The Eight Brocades


Book Description

An easy to follow guide to The Eight Brocades, one of the most popular sets of qigong exercises. Details the movements, breathing and internal work that make qigong such a gentle yet powerful health exercise




The Eight Pieces of Brocade - Ba Duan Jin Qigong


Book Description

This is a fresh take on one of the most popular Chinese Qigong routines-The Eight Pieces of Brocade. The Eight Pieces of Brocade or Ba Duan Jin in Chinese, has been popular for centuries. Its popularity spawning many variants, with typical explanations of the routine concentrating on its physical aspects. Those physical aspects are important, but they are only part of the story. The real message of the routine lies in its engagement of the body's bio-energy system. The body's bio-energy or qi and its cultivation via the acupuncture points and meridians are literally "where it's at" for internal qigong practitioners. The body's energetic transport system plays a vital role in all true Chinese internal arts, yet this topic is rarely addressed in contemporary literature. The hands and the body posture form specific energetic connections at important acupuncture points. Awareness of this single aspect can dramatically impact the results achieved by qigong practice. This text opens the door to a better understanding of the art of qigong. (Second Edition)




Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health


Book Description

Invigorate your body, improve blood and Qi (vital energy) circulation, and strengthen your internal organs with these simple Qigong exercises.




Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis


Book Description

Reduce stress, release pain, and create bodily harmony with this introduction to qigong and tai chi. Includes practical information, insights, and widely practiced sequences and forms that lead to improved health.




Qigong Teachings of a Taoist Immortal


Book Description

The first English translation of Master Li Ching-yun's teachings on the Eight Brocades, the central practice of qigong. • Explains the physical and spiritual benefits of the Eight Brocades and offers step-by-step instructions for this powerful sequence of postures. • 85 illustrations highlight the postures and philosophies. • Author's commentary provides insight and depth to the original translation. Throughout history Taoists have promoted the development and restoration of the Three Treasures-- body, breath, and spirit--through the gentle practice of qigong. At the center of the qigong practice are the Eight Brocades, a series of postures that developed during the 3,000-year Taoist quest for longevity and vitality. Now qigong expert Stuart Olson translates into English Master Li Ching-yun's treasured teachings on the Eight Brocades. One of the most famous qigong masters of this century, Master Li Ching-yun is reliably chronicled to have lived more than 250 years, during which he practiced the Eight Brocades on a daily basis. His longevity and personal endorsements attest to and validate the Eight Brocades as the quintessence of Taoist health and qigong practices. With Master Li Ching-yun's original teachings as a guide, Stuart Olson presents an authentic yet accessible approach to this unique practice. Each exercise is accompanied by original text from Master Li, step-by-step instructions for each posture, illustrations of the positions, and insights on theory and practice. Because the Eight Brocades are the foundation of all qigong, this book provides valuable advice for all practitioners, regardless of the style they practice or the depth of their experience.




Chi Kung


Book Description

Comprehensive overview of Chi Kung's theoretical background and more than fifty exercises for anyone, regardless of age of physical condition.




Xiu Yang


Book Description

'Exquisite... for anyone interested in building a sustainable life that is imbued with vibrant healthy, mental and emotional clarity, and the most basic human need of all: happiness' - Donna Farhi, author of Yoga Mind, Body, Spirit 'A treasure chest for the heart and mind, a potent tonic for body and breath, and a vibrant life essence for the spirit' - Simon Low, Principal of the Yoga Academy 'A beautiful and timely gift' - Sifu Matthew Cohen, Sacred Energy Arts Founder 'Profound and powerful' - Noman Blair, author of Brightening Our Inner Skies For centuries, Chinese sages, rulers and spiritual seekers have embraced a simple yet powerful principle to enable them to live in harmony with the Source of nature and all life; the art of 'self-cultivation' or, xiu yang. Xiu yang works with the idea that we can steadily nurture our capacity to being fully human and fully awake. Like a field that is patiently cultivated to optimally grow the nourishing and healthy crops, we can undertake practices aimed at smoothing out the roughness and irregularities in our bodies, minds and spirits in order to produce a deep, lasting spiritual happiness. Xiu yang promotes the idea that inner balance leads to outer radiance: in order to be in harmony with the world, we must first be in harmony with ourselves. By tending to the field of our own bodies, hearts, minds and relationships, we can start making positive changes within our lives and in the lives of others. In this nurturing lifestyle guide, Mimi Kuo-Deemer champions the contemporary value of adopting this ancient approach. Through a combination of practices from meditation and mindfulness to yoga and qigong, Xiu Yang offers a fresh approach to finding balance and bringing peace into your life, home and community. Part I: The Art of Xiu Yang Part II: Xiu Yang for a Healthy and Harmonious Body Part III: Xiu Yang for a Balanced Mental and Emotional Life Part IV: Xiu Yang for a Happier Place in the World




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.




Qi Gong for Beginners


Book Description

An exercise program that can actually release blocks to healing and get you centered...in six minutes a day? The simple, no impact, but very powerful movements of Qi Gong can do that and more, from increasing longevity to boosting the immune system. And this beautifully illustrated guide, written especially for beginners, introduces this amazing ancient art that balances and strengthens the life force. Those who try it can look forward to extraordinary health benefits!




Meridian Qigong Exercises


Book Description

Each morning before getting out of bed, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming practices a series of movements he has combined based on decades of experience. In Meridian Qigong Exercises, Dr. Yang teaches you his special daily exercise routine. Follow along and learn how a unique combination of simple yoga stretches, qigong movements, and acupressure techniques can relieve energy stagnation and rejuvenate your entire body. All the exercises can be performed lying down or sitting, if preferred. Meridian qigong will quickly improve your general health, helping you to heal and preventing injuries. With regular practice you will notice your entire body feels loose and comfortable. You will react to stress with a greater sense of calm, and your circulation will increase. With this book you will: Understand the link between yoga and qigong Learn basic acupressure with traditional tui na (pushing and grabbing) and dian xue (cavity pressing) techniques Supplement your qigong practice with yoga stretches Know which acupoints and meridians to stimulate Relieve many common ailments, including insomnia Dr. Yang is among the world's most respected instructors of martial arts, tai chi, and qigong. Meridian Qigong Exercises is a profound addition to his incredible body of work.