Follow Your Tao: A Simple Guide to Balancing Your Energy for Inner Harmony

by Stephanie Nosco

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Health

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so impressed with Stephanie’s Instagram page that I had to order this book. I was expecting lots of the same content (and frankly disappointed that the same illustrations weren’t included in this book) but was pleasantly surprised that it provided value in so many more ways. Her authentic and wise voice shines through her writing— it’s like I’m having nourishing tea in the woods with a wise friend who is teaching me about the energy systems in the body.

The book helped me weave some of the things I’ve learned from using acupuncture to heal my chronic Lyme disease and movement including Qi Gong. Really loved it! Thank you for this gift to the world. I highly recommend this book for all seeking the deepen the knowledge of their own inner wisdom in a deeply conscious and loving way. And Bethan Christopher’s artwork/illustrations are stunning.

[Emily Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After my first qigong class, I couldn’t believe how much calmer I felt. It was hard to make sense of. The movements were simple. It didn’t feel like I was doing much. And yet, somehow, I emerged more aligned.

That’s how reading Follow Your Tao feels. So maybe it’s no surprise that the author, Stephanie Nosco, is a qigong teacher in addition to being a psychotherapist. In this book, she blends personal reflections, teachings about the organs according to Chinese medicine, and self-help strategies in a calming yet clear way that echoes the dreamy illustrations and design that fill out this beautiful book.

There’s a lot to relate to in its pages. Sometimes to a fault, to a mild skeptic like me. Like the newspaper horoscope that’s expansive enough to be relatable to everyone, I saw myself in at least some of the symptoms associated with an imbalance in every body system. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. But this horoscope effect is counterbalanced by the fact that the book itself is regulating to read. It’s not alarmist at all. Inside, you’ll find peaceful observations and insights that you can use as a stable base to step toward increased inner harmony.

Recommended for fans of complementary and alternative medicine, Chinese medicine, emotional well-being, and self-help.

Check out my blog for a full recommendation coming soon: https://emilypgerickson.com/blog/

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for the advance copy.

[Arbër Racaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate the book with 5 stars, though I recognize that Stephanie is just as all of us also still in the process of learning.
I was attracted to the book because of how precisely she defines things on social media. I wanted to learn more about the three aspects she mostly focusses on: physical, spiritual and mental definition of organs. There is so much we can learn from TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine). We are just starting to learn (though the first medically trained scholars from the west went for research to China in the 1970's for the first time).
This book is good for you if your knowledge is quite limited and Stephanie does here a great job.
If you however want to go deeper in the subject, perhaps you can read some book like "The Spark in the Machine" by Daniel Keown for example - a funny but mostly profound book for those interested in TCM and the way it differs with the western approach.

I also did the online course on organs and Chi Gong with Stephanie, followup of the book. Again, grateful and thankful, but not so profound as let's say online courses on the same subject by Elia Mrak.
But Stephanie Nosco is great, she recognizes that she too is a student (as anyone should be, in a sense of the Beginners Mind idea) and if you want to learn, she surely is a great teacher and knows how to explain things.

[Kailey Kaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across Stephanie’s work via instagram. I quickly became inspired, intrigued, and interested in expanding my knowledge on how our emotions and organs are connected.

Her work and page was inspiring and helped me to connect to myself and finally start listening. Her short qigong exercises helped bring a sense of ease over my body and mind that had been missing for quite awhile. I had been waiting for the release of her beautiful book since September of 2023 and I’m so grateful to finally have my own copy. I have been carrying it everywhere with me, reading on breaks between work and on the bus during my daily commutes. I’m beyond inspired, grateful, and can’t wait to continue on the journey for which she helped open my eyes to. Self holistic healing, awareness of our systems, and the power that resides in all of us- all we need to do is listen and be open. The knowledge she shares and how she explains each organ and what that organ is connected to physically, emotionally, and spiritually is fascinating. Learning how to tap into the work with that part of the body is absolutely wonderful and opens up explorative curiosity. I recommend this book whole heartedly. Thank you Stephanie, I cannot wait to keep learning from you and what other knowledge you will share with the world in the future.

[Samantha May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at a transformational point in my life. I tried my best to be patient for it to be released. It was highly anticipated!!! I pre-ordered and followed along the journey of the book to the point of release. It was so fun to see the behind the scenes, all the emotions, and genuine humanity behind it all. Oh, the joy I felt when I flipped through these beautiful pages the first time, and every time after. I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this book. While I wanted to dog ear the heck out of it, I couldn't bring myself to. It is far too precious. I will get special tabs to mark the pages I want to return to. I highly encourage you to read this if you are interested in qigong, TCM, and living in connection with your body and the universe. It has been so timely and supportive to me on my journey. Stephanie, you should be proud of yourself. I am. Thank you for all that you share. I practice your organ sound meditation and look forward to practicing the other treasures from the book.

[Malcolm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book when it would add much more value as a practice and following the guides that Stephanie provides. So while I didn’t personally get that much out of the book, it more reflects my reading in anticipation of getting more in depth at a course I was doing later in the year.

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, accessible, enlightening guide to learning about and working with your organs, breath, and TCM. I flagged every exercise in the book and will practice them regularly.

[Mónica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and easy to read. I loved the very practical instructions on how to help each of the five organs.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie is such an incredible Qigong teacher. She is wise and has such a soulful energy. I have been practicing with her the better part of the last three years and her own wisdom and knowledge of the practice has inspired me to dive deeper into my own Qigong practice.

I highly recommend this book as a way to learn Qigong in a holistic way, especially if it’s a part of your spiritual and healing journey.