liu
This book would be very good for a beginning to intermediate practitioner who would like to gain an introduction to the therapeutic effects of qigong. The surface information is adequate, gives an insight (nothing more) into qigong but it fails to motivate the knowledgeable practitioner who is looking for MD level insight.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Ch°i kung    3. Consumer Health    4. Diet / Health / Fitness    5. Exercise therapy    6. Healing    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Holism    10. Qigong    11. Health & Fitness / Healing    12. Traditional medicine & remedies   

Reviews (6)

Don'tlisten to others
I am writing in response to the person who left a comment on July 23, 2002.This person does not know what they are talking about.There are two forms of Tai Chi.One is this book, which is a easier method to learn.The other is Tai Chi Ch'uan, which is a more experienced version.If this person has read as many books as they say they have, they would know that.This is a good book.

Excellent qigong
Clearly, some who have rated the book low haven't taken the time for even the most cursory examination.They object that it is not "Tai Chi Chuan".Of course not, it is "Tai Chi Chih" and a quick reading of the introduction will reveal both the intent and the origin of Tai Chi Chih.I don't believe there is any attempt to mislead here, nor is the title a cynical marketing ploy.
Tai Chi Chih!: Joy Thru Movement
I am a taijiquan instructor and would advise anyone to be very warry of this title. The statement, "...complete information on the background and philosophy of this holistic discipline..." sent a big red flag up for me. Taijiquan was developed as a martial (fighting) art, not a "holistic discipline". Doing taiji will give you health benefits from the physical exersize, and through increased qi (chi) circulation (which must be taught), but it is not the primary reason the art was developed. If you are more interested in health/qi benefits, then get a book on qigong. There are many books that are far better than this one, buy authors that really know what they are talking about. One of them is Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Any of his books, tapes, or DVS's would be highly recomended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness / General    4. Health/Fitness    5. Qi gong    6. Self-Help / Meditations    7. Ch'i kung    8. Health & Fitness    9. Meditation    10. New Age / Parapsychology    11. Pictorial works    12. Study and teaching    13. Tai chi chuan   

Reviews (2)

meow meow medical qigong!
I am a graduate student in Traditional Chinese Medicine and have studied Medical Qigong under Dr. Suzanne Friedman for the past year.Suzanne learned her art in China and now trains Medical Qigong practitioners in one of the only Medical Qigong programs in the USA.As an instructor, Suzanne demonstrates adept expertise continually through lecture and clinic.She is both personable and professional while imparting valuable insight with illustrative stories from her personal experience and practice.
Do you want to learn effective Qigong,get to the roots of Qigong in this fantastic book.
Medical Qigong Exercise Prescriptions:This small book contains more valuable information about medical qigong than most books two to three times its size.It is concise, well-written, and accomplishes what it sets out to do, which is to introduce the reader to the theory and practice of medical qigong.Anyone who reads this book will be able to put it to immediate use and begin practicing exercises specifically designed for their particular health issues. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Healing    2. Holistic Medicine    3. Medical    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Complementary Medicine   

Reviews (4)

You'll get out of this book what you bring to it ...
I have to say that I've really ENJOYED this book, which is meant to be savored (as the author explains) like a cup of fine tea. Gems of real wisdom are delivered almost casually in a conversational style that requires us to slow down and sit with them for a while. As with anything REAL, it's not about the abstract information per se, but how you relate to it and make it your own. I especially appreciate how the author is able to relate Daoist and traditional medical ideas to the even more primordial worldview of Chinese shamanism.
Have Tea with a Master
The word Master means many things to many people.The traditional meaning of Shifu, the Chinese word, meshes rather poorly with our modern definition of Master (which in my opinion still carries the sour taste of America's not so distant past).I don't know what the title means to other self-proclaimed Masters in the US but I have had the good fortune to meet with Master Wu and learn what the word means to him.A "Master" has the ability and responsibility to give his students the best possible teaching.The word is a reminder of that intention.His sincerity and ability was evident when I studied with him and I believe it is evident in the pages of his book.
worthy of deep reflection
I gratefully recommend this book to anyone who is intentionally on the journey to awareness.
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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Astrology    3. Astrology - Eastern    4. Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    6. I Ching    7. New Age    8. Spirituality - Shamanism   

Subjects:  1. Acupressure    2. Alternative Therapies    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Exercise    5. Exercise therapy    6. Physical Fitness    7. Psychology    8. Qi gong    9. Budgeting & financial management    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (21)

"Who wants to be a Superhero" for Real
"Who wants to be a Superhero" was broadcast recently on the Sci-Fi channel and got me thinking about Superheroes and their powers. Feedback, the winning character, had the ability to absorb the powers and abilities of the video games he plays which reminded me of the part in Lily Carnie's book where she talks about using video games to enhance your Chi Gung skills. In re-reading her book, I was struck by the way the practice of Chi Gung folds into the training and abilities that have long been associated with the Superhero.
A book of great depth.
I have been amazed at the discordance of the reviews posted here. I've noticed that those who like Lily of the Valley Carnie's book write reviews in which they talk about the applications of the book's ideas, exercises or activities in their lives and the positive effect it's had. They enjoy its genuine and flexible approach to Chi Gung.
Chi Gung, taught as it should be
I find this book to be superb. I am particularly attacted to its flexibility, which fits in with the fact that the form of Chi Gung which Ms. Carnie practices is "The Flowing".
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Exercise    3. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    4. Healthy Living    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Qi gong    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    10. Fitness & diet   

Reviews (7)

The title says it all
A must have book if you are interested in Yang style Taijiquan, at any level (novice to advanced), and for whichever reason (health and/or martial art). Ideal if accompanied by the corresponding dvd by the same title. Not a substitute for person to person classes, but an excellent source of additional insight and reinforcement. I have personally noticed great improvement in my practice and so have my instructors and fellow classmates. I am advancing much quicker since I bought the book and dvd.

a bit rambling
This book is a little too ambitious in trying to cover a lot of ground: history of Chinese martial arts and taijiquan, what is qigong, what is taijiquan, photographs of the Yang long form, a few applications, and more. Unfortunately it is rambling with a lot of digressions of the author's own opinions on how taijiquan is "spiritual" - a little bit too long winded to be of practical benefit. Several reviewers mentioned the book draws on some of the author's other books so perhaps that explains this effect. Good basic content, but better editing would have made the book more organized and easier to read and study. There are some good practical tips on actual practice spruced throughout but they can be hard to spot. Overall, a more concise book focused on these tips would be much more beneficial. There are also too many self-serving references to the author's other books, which I found a little annoying. It seems he is more interested in selling a lot of different books than in writing one really good one. However, the photographs are of very high quality and the pages and binding seemed fine to me.
Book goes with companion video/DVD
As a novice I have collected most of Dr. Yang's writings on Qigong and Taijiquan, as well as some tapes and dvd's.His background is well worth looking into, particularly the 25-page account in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts (Michael A. DeMarco, interviewer, Vol 12, Number 2, 2003) currently available on the YMAA website.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. General    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Qi (Chinese philosophy)    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Tai chi    9. Health & Fitness / General    10. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (4)

This is a great book as a supplement for your Tai Chi
A very good book and explores several different things within Tai Chi. However do not expect to "learn" tai chi from this or any other book. Tai Chi cannot be learned from a book and meditation without tai chi is simply meditation. Some of the meditation requires one to focus within a specific part of the body which is difficult to do. This is definitely one of the best books available on this subject. However to achieve any benefits and to understand, one must have a real instructor to lead you into it.

Simply the best
Read everything you can find by Da Liu, they can still be found.

nothing and still everything
This is a kind of nothing book on tai chi and still it is everything there is.not a big book on tai chi and still a great book.meditation and AH! what a thing it is! And here is the book which combines tai chi and meditation.Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Exercise    3. Health/Fitness    4. Martial Arts - Taichi    5. Meditation    6. Tai chi    7. Taoism    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Meditation    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (3)

An excellent guide for western readers to the practice of Qigong style mediation practiced throughout Asia
Qigong is a form of meditation and stylized exercise that has its roots in Buddhism. Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation by Chinese martial arts and Qigong expert Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is an excellent guide for western readers to the practice of Qigong style mediation practiced throughout Asia. Expertly providing readers with the basic concepts underlying this form of meditation for the improvement and control of personal energy circulation, Qigong Meditation offers an in-depth and practical understanding of the fundamentals for its revitalizing and energizing practices. A core addition to Qigong, meditation, martial arts, Buddhist Studies, and Eastern spirituality reference collections, Qigong Meditation is very strongly recommended for readers seeking to practice Qigong meditation.
Dissapointed
I was dissapointed with this book. I expected much more from a whole book devoted to small circulation. It gives you the impression that Yang never learned small circulation meditation from an actual teacher, but seems to have picked up techniques from ancient writings. Only a very small portion of this book is devoted to the actual practice of small circulation, the rest is translations of others writings and qigong theory which is included in his other books. Overall, I think there's some good info, but I found Qigong Empowerment by Shou Yu Liang to be much better.

The highest five hearts score.
The author, a physicist and engineer, is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable expert on Chinese martial arts and internal energy systems in the Western world. In this incredibly well-illustrated and documented tome on qigong (chi kung) meditation, Dr. Yang provides in-depth information as to what internal energy is, how it works, how to safely develop it, and its importance to health. In this reviewer's experience with the fighting arts for over fifty years, this is absolutely the best, most complete book on the subject I have seen. Dr. Yang should be considered a national treasure by both China and the US. No one else has the breadth or depth of his knowledge, the scientific understanding of it, and the ability to explain its innermost secrets while transcending an allegorical Oriental knowledge base to a scientific Western one. We rated this book the highest five hearts score.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Inspirational    3. Meditation    4. New Age    5. Spiritual Healing    6. Exercise & workout books    7. Oriental martial arts    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (1)

Chinese Qigong Massage : General Massage
This book offers an excellent medical aproach to the benefits of Chi kung based on the acupunte meridians Dr. Jwing-Ming, show an energetic massageinteded to heal the inner organs ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ch°i kung    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Massage    4. Massage & Reflexotherapy    5. Medicine, Chinese   

Reviews (18)

Very good book
The author has written a clear & practical book, with compact and understandable information about Qi Gong in general plus some nice information about what it has done for him personally.
Pleasant from beginning to end.
It is very easy to get into Qigong through Stanley's book. He is a very energetic person and that attribute shines through his words. Not the best choice
When Qi Gong developed in China for more than 20 years, Chinese people finally find Falun Gong is the most effective. So there are more than 100 million Chinese people practice Falun Gong before the government's persecution. Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Healthy Living    6. History: American    7. Qi gong    8. Complementary Medicine    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. NEW AGE - ASTROLOGY TRD HC    11. Oriental martial arts    12. USA   

Reviews (1)

Highly recommended for students of Buddhism, Qigong, I Ching
Buddhism, Qigong, the I Ching, and Chinese medicine have been integrallylinked together for centuries. All these systems originate from a commontheoretical view of reality and compliment, clarify, support, andoccasionally challenge each other. Larry Johnson's 18 Buddha Hands Qigongexamines Qigong in general, and the energetic transformations possiblethrough these practices, exploring what is referred to as 18 Buddha Handspresents an intriguing perspective of the Yin/Yang mechanics of Qigong,within the manifold framework of the Medical I Ching. 18 Buddha HandsQigong is highly recommended for students of Buddhism, Qigong, the I Ching,personal health from the perspective of Chinese medical practice andtheory. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Medicine, Chinese    5. Qi gung    6. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Yi jing    8. Alternative Medicine    9. Ch'i kung    10. Exercise    11. I Ching    12. Philosophy   

Reviews (8)

Awaken Healing Light of the Tao
This book would be of interest to those interested in the subject.It is well written but rather wordy, although it is well illustrated.A most succinct version would be more attractive.

Great book.
The best all in one guide to opening up your energy channels.Buy, read, practice!

Comprehensive Microcosmic Orbit Instruction
I just read this book.It took me about a year to