A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung by Daniel Reid

by Daniel Reid

A guide to the history, theory and practice of chi-gung , the ancient Taoist system of health rooted in movement, breathing, meditation, and massage
 
Chi-gung,  which literally means “energy work”: is a system of cultivating health, vitality, and longevity that is based on the fundamental principles of Taoism and the laws of nature. Practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years,  chi-gung  works with the energy found in all living things to help rid the body of the imbalances that sap our strength and give rise to disease. The simple, meditative movements, breathing exercises, and massage techniques that are the basis of  chi-gung  can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness.
 
Originally published under the title Harnessing the Power of the Universe, this book provides a detailed overview of  chi-gung , describing the techniques of movement, breathing, and massage that are intrinsic to this ancient Taoist system of health.

Genres: Health, Taoism

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Daniel Reid was born in 1948 in San Francisco and spent his childhood in East Africa. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies at the University of California, Berkeley in 1970, and a Masters of Arts degree in Chinese Language and Civilization at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 1973, Reid moved to Taiwan, where he spent 16 years studying and writing about various aspects of traditional Chinese culture, focusing particularly on Chinese medicine and ancient Taoist health and longevity systems. In 1989, he relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he continued his research and writing until 1999, when he immigrated with his wife Snow to the Byron Bay region of Australia, where he now makes his home.

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me enormously back in the years when my health was shot. I learned a great deal about Chi-Gung and about myself, my body, and how to build a better partnership between us, not merely do battle all the time.

I am going to be diving in here and there for the next few weeks in order to make sure I am still performing the exercises properly and to recharge my body now that it seems to be climbing out of its most recent pit and maybe can handle a little more intensity in action.

Since my reading of this book will take who knows how long, and since I have read it more than once in the past, I thought I would write my review now. Highly recommended for anyone interested in becoming more of who you are meant to be.

(The cover image on my paperback copy is the same one as the image for the Kindle edition.)

[Phil Calandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung...." is an excellent synopsis into the theory and practice of Chi-Gung. The central theme of Chi-Gun is that energy imbalance is the primary cause of all disease and, therefore, is the most effective way to cure and prevent illness. Also, it provides an excellent foundation of health and longevity while also proving an effective path for spiritual development. The breathing exercises, meditation instruction and the illustrations are clear and easy to follow for all those interested in starting a practice. I would highly recommend this book.

[Andreea Apetrei Kalveram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I was expecting more from this book, but the truth is that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoy practicing Chi-Gung. However, it’s the first book I read on this topic so I can’t compare with other authors or writing styles.

[Michelle]

Am finishing up a summer Qi Gong class that has really been great, thought I'd do some reading up on it.

[Lisa Culligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great theory, putting it in to practice is the challenge but enjoying trying. Cool moves.