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Tai Chi for Depression: A 10-Week Program to Empower Yourself and Beat Depression
This book is designed to help readers understand depression and make positive changes to overcome it. Dr. Aihan Kuhn teaches a unique tai chi form that combines elements of Chen and Yang styles as well as qigong and meditation. The form is easy to learn, easy to remember, and easy to practice. Dr. Kuhn’s multidisciplinary approach to mental health also focuses on positive thought, a healthy diet, and self-confidence.
Dr. Kuhn instructs readers on a unique tai chi form that is perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The circular movements create better energy flow in the body. The martial character empowers the mind, strengthens the body, improves stamina, and increases self-esteem. Slow, symmetrical movements promote balance and calm.
This book
Detailed instructions and photos describing Dr. Kuhn’s 16-step tai chi form Personal reflections on using tai chi to overcome depression A 10-week plan to help readers begin their journey to wellness
With this book you
Learn about the clinical features of depression Learn Dr. Kuhn’s 16-step tai chi form Discover the psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits of tai chi Begin a holistic approach to mental health
“When I was just starting out as a doctor, my focus was mainly on treating disease,” Dr. Kuhn writes. “Now my focus is on teaching people how to prevent disease and treating patients in the early stages of their illness so they can avoid additional problems.”
In many ways, Tai Chi for Depression represents the culmination of her life’s work.
Dr. Kuhn instructs readers on a unique tai chi form that is perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The circular movements create better energy flow in the body. The martial character empowers the mind, strengthens the body, improves stamina, and increases self-esteem. Slow, symmetrical movements promote balance and calm.
This book
Detailed instructions and photos describing Dr. Kuhn’s 16-step tai chi form Personal reflections on using tai chi to overcome depression A 10-week plan to help readers begin their journey to wellness
With this book you
Learn about the clinical features of depression Learn Dr. Kuhn’s 16-step tai chi form Discover the psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits of tai chi Begin a holistic approach to mental health
“When I was just starting out as a doctor, my focus was mainly on treating disease,” Dr. Kuhn writes. “Now my focus is on teaching people how to prevent disease and treating patients in the early stages of their illness so they can avoid additional problems.”
In many ways, Tai Chi for Depression represents the culmination of her life’s work.
- GenresPsychologyHealth
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 16, 2017
Informative
August 16, 2017
Tai Chi for Depression, by Dr. Aihan Kuhn, is really a must-read for those struggling with depression or stress management. If you peruse the topics in this book’s table of contents you will see that Dr. Kuhn covers many tips for understanding and healing depression and managing stress. Dr. Kuhn teaches the reader how the diagnosis of depression is treated using Traditional Chinese Medicine and other eastern healing modalities and explains how different these methods are from western medicine.
I have read many medical reports on how Tai Chi & Qigong can help with depression. There is scientific proof that Tai Chi, an advanced form of Qigong, is a beneficial form of exercise and rehabilitation for depression. But the proof is in the pudding, so they say, and I have seen first-hand how transformational the practice of tai chi can be.
This book is educational on the subject of depression and stress but its true value is how dr. Kuhn gives a clear plan on how to start your own 10 week healing journey. The pictures in this book, while in black and white, are quite clear, and will give any beginner to tai chi an excellent start. Reading this book will inspire you to find a tai chi or qigong instructor in your home town. The book, together with a qualified professional, and your diligent, thoughtful practice, your healing journey will be faster than you can imagine.
This book gives hope to those suffering and struggling with Depression. It reminds us all that we can heal ourselves with our own journey in the energy medicine that the practice of Taiji presents. This book also emphasizes that Taiji is not just for Seniors and it has great benefits for enhancing brain function and emotional balance and clarify for all ages.
I am rating this a 4.7/5 and yet will star it with 5. Why? I would have liked to have seen more detail on how to perform the 16 form routine. But lucky for all of us, Dr. Kuhn has many videos online. Reviewing them will be a great addition to the book, which, again, is invaluable, especially to those with depression or great stress. Most beginners have never seen what a short form of tai chi looks like. This book describes it very well.
Tai Chi for Depression by Dr. Kuhn is, indeed, inspirational.
I have read many medical reports on how Tai Chi & Qigong can help with depression. There is scientific proof that Tai Chi, an advanced form of Qigong, is a beneficial form of exercise and rehabilitation for depression. But the proof is in the pudding, so they say, and I have seen first-hand how transformational the practice of tai chi can be.
This book is educational on the subject of depression and stress but its true value is how dr. Kuhn gives a clear plan on how to start your own 10 week healing journey. The pictures in this book, while in black and white, are quite clear, and will give any beginner to tai chi an excellent start. Reading this book will inspire you to find a tai chi or qigong instructor in your home town. The book, together with a qualified professional, and your diligent, thoughtful practice, your healing journey will be faster than you can imagine.
This book gives hope to those suffering and struggling with Depression. It reminds us all that we can heal ourselves with our own journey in the energy medicine that the practice of Taiji presents. This book also emphasizes that Taiji is not just for Seniors and it has great benefits for enhancing brain function and emotional balance and clarify for all ages.
I am rating this a 4.7/5 and yet will star it with 5. Why? I would have liked to have seen more detail on how to perform the 16 form routine. But lucky for all of us, Dr. Kuhn has many videos online. Reviewing them will be a great addition to the book, which, again, is invaluable, especially to those with depression or great stress. Most beginners have never seen what a short form of tai chi looks like. This book describes it very well.
Tai Chi for Depression by Dr. Kuhn is, indeed, inspirational.
August 10, 2017
Dr. Aihan Kuhn’s Tai Chi for Depression is a helpful introduction to using a combination of Western and Eastern methods for treating common depression.
Dr. Kuhn does not disparage Western medicine or suggest that Tai Chi is a miracle cure for depression, but she states that Qigong, Tai Chi, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are useful additional tools in a balanced treatment plan.
After a brief look at general signs of depression, she explains TCM theory and how it views the systemic imbalances that can cause the disease. For me, the one deficiency of the book is found in this section. I don’t feel that Dr. Kuhn clearly explains that when TCM talks about various organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys referenced in yin and yang theory, those organs are not always the actual, anatomical organs, but often more of a philosophical conceptualization of various imbalances in the person’s body or spirit. But, this is a minor point that can be supplemented by additional reading.
I think the second half of the book is excellent. A simple, but effective Tai Chi form (drawn from both Yang and Chen style movements) is gradually introduced through a ten week plan that lets you learn a portion of the form each week. Also included in the weekly plans are positive action ideas, such as asking a friend to a movie or making a healthy meal or exercising with a group. These sorts of small, affirmative steps can be helpful in lightening one’s mood especially when combined with the warm up exercises and the Tai Chi form itself.
While severe clinical depression should be treated by a medical professional, as long as a patient gets the approval of their doctor, I don’t see a downside to this Tai Chi program being performed as a supplement to their regular treatment.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Dr. Kuhn does not disparage Western medicine or suggest that Tai Chi is a miracle cure for depression, but she states that Qigong, Tai Chi, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are useful additional tools in a balanced treatment plan.
After a brief look at general signs of depression, she explains TCM theory and how it views the systemic imbalances that can cause the disease. For me, the one deficiency of the book is found in this section. I don’t feel that Dr. Kuhn clearly explains that when TCM talks about various organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys referenced in yin and yang theory, those organs are not always the actual, anatomical organs, but often more of a philosophical conceptualization of various imbalances in the person’s body or spirit. But, this is a minor point that can be supplemented by additional reading.
I think the second half of the book is excellent. A simple, but effective Tai Chi form (drawn from both Yang and Chen style movements) is gradually introduced through a ten week plan that lets you learn a portion of the form each week. Also included in the weekly plans are positive action ideas, such as asking a friend to a movie or making a healthy meal or exercising with a group. These sorts of small, affirmative steps can be helpful in lightening one’s mood especially when combined with the warm up exercises and the Tai Chi form itself.
While severe clinical depression should be treated by a medical professional, as long as a patient gets the approval of their doctor, I don’t see a downside to this Tai Chi program being performed as a supplement to their regular treatment.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 4, 2019
This book comes as close as possible to being an English-language version of an authentic Chinese-language taiji manual. (It helps being Chinese myself so I have the authority to say so as I understand the culture & have read some Chinese-language versions as well.) So if that's what you're looking for, definitely pick this up.
The author herself was born in China and lived there during her youth and early adulthood, practising under genuine taiji masters.
The instruction is easy to understand: there is a single "guide picture" for every move taught, with a detailed text description of what to do. The author explains how and why this move will help you.
This book isn't just for those with depression - the moves will help your health even if you don't suffer from anything, as their purpose is to cultivate/restore balance and nourish your entire body. The only difference is that the focus of the writing is more on emotional issues and how to resolve them, the author herself having experienced depression before.
The author herself was born in China and lived there during her youth and early adulthood, practising under genuine taiji masters.
The instruction is easy to understand: there is a single "guide picture" for every move taught, with a detailed text description of what to do. The author explains how and why this move will help you.
This book isn't just for those with depression - the moves will help your health even if you don't suffer from anything, as their purpose is to cultivate/restore balance and nourish your entire body. The only difference is that the focus of the writing is more on emotional issues and how to resolve them, the author herself having experienced depression before.
July 27, 2017
Dr. Kuhn presents a clearly written, concise multifaceted approach to both relieving stress and preventing and treating depression. Using the holistic approach of Chinese medicine she clear outlines an action plan involving mental, emotional and physical steps to take to reduce stress and improve mental health. Dr. Kuhn begins with easy to understand explanations of the process then gives very specific weekly instructions/goals to complete the 10 week program which includes completing the 24 Posture Tai Chi sequence. The Tai Chi sequence is clearly photographed in step-by-step fashion and includes easy to understand instructions. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a path to better mental and physical health.
September 2, 2017
TAI CHI FOR DEPRESSION is a book to read for a better and healthier life-style
A rare book that focus on using the alternative way to treat depression through the practice of Tai Chi, instead of using drugs and alcohol to alleviate the problem. Dr. Aihan Kuhn is quite knowledgeable. Her writing is simple, to the point, and easy to understand. I like the way that she attempted to connect the Western and Eastern ways in preventive medicine. It's definitely the book to read to discover an alternative, drug-free treatment to fight depression.
By: RichardHoang
A rare book that focus on using the alternative way to treat depression through the practice of Tai Chi, instead of using drugs and alcohol to alleviate the problem. Dr. Aihan Kuhn is quite knowledgeable. Her writing is simple, to the point, and easy to understand. I like the way that she attempted to connect the Western and Eastern ways in preventive medicine. It's definitely the book to read to discover an alternative, drug-free treatment to fight depression.
By: RichardHoang
July 6, 2017
An easy to read and follow book for those who suffer from depression at any level. There are easy to follow steps for tai chi with pictures. And tai chi is for everyone, not just for seniors. There is a 16 step plan, actually a form, to follow that will help with healing and preventing depression. I was also interested in the section on treating depression with Chinese medicine and how diet can help healing. Well written. Highly recommended.
December 19, 2025
Interesting
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews