Iron Shirt Chi Kung

by Mantak Chia

An introduction to the ancient Kung Fu practice designed to unify physical, mental, and spiritual health

• Describes the unique Iron Shirt air-packing techniques that protect vital organs from injuries

• Explains the rooting practice exercises necessary to stabilize and center oneself

• Includes guidelines for building an Iron Shirt Chi Kung daily practice

Long before the advent of firearms, Iron Shirt Chi Kung, a form of Kung Fu, built powerful bodies able to withstand hand-to-hand combat. Even then, however, martial use was only one aspect of Iron Shirt Chi Kung, and today its other aspects remain vitally significant for anyone seeking better health, a sound mind, and spiritual growth.

In Iron Shirt Chi Kung Master Mantak Chia introduces this ancient practice that strengthens the internal organs, establishes roots to the earth’s energy, and unifies physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through a unique system of breathing exercises, he demonstrates how to permanently pack concentrated air into the connective tissues (the fasciae) surrounding vital organs, making them nearly impervious to injuries--a great benefit to athletes and other performers. He shows readers how once they root themselves in the earth they can direct its gravitational and healing power throughout their bone structure. Additionally, Master Chia presents postural forms, muscle-tendon meridians, and guidelines for developing a daily practice routine. After becoming rooted and responsive, practitioners of Iron Shirt Chi Kung can then focus on higher spiritual work.

Genres: Health, Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Taoism

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 1989

About the author

Mantak Chia is a Taoist Master. He is best known for teaching his Taoist practices under the names of Healing Tao, Tao Yoga, Universal Healing Tao System and Chi Kung. Throughout decades of teaching, he has run numerous workshops, written a series of books, and published a number of training videos. For this reason, some people call him an author, a teacher or a healer. He views himself primarily as a teacher, "who helps his students empower themselves through cultivation of their chi energy." (-wiki)

Reviews

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough (long) explanations of the breathing and postural exercises. I liked the diagrams of the energy meridians as well as the examination of the fascia, both near the end.

physical copy from my library

[C Settles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations of this book when I bought it but was ultimately disappointed. Not sure why that is the case but in the reading I began to sense a particular bias and ulterior intent in the authors presentation of the material which I cannot explain, except to say that I felt I was on a different path. Perhaps, I was/am not ready for this material.

[Michael II · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one thing I really enjoyed about this book is it is very simple to read and clear instructions on how to perform the techniques. This is not something easy to do and will take endless amounts of time to practice to get the benefits from them.

[Derek Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not finished this book. Qi gong takes a lot of practice. I am not very skilled at qi gong, but this book has given me a lot of good ideas and good exercises to practice.

[Gökhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is the leader of this taoist personal improvement topics in my opinion. And also, This Iron Shirt book is about an exhalation techniques for being good our mental, physical condition.