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.
Begins with basic postures and, as you progress, gradually introduces the form - a rhythmic series of movements. Step-by-step colour photography and clear instructions guide you through each exercise and sequence.
The traditional medicines of Middle Asia are rich and varied - from the Ayurveda and Siddha medicines of India, to the Unani and Sufi healing practices of the Middle East. Dr. Marc S. Micozzi unfolds the compelling idea that vital energy, expressed as "prana" in the Indian practice of Ayurveda, is the unifying concept that underpins and connects all of these traditions. Describing the origins, health strategies, diagnostic approaches, and modern-day uses of each tradition, he also draws parallels to, and finds correlations with, mainstream Western concepts - and demonstrates how all these therapies fit within the context of their own cultures and ours. This groundbreaking book will be of interest to practitioners of all Middle Eastern and Asian medical traditions, complementary and alternative health practitioners, and anyone with an interest in Middle Eastern and Asian approaches to health and well-being.
In Bagua and Tai Chi, noted teacher Bruce Frantzis demonstrates through these two important practices what is required to develop and embody high levels of chi flow. Inside the slow-motion movements of tai chi is a sophisticated mind/body/spirit practice. Derived from the I Ching (Book of Changes), bagua is unique in its circular movements, spiraling energy, and unpredictable changes of direction. Frantzis begins with an overview of both bagua and tai chi and their origins in Chinese culture, followed by comprehensive advice on how to incorporate these practices into daily Western life. Written in an easy, conversational style, the book provides an explanation of an art that is practiced by millions in China to release stress and maintain a vigorous level of health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the 2.3 million Americans who currently practice tai chi report improved sleep, conditioning, and overall wellness. Bagua and Tai Chi offers a gentle healing and strengthening system that will appeal to a wide audience, including martial artists, meditators, dancers and athletes, personal trainers, and anyone looking to reduce stress and increase calmness and clarity through an effective, low-impact body practice.
'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
A comprehensive introduction to using Tai Chi for stress relief. Uses restorative poses from yoga, and purifying movements and meditations from qigong, followed by the tai chi stances, drills, and a short Sunset Tai Cgi form that can be practiced sitting or standing. This mind/body program teaches you to calm down and recuperate from the stress of the day, preventing stress-related illness. Learn to use the energy of the setting sun to release impurities and tension.
Chi is the Eastern term for the life force energy that makes us alive --and guides us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Incorporating exercise and meditation, Chi Fitness is a revolutionary technique by which you can channel this life force energy and put yourself on a path toward spiritual growth, while maintaining a healthy body. Following in the footsteps of such writers as Caroline Myss and Gary Zukav, who discuss energy and personal empowerment, Sue Benton and Drew Denbaum have expanded these principles of self-development to include movements and meditations designed to help you activate the chi within you. Benton and Denbaum explain how the delicate balance of personal energy can be disrupted by personal problems, family conflicts, and work stress. Every time we allow anger or sadness to take hold of our consciousness, we give away our chi, the source of our strength. Chi Fitness will teach you the Basic Power Practices you can use to feel and manage your chi and to bring it under conscious control. You will learn about your energy centers, or chakras, which correspond to specific parts of your body and particular areas of your emotional life. Becoming aware of your chakras will help you pinpoint particular problems and focus your energy in order to achieve a more balanced life. Chi Fitness is the perfect workout for people who want to cultivate a healthy mind, body, and spirit. The exercises are designed to help you clear the energy blocks that are restricting your internal power. The Power Practices included in the book will help you explore old patterns of behavior that may be holding you back and allow you to take positive steps to reclaim your chi. Chi Fitness is a workout everyone will enjoy. People of all ages and levels of physical fitness can do the simple yet powerful exercises, which produce immediate results. This low-impact, easy-to-follow program will help you feel calmer, happier, stronger. By unblocking your energy, you will regain your personal power and achieve a sense of peace that will enable you to live your life to its fullest.
The famed practitioner of the Eastern arts and the star of the television series Kung Fu presents a beginner's guide to tai chi, the ancient Chinese fitness system for a healthier mind, body, and spirit.