Chinese Healing Exercises

Daoyin, the traditional Chinese practice of guiding the qi and stretching the body is the forerunner of Qigong, the modern form of exercise that has swept through China and is making increasing inroads in the West. Like other Asian body practices, Daoyin focuses on the body as the main vehicle of attainment; sees health and spiritual transformation as one continuum leading to perfection or self-realization; and works intensely and consciously with the breath and with the conscious guiding of internal energies. This book explores the different forms of Daoyin in historical sequence, beginning with the early medical manuscripts of the Han dynasty, then moving into its religious adaptation in Highest Clarity Daoism. After examining the medieval Daoyin Scripture and ways of integrating the practice into Tang Daoist immortality, the work outlines late imperial forms and describes the transformation of the practice in the modern world. Presenting a rich crop of specific exercises together with historical context and comparative insights, Chinese Healing Exercises is valuable for both specialists and general readers. It provides historical depth and opens concrete details of an important but as yet little-known health practice.

Reduce Pain and Enhance Your Well-being With Simple Chinese Healing Exercises Improve your health and longevity with 88 easy-to-learn exercises. Gentle enough to be practiced by anyone—regardless of age, gender, or state of health—these exercises can be done for as little as one or two minutes each day to help you: Increase fitness levels Minimize and even reverse many of the signs of aging Extend the healthy years of your life Work on specific health challenges Improve athletic performance Reduce the likelihood of injury Get through the day with more energy and vitality Based on the principles of acupressure, taiji, qigong, and Daoist yoga, each exercise includes illustrations, easy-to-follow instructions, and its physical and energetic benefits. This book also includes an index, so you can look up exercises for specific aches and pains, allergies, digestive disorders, insomnia, stress, and other common health concerns. "A real find . . . A book to refer to again and again!" —Angela Hicks, author of The Principles of Chinese Medicine "An important book for anyone interested in helping him or herself be and stay well . . . I highly recommend the book." —Fritz Frederick Smith, MD, author of The Alchemy of Touch

Daoyin, the traditional Chinese practice of guiding the qi and stretching the body is the forerunner of Qigong, the modern form of exercise that has swept through China and is making increasing inroads in the West. Like other Asian body practices, Daoyin focuses on the body as the main vehicle of attainment; sees health and spiritual transformation as one continuum leading to perfection or self-realization; and works intensely and consciously with the breath and with the conscious guiding of internal energies. This book explores the different forms of Daoyin in historical sequence, beginning with the early medical manuscripts of the Han dynasty, then moving into its religious adaptation in Highest Clarity Daoism. After examining the medieval Daoyin Scripture and ways of integrating the practice into Tang Daoist immortality, the work outlines late imperial forms and describes the transformation of the practice in the modern world. Presenting a rich crop of specific exercises together with historical context and comparative insights, Chinese Healing Exercises is valuable for both specialists and general readers. It provides historical depth and opens concrete details of an important but as yet little-known health practice.

Here is the first complete manual of Chinese medicine specifically written for the layperson. Filled with illustrated exercises and recipes, this book offers a unique, integrated system of preventive health care so that now anyone can promote good health, longevity, and spiritual awareness using these traditional techniques. Included are: • Key concepts of Chinese medical theory • Dozens of illustrated T'ai Chi and Chee-gung exercises • The Chinese approach to healing common ailments • Authentic secrets of Taoist sexual yoga • Therapeutic food recipes and herbal tonics • Alternative treatments for diseases such as AIDS and cancer • Resource listings: teachers, schools, centers, stores, and mail-order suppliers

Release your natural powers for healing, endurance, and longevity With this revolutionary guide, you will learn four simple and remarkably effective techniques to release your natural powers for healing. The methods—gentle movement, self-applied massage, breathing exercises, and meditation—are drawn from the ancient Chinese healing system of Qigong (Chi Kung) and are easily adaptable to every lifestyle. You can practice them almost anywhere—in the car, in line at the bank, at your desk, while walking, even in bed. Using these methods for as little as ten minutes a day can dramatically increase your endurance, vitality , and longevity. Self-care has never been so easy!

Dr. Liu describes how he risked his life under the Communist regime in China to study Qi Gong and meet secretly with a master who lived in a mountain cave above Shanghai. If there is one concept that comes up in all forms of Chinese medicine it is that of Qi, or vital energy. Qi is the very backbone of the Chinese healing arts. It refers to the energy of the universe that is channeled from nature and runs through all of us. To have Qi is to be alive, while to have none is to be dead. Qi Gong relies on the manipulation of this vital energy, and Qi Gong masters can see this energy. This book explores the basics of Qi Gong to create a guide for greater health, the Chinese way.