The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and Qigong


Book Description

T ai Chi is a 2,000-year-old Chinese martial art that, according to ABC News, is taking America by storm. It is the most popular form of exercise in the world today, practiced by an estimated 20 percent of the world s population. With its unique ability to heal on many different levels - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - T ai Chi has demonstrated its health benefits by being linked with everything from slowing the aging process and increasing balance and flexibility to lowering stress levels and enhancing the body s natural healing powers. The Complete Idiot s Guide to T ai Chi & QiGong Illustrated, Third Edition, will add to what is already the most comprehensive and illustrative book on the subject by being the first to offer a DVD complementing the 300 illustrations in the book by demonstrating a complete T ai Chi exercise consisting of 64 groups of movements.




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 Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and Qigong


Book Description

Yours"re no idiot, of course. You know that Trs"ai Chi and QiGong are ancient Chinese practices known to lower stress; slow aging; boost the immune system; help with asthma, arthritis, and migraines; and heal a host of chronic health problems. But when it comes to signing up for a Trs"ai Chi or QiGong class, you feel tied to the sofa. Let The Complete Idiotrs"s Guidereg; to Trs"ai Chi and QiGong, Second Edition, untie your bonds by giving you step-by-step ways to use Trs"ai Chi and QiGong to boost your health and work and expand your life in many ways. In this updated and revised Complete Idiotrs"s Guidereg;, you get: Simple definitions and explanations of Trs"ai Chi jargon and philosophy. Useful tips on bringing the soothing calm of Trs"ai Chi into your daily life to enhance your work and relationships. Important warnings on what can block the full effect of Trs"ai Chi-including a vastly improved instructional chapter. Practical applications for kids, adults, seniors, and people with special physical concerns. An expanded health and medical research reference section and listings of Trs"ai Chi and QiGong contacts throughout the world.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Stretching Illustrated


Book Description

Stretching has long been regarding as the safest way to keep your whole body - muscles and mind - healthy and working in balance. Athletes employ stretching as a way to warm up, cool down, and generally prevent injuries. Workout experts and gym enthusiasts recommend stretching for non-impact toning and strengthening routines. Stretching can be done anywhere, anytime, and can serve as both a stress reliever and therapy for dozens of physical conditions from strains to sports injuries. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Stretching Illustratedis designed to teach lay and professional readers alike the fundamental techniques of healthy stretching with hundreds of clear, step-by-step line drawings and instructions showing each step. Once the reader understands the basics and the various routines for each part of the body, expert instructor Barbara Templeton presents specific regimens for healing a wide variety of common complaints, from back pain to TMJ, from fatigue to sports injuries.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Science of Everything


Book Description

“Why are most plants green?” Why doesn’t stomach acid dissolve the stomach itself? Why are there more tornados in the Midwest than on the coast? This volume answers these questions and over 200 more, shedding light on the science behind them. As informative as it is entertaining, it addresses every major branch of science, including physics, chemistry, biology, geology, meteorology, astronomy, and cosmology. It highlights some of the big ideas that helped shape science as we know it, and discusses the future of science with regards to nanotechnology, genetic modification, molecular medicine, and string theory. • Complete Idiot’s Guides® have a proven track record of simplifying science with great success, as with volumes on physics and chemistry. •Entertaining scientific overviews of this kind also successful, including such titles as The Pocket Idiot’s Guide™ to Not-So-Useless Facts and The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Understanding Einstein.







The Complete Idiot's Guide to Game Theory


Book Description

Gain some insight into the game of life... Game Theory means rigorous strategic thinking. It is based on the idea that everyone acts competitively and in his own best interest. With the help of mathematical models, it is possible to anticipate the actions of others in nearly all life's enterprises. This book includes down-to-earth examples and solutions, as well as charts and illustrations designed to help teach the concept. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Game Theory, Dr. Edward C. Rosenthal makes it easy to understand game theory with insights into: • The history of the discipline made popular by John Nash, the mathematician dramatized in the film A Beautiful Mind • The role of social behavior and psychology in this amazing discipline • How important game theory has become in our society and why




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cooking—for Guys


Book Description

No more burnt offerings! Whether it’s nachos or crock-pot kielbasa, a party, something quick for the kids’ lunch, a romantic date night, or dinner-for-one, this guy-friendly cookbook features over 230 real-food recipes for everything from vegetables, pasta, and desserts, to leftovers, appetizers, and grilling. Instead of relying on shortcuts, canned food, or unhealthy processed ingredients, it pares down complex cooking instructions, explains basic cooking terms, figures in prep time and cook time, and allots larger portion sizes. • Notes high-salt or high-cholesterol recipes. • Includes more than 230 recipes. • Provides special tips, advice, and recipe construction for beginners, plus bigger portion sizes for hungry men.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Toltec Wisdom


Book Description

The Toltecs were an ancient society who lived in the central valley of Mexico. Their knowledge of science, art, and the spirit was amazingly advanced, and it led them to create a system of teaching that required enormous discipline and willpower. Focusing on the mind, the Toltecs developed a spiritual philosophy that incorporated the beauty of many esoteric teachings, forming a perfect model for transcendence. They believed that humans live in a world of dreams, and the way they dream places limitations on their lives. By changing those dreams, and reprogramming our minds, the wisdom of the Toltecs can lead us to the self-love and respect that are the keys to personal freedom. In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Toltec Wisdom, readers can travel through life with the knowledge of the Toltecs, taking charge of their lives and becoming fully aware for the first time.




T'ai Chi For Dummies


Book Description

For nearly 5,000 years, people have practiced T’ai Chi as a way to prolong life, build strength and stamina, improve concentration, and achieve psychological balance. Hundreds of millions of satisfied customers can’t be wrong. Whether you already dabble in T’ai Chi and would like to get a deeper understanding of the basics, or you’re only thinking about trying it and want to find out more before you take the plunge, T’ai Chi For Dummies is for you. In plain English, Therese Iknoian and Manny Fuentes demystify T’ai Chi principles and practices for Westerners. They unravel exotic sounding terms and concepts and break down movements in ways that more traditional instructors and authors either can’t or won’t. And with the help of crystal-clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, they get you on track with a T’ai Chi fitness program guaranteed to help you: Increase balance and flexibility Combat fatigue and reduce stress Tone muscles Unlock your power centers and boost energy Improve focus and concentration Breathe “mindfully” and meditate Enhance your sense of inner peace and well-being Discover just how easy it can be to make T’ai Chi and its sister discipline Qigong part of your everyday life. With this friendly reference as your guide you’ll quickly master the basic movements and forms, as well as: T’ai Chi’s Yang 24-Movement Form Qigong and Push Hands techniques Techniques that help speed recovery from specific injuries T’ai Chi movements for aerobic exercise Exercise is good for the body and soul. Now let Therese Iknoian and Manny Fuentes show you how to energize, find inner peace, and tone your muscles with the gentle art of T’ai Chi.