Simple Qigong Exercises for Health: Improve Your Health in 10 to 20 Minutes a Day

by Yang Jwing-Ming

Qigong exercises designed to improve your health in 10 to 20 minutes a day! This book offers beginners a smart way to learn qigong (chi kung), the ancient Chinese system of gentle breathing, stretching, and strengthening movements. You will use The Eight Pieces of Brocade, one of the most popular qigong healing exercise sets, to boost your immune system and improve your overall health and well-being. Choose the sitting set, the standing set, or both. Learn how to activate the qi energy and blood circulation in your body, helping to stimulate your immune system, strengthen your internal organs, and give you abundant energy. No matter your age or your physical condition, the Eight Pieces of Brocade is a wonderful way to improve your health and well-being. Commonly known in China as the Ba Duan Jin, these exercises have been practiced for over 1,000 years!

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

While, I think there is a little too much history for a health book, I thought this was a good introduction to Qigong. Qigong I have heard from other people is very relaxing.
I liked the fact that the author tried to explain some of the concepts of Chinese Medicine. I have taken a couple of classes in Tai Chi where they did not explain the theory behind chi (energy) and I think it made the class confusing for Westerners. Also these instructors did not explain the mind/body connection of these exercises.

Unlike many exercise books, the exercise program the author presents seems very easy to do for busy people. I did not have the DVD/Video so I will need to go online to see some of the exercises performed.

I am somewhat familiar with Yoga. The exercises in Qigong (and Tai Chi) seem much gentler than Yoga. Also they seem easier to incorporate into day to day life. I once had a very dedicated Yoga teacher from India who spent two hours every day practicing yoga and she said people there spent all day doing Yoga. While I appreciate these people's dedication and believe it might have very positive results in terms of health both physical and mental, it is hard for people to do in the USA.

I wish the author better explained the connection between the different branches of Chinese Medicine/Practices such as acupuncture, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC via NetGalley

Part (brief) history book, part basic qigong manual, this book is ideal for those who prefer to learn by reading or have yet to find a qigong video tutorial that appeals to them. Text is combined with photos to depict each step of the various exercises in an appealing and very easy to understand manner. Personally I found this book more useful and certainly clearer than any of the free qigong videos available on the internet (I can't compare it DVDs on the topic, although I imagine it is more than comparable). The contents of this book will be old news to any longtime practitioner of course, but should be very useful to those new to the practice.

[Cloay · Rating 3 out of 5]

- available in SG NLB 613.71 (PasirRis,

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple Qigong Exercises for Health by Dr Jwing-Ming Yang

227 Pages
Publisher: YMAA Publication
Release Date: April 1, 2014

Nonfiction, Health, Exercise, Mind, Body & Spirit, Chinese Medicine

The book is divided into several chapters and was originally written in 1988. It is suggested for the beginner level.

Chapter 1: General Introduction
Chapter 2: Qigong Training Theory (includes images)
Chapter 3: Sitting Eight Pieces of Brocade (includes photos of the poses)
Chapter 4: Standing Eight Pieces of Brocade (includes photos of the poses)
Chapter 5: Conclusion

I enjoyed learning the history of Eight Pieces of Brocade, the theory of Qigong and the training categories (maintaining health, curing sickness, prolonging life, martial arts, and enlightenment or Buddhahood). He stresses the importance of understanding the reason to practice qigong and not to just repeat the motions without knowledge. He discusses the three treasures: essence, internal energy, and spirit.

This book is a good introduction to qigong and will help the reader understand the theory behind the practice. If you are interested in beginning a qigong program, this book would be a good place to start.

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

My apologies to the publishers. I spent much of the last few years very ill, and am only now getting caught up on numerous reviews.

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I entered for this book, because I have been very interested in Qigong Exercises. While I am certain it is very good for those without mobility issues, those of us WITH mobility issues will find little in this book to help us. I tried to translate some of the exercises into chair exercises, and it just didn't work well. That may be the fault of myself, as I am not a professional. I'd love to see this book done with a nod to those with mobility issues, and perhaps a hint or two of how to make it available to do while in a chair/wheelchair.

[Timothy Maples · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Yang's book is a good introduction to traditional qigong exercises for health. This enhanced Kindle edition also has video clips that further explain the movements. Recommended for beginners and even seniors with limited flexibility.