Chi Gung: Chinese Healing, Energy and Natural Magick

by L.V. Carnie

You possess the ability to tap a bottomless well of physical and psychic energy (called "chi" in Chinese). With it you can harness the magickal power of the universe. How do you do it? By learning the ancient Chinese art of breath, posture, and sensory awareness as explained in Chi Gung by L. V. Carnie.

As you learn this system to direct your flow of chi, you will be able to achieve ultimate health and things you have only dreamed of:

Look and feel younger Add healthy years to your life Progress faster in martial arts training Develop different types of psychic ability: heal at a distance, talk with spirits, move objects with your mind Increase your fitness level Help damaged tissue heal more quickly Improve sexual performance Learn to control your body temperature Bond with your pets or with animals in the wild

Chi Gung is filled with simple but effective exercises for mind, body, and spirit that will open your flow of chi as they open you to a whole new world of possibilities. No other chi gung self help book covers such a broad range of material or presents the actual training techniques for mastering the more advanced skills.

The exercises include simple stretches and slow movements with creative visualization and breathwork. One technique that is fully explained is called the small circulation, or the microcosmic cycle. It will teach you to circulate your chi around your body and head without having it enter your arms or legs. Another technique, the grand circulation or heavenly cycle, teaches you to move chi throughout your entire body. It's not difficult, and you can do it no matter your current level of health or fitness.

The powerful techniques here can be used alone or within any spiritual or magical system. Add them to what you are doing today!

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Health

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Samantha J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love alternative health approaches that offer ways to relieve stress and help you feel good. Yoga and Massage are two of my favorites but I've recently been exploring the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its form of Energy work called Chi Gung (or QiGong or Chi Kung). I've been enjoying my research and must say that I've found Ms. Carnie's book to be a wonderful guidebook to this fascinating art. She does a great job covering the basic principles and provides many, many Chi exercises that are fun to try. Even as I continue to learn more about Chi Gung, I can see myself coming back to her book simply because it's been so enjoyable to read.

[Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read books on non-Western traditions, I like those that have a poetic approach to the subject and Lily Carnie's book fits wonderfully into that category. She does not carry the restriction that there is only one correct way to do anything but rather that there are multiple ways to come to mastery. She provides a wide variety of examples and encourages the reader develop their own awareness within the activity they feel most comfortable. From there they can learn best to experience Chi for themselves and explore it further.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. After reading it I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation of what Chi Gung is all about. I liked her discussions on breathing (especially the Taoist Reverse Breathing) because it helped me deepen the experiences I've had with the breathing exercises in my meditation practice. I also liked the delightful names she has for her exercises. "The Beautiful Flower Opens and Closes Her Petals" is one of my favorites.

Lily of the Valley Carnie has an engaging writing style that makes me feel like she's talking directly to me, sharing her interest in Chi Gung and the enjoyment she's had in practicing it for over 30 years. I really like that because I feel that it helps me learn better when I'm part of a conversation. I'd recommend this book if you'd like to learn more about Chi Gung from a fascinating and enthusiastic teacher.

[Susan Kramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been studying tai chi and chi gung for some years now, and while I can attest to several of its benefits, both experienced firsthand and heard from other practitioners, I would be a little wary of this book. It is very light on technique and instead focuses on a lot of "if you practice enough you can do *this* amazing thing!" It introduces the concept of meridians, vessels and cavities before you can even properly feel chi moving through your body, and annoyingly refers to it as "The Flowing" (yes, in caps, just like that) when calling it chi could just as easily (and more accurately) have sufficed. Complex and worthwhile subject, just not enough baby and too much bathwater.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of Chi Gung is about practice and intuition and this book offers tips on how to achieve that. Its a good read through but nothing I need to keep on my personal shelf.

[Zenrider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily of the Valley Carnie has written a very satisfying book on the subject of Chi Gung. I felt she did a great job explaining the difference between Wai Dan training to build Chi which uses movement and muscular effort verses Nei Dan training which uses concentration, focus and sensory awareness.

I also liked the way her book explores learning to bring an awareness of Chi into different practice approaches like Physical, Mental, Emotional, or Sensory to name but a few. Every page brings a new discussion on Chi dealing with things like improving your eyesight, painting or developing patience. I found it very helpful to have understandable examples of how to apply this ancient skill.

[Ta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A personal favorite

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of info, but not a smooth read, and, to be honest, a little strange. I think there are better books on the subject, such as the other one I am reading: The art of Chi Kung.

[Clara Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very interesting to me. I think it was great. Has good techniques in it.