The Theory and Practice of Taiji Qigong


Book Description

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.




The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan


Book Description

Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide. One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects for health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the practical application and potential benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. Packed with step-by-step illustrations for practice at home, this tai chi guide covers everything you would want to know about this ancient art, including its benefits for mental, spiritual and emotional development. This tai chi book is both an ideal introductory guide and an invaluable reminder for those who have already taken classes. Topics in The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan include: Tai Chi Chuan as a Martial ArtThe Concept of Yin-Yang and Tai Chi ChuanThe Historical Development of the Various StylesAdvice from the Great MastersTechniques and Skills of Pushing HandsSpecific Techniques for Combat SituationsTaoism and Spiritual Development in Tai Chi ChuanAnd many more




Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life


Book Description

In Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life, Graham Horwood describes the various styles of Tai Chi Chuan, exploring its roots in the Chinese philosophy of Taoism as well as elaborating on the evolution it has undergone over millennia. In order to understand the energetic method of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung, he highlights parallels between its source, The I Ching, and archetypal principles from both Eastern and Western philosophy and medicine. The text and diagrams show the synergy between the different cultures, and shows how they are all linked. This enables the beginner or the experienced Tai Chi practitioner to improve their understanding of Tai Chi, which will strengthen both the mind and body, opening the gateway to the inner person. Drawing on information from the Yang family's formerly secret teachings, the book explains how to build chi (energy), circulate and store it, and also includes an exclusive set of Chi Kung exercises which will augment the building, circulation and storage of chi for the healer and martial practitioner, showing the path to optimizing the practitioner's energetic and spiritual development. The exercises are accompanied by an explanation of where chi comes from and its application for the mind and body as well as the flow in the meridians. The book provides an excellent introduction to both the theory and key practices of Tai Chi Chuan for the beginner, and multi-level insights for the seasoned practitioner that will enhance his or her practice and understanding of Tai Chi Chuan.




Yin-Yang in Tai-Chi Chuan and Daily Life


Book Description

In Yin-Yang in Tai-Chi Chuan and Daily Life, Simmone Kuo provides the philosophical context for the practice of this popular martial art, showing how Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions have shaped the practice of Tai-Chi Chuan. Included here are student accounts of the strong impressions Mme. Kuo made on her students. Drawing on yearly research trips to China and her lecture in Advanced Tai-Chi Chuan at San Francisco State University, Mme. Kuo explores the application of Yin-Yang theory to: -Health and Nutrition -Daily Practice -Traditional Chinese Philosophy and the I Ching -The Teacher-Student Relationship -Self-Awareness and Self-Defense




Tai Chi Chuan Classical Yang Style


Book Description

This book is an in-depth guide for beginners to learn Taijiquan properly. Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is a slow and relaxed moving meditation. It is also a sophisticated martial arts system. Through practicing Taijiquan, you are able to calm down the mind, locate your spiritual center, and consequently find your entire being. From the relaxed moving exercise, you can bring your physical body into an ultimate level of relaxation and natural ease, resulting in smooth Qi (inner energy) and blood circulation. This is a key to maintaining health and recovering from sickness. This book offers a general plan for practicing Taijiquan, and then goes into great depth to present enough content for proper learning. Contents include What Taijiquan is How to practice The history of Taijiquan Taijiquan postures About Qi, Qigong, and man Fundamental stances Categories of Qigong Warm-up and get loose exercises Taiji qigong Qigong training theory Qigong and Taijiquan Taijiquan thirteen postures (eight doors and five stepping) The traditional Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form step-by-step This edition has a an easy-to-follow layout, each movement presented in a series of large photographs with clear same-page instructions for each Taiji posture. This book is sure to advance your practice and save you much time and energy.




T'ai Chi Ch'uan


Book Description

This is the original classic about Short Form, the most popular and widespread form of T'ai Chi in the West. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a must-read for every serious T'ai Chi student. This book is not meant to "teach" T'ai Chi Ch'uan, but meant to expound upon its meaning to the earnest practitioner; to offer the layperson a glimpse into this ancient art; and to communicate the author's unique perceptions and experiences that only a lifetime of practice can cultivate. Taken in this context, this is a most valuable book.




Tai-Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice


Book Description

Originally published before Kuo Lien-Ying left China and then again in 1966 soon after his arrival in the United States, Tai-Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice has now been edited and expanded by his widow and disciple, Simmone Kuo. Her version includes new material on the philosophical origins of Tai-Chi Chuan, particularly how it relates to the I Ching, the most ancient text of Chinese wisdom. The book also provides explanations of the meaning of this ancient and elegant martial art--its name and history--the keys to understanding the Thirteen Movements, archival photographs of Lien-Ying performing the movements, and other supplementary literature.




The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi


Book Description

A longtime teacher and Harvard researcher presents the latest science on the benefits of T’ai Chi as well as a practical daily program for practitioners of all ages Conventional medical science on the Chinese art of T’ai Chi now shows what T’ai Chi masters have known for centuries: regular practice leads to more vigor and flexibility, better balance and mobility, and a sense of well-being. Cutting-edge research from Harvard Medical School also supports the long-standing claims that T’ai Chi also has a beneficial impact on the health of the heart, bones, nerves and muscles, immune system, and the mind. This research provides fascinating insight into the underlying physiological mechanisms that explain how T’ai Chi actually works. Dr. Peter M. Wayne, a longtime T’ai Chi teacher and a researcher at Harvard Medical School, developed and tested protocols similar to the simplified program he includes in this book, which is suited to people of all ages, and can be done in just a few minutes a day. This book includes: • The basic program, illustrated by more than 50 photographs • Practical tips for integrating T’ai Chi into everyday activities • An introduction to the traditional principles of T’ai Chi • Up-to-date summaries of the research on the health benefits of T’ai Chi • How T’ai Chi can enhance work productivity, creativity, and sports performance • And much more




The Internal Structure of Cloud Hands


Book Description

An in-depth exploration of T'ai Chi through the practice of Cloud Hands, a foundational exercise common to all schools of this popular martial art Part theoretical treatise, part training manual, this book facilitates a deeper understanding of "internal" movement and training for students of T'ai Chi and other internal martial arts. Step-by-step exercises help to bring the theoretical into concrete practice and application. Author Robert E. Tangora, an accomplished practitioner and teacher of several different styles of T'ai Chi, places a heavy emphasis on the development of internal structure and building a solid foundation in the art's most basic movements. Intermediate and advanced practitioners will discover a deeply interconnected world of practice; beginning students will learn basic training methods that can help them bypass years of incomplete training and erase incorrect habits already formed. Tangora also stresses the importance of meditation and its crucial relationship to the art's health and martial aspects, as well as how to use the spine to integrate movements—especially important for practitioners with back problems who wish to learn how to move without inducing pain. Readers will learn to: • Cultivate internal power • Discover the inner workings of Tai Chi Ch'uan • Understand the meaning of the T'ai Chi classics • Move without injury • Relieve back pain




Searching for Center


Book Description

Following 45 years of study, Master Henry Wang offers authoritative insights and lessons on the practice of Tai Chi whether done as a health-promoting exercise, a meditative discipline, an applied martial art, or a combination of all three.