The Art of Chi Kung: Making the Most of Your Vital Energy

by Wong Kiew Kit

Chi Kung, as well as being an effective means of stress management and healing, is a useful technique for developing the general fitness of the mind and body. This book explores the principles and philosophy of Chi Kung, explaining the potential benefits and then taking the reader through a series of main Chi Kung exercises, all fully illustrated, which can be practiced at home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Spirituality, Martial Arts

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2004

About the author

Wong Kiew Kit is a fourth generation successor from the Southern Shaolin Monastery in China (not to be confused with the more commonly known Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province) and is a grandmaster of Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong. He is also the head of the Shaolin Wahnam Institute.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say that this is a pretty good book, written in a clear and simple manner. It gives easy-to-understand theoretical knowledge of qi and the meridians, practical tips on how to practise, and interesting anecdotes that can motivate the reader to practise.

My own grounding is in yoga, yogic philosophy and science. So when reading this, I also try to relate these back to yoga. The key points of suitable diet, adequate mental and physical rest, taking care of our unseen energies are important and common to both. I also try to relate the practises mentioned in this book to the Eight Brocade qigong practise which I do, and realise that some of the key moves mentioned by the author are already incorporated in the Eight Brocade.

One thing that many do not realise is the importance of breath and visualisation when practising - the author gave practical suggestions here esp in relation to the small and big universe energy paths. I will want to own a copy of this book as I will want to refer to it again, esp for visualising the energy paths.

Many qigong books are too theoretical, and can be too heavy for someone to read without attending a class where the teacher can explain. So I really appreciate this one.

[Akbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is okay. Contained information on different kinds of qigong for specific needs. The author is able to quote and interpret passages in internal arts classics too. This classical references are needed for further study, which i appreciate.

The minus: the technique is all over the place (requires a good editor!) and i think the author needs to be more assertive about how many times we should practice, and what is needed to be mastered before doing more advanced practice.

[NON · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light dawned on me reading this significant book which is quite empowering because it makes you understand your own abilities to recover or to live in a healthy state.
I intend to re-read it soon to actively practice the given exercises.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the clearest, most concise and comprehensive presentation of the principles and philosophy, as well as, the practice of Chi Kung, for curing illness and the promotion of healthy and vitality, of mind and body. It is for the beginner and the experienced practitioner.

[Solocol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent allround book on Shaolin chi kung: bit of history, practice, easy to do exercises, health benefits and mythology or true events.

[David Velásquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good exercises and descriptions, but it could have been a lot shorter.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still consider myself a qigong beginner but have been doing it for a while experimenting and learning along the way. I asked a friend who is a Kung Fu Sifu about Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit and he recommended this particular book. Grandmaster Wong wrote about things that I probably would not have appreciated quite so much earlier in my qigong practice. He also explains quite clearly. Many Chinese books on qigong suffer in the translation so I appreciated the readability of this book. I found the book fascinating.

You won't so much get a set routine as in some other qigong books. GM Wong makes his suggestions and gives his thoughts but leaves it to the reader to devise the routine that best fits their personality and needs. He does say though you can gain a lot just by doing the Lifting the Sky and Carrying the Moon movements and I have been doing these movements with a few other things I like such as Standing Post stance/meditation and light stretching.

When I first started, as a Westerner I thought I had to a lot of complicated moves and go "up" to higher levels to make gains from qigong. This was erroneous. I can more fully appreciate GM Wong's suggestions now that I've moved away from that mindset. The best routine is the one you'll practice consistently in a relaxed and peaceful manner. Too bad GM Wong doesn't appear to be teaching anymore because I'd love to take a workshop from him.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd rather take a class in Chi Kung. Reading it and attempting to do it on your own is quite difficult,especially when lacking in motivation like myself. ha.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book opened doors to a new world of knowledge for me and since reading it my vision of life and its energies have gone to new extremes.

[Gerasimos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must better practice than read chi kung (Qigong) book. Just do the first exercise systematically for long long time till you start get a sneak preview of what's going on.

[Sooz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative and powerful book - I couldn't be without this one.

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, informative and detailed about Chi Kung. It's a must read for those looking to learn about this topic.

[Mohamed Wechtati]

i think that this book is so good and i want to read it